Colonial India Chapter Notes | Be an Explorer 5: Book Solutions, Notes & Worksheets - Class 5 PDF Download

Introduction to Colonial India

• India was known for its richness in silk, gold, indigo, precious stones, and spices.
• Portuguese explorer Vasco Da Gama discovered a sea route to India, leading to European traders setting up trading posts.

Traders in India

• Portuguese, French, and Dutch traders arrived for spices, silk, and gold.
• British formed the English East India Company in 1600, establishing trading posts in Surat, Cochin, and Cannanore.

Beginning of British Rule

• British ambition to control trade led to the formation of the English East India Company.
• Subsidiary Alliance policy enforced by Lord Wellesley brought Indian rulers under British control.

First Battle of Plassey (1757)

• British defeated the combined forces of the Nawab of Bengal, leading to British dominance.
• Establishment of Fort William in Calcutta.

Doctrine of Lapse

• Introduced by Lord Dalhousie, enabled British control of states without natural heirs.
• Jhansi, Nagpur, and Satara annexed.

Discontent Among Indians

• Harsh British policies caused dissatisfaction.
• Heavy taxes on farmers, conversion efforts by missionaries, and economic exploitation led to unrest.

The Revolt of 1857

• Uprising against British rule, starting in Meerut on May 10, 1857.
• Leaders included Rani Lakshmi Bai, Bahadur Shah Zafar, and others.
• Factors contributing to defeat: lack of organization, weak leadership, and insufficient resources.

Impact of the Revolt

• Mughal rule ended after 400 years.
• British East India Company rule ceased, direct British Crown control established.
• Lord Canning became India's first Viceroy.

Social Reformers

• Raja Ram Mohan Roy advocated for widow remarriage and social reforms.
• Social reformers like Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar and Swami Dayanand Saraswati worked towards education and societal upliftment.

Turning Point of 1857 Revolt

• Seeds of nationalism sown, inspiring Indians to strive for freedom.
• End of Mughal rule and British East India Company rule.

Birth of the Indian National Congress

• Formed in 1885 by A.O. Hume.
• Initially, it sought dialogue with the government but later criticized British policies.

Swadeshi and Boycott Movements

• Opposition to the partition of Bengal in 1905.
• Radicals within Congress advocated stronger measures, including strikes and boycotts.

Young Revolutionaries

Aurobindo Ghosh, Veer Savarkar, and Bhagat Singh believed in overthrowing the British through force.

Conclusion

• Colonial India marked by exploitation, discontent, and eventual resistance.
• Revolt of 1857 and subsequent events paved the way for India's quest for independence.