Modern History of Bihar | BPSC Preparation: All subjects - BPSC (Bihar) PDF Download

Introduction

• Bihar was administered from Calcutta for a significant duration during the British Empire, as part of the Bengal Presidency.
• The Bengali population exerted substantial influence in this region due to this administrative setup.
• Situated in one of India's most fertile regions drained by the Ganga river, Bihar was known for the production of cotton, textiles, saltpetre, and indigo.
• The state's rich resources attracted European powers, who capitalized on India's trade routes for commodities like cotton, textiles, saltpetre, and indigo from ancient to medieval times.

European Arrival in Bihar

• Portuguese Influence: The first Europeans to reach Bihar were the Portuguese. They engaged in trade, focusing on spices and textiles, particularly in cotton-producing regions. In 1579-1580, they established their initial factory in Hooghly with Emperor Akbar's consent through Pedro Tavares. Notably, the renowned Bandel Church was constructed by Portuguese traders in 1599.
• British Presence: Following the Portuguese, the English were the next Europeans to venture into Bihar. British traders initiated a saltpetre plant in Alamganj, Patna, in 1620, which was operational briefly until 1621. The British East India Company revived the factory in 1651, converting it into a significant printing press at Gulzar Bagh.
• Dutch and Danish Involvement: Subsequent to the British, the Dutch entered Bihar, establishing a factory in Patna in 1632, now the site of the Patna Collectorate. They were particularly interested in cereal grains, saltpetre, and cotton fabrics. Additionally, the Danes East India Company constructed a factory in Patna's Nepali Kothi in 1774.

Battle of Buxar

• The Battle of Buxar: In the year 1764, a significant battle took place at Buxar, where a coalition force comprising the Mughals under Shah Alam II, Mir Qasim (the Nawab of Bengal), and Shuja-Ud-Daulah (the Nawab of Awadh) faced off against the British led by Hector Munro. The British emerged victorious in this conflict on October 22, 1764.
• Treaties in Allahabad: Following the Battle of Buxar, two crucial treaties were signed in Allahabad. The first treaty was concluded on August 12, 1765, with the Mughals, while the second treaty was signed on August 16, 1765, with the Nawab of Awadh. These treaties reshaped the political landscape of the region.
• Implications of the Treaties: As per the agreements, the Nawab of Awadh had to make substantial payments and give up certain territories. Both the Mughals and the Nawab of Bengal lost control over the Bengal province, which encompassed present-day West Bengal, Bangladesh, Odisha, Bihar, and Jharkhand. Additionally, the British East India Company acquired Diwani Rights in these provinces, granting them the authority to levy taxes.

Administration of Bihar by the Company

• To administer Bihar, the East India Company introduced the role of Deputy Governor. Following the Battle of Buxar, individuals like Raja Ram Narayan and Shitab Roy held significant positions as Deputy Governors.
• A key administrative position known as the "Revenue Chief of Bihar" was established in 1781, succeeding the "Revenue Council of Patna" set up in 1770.
• During the era of British rule in India, Bihar, particularly Patna, experienced a resurgence, emerging as a vital center for trade and education.
• Until 1912, Bihar remained a part of British India's Bengal Presidency, alongside Orissa, before being divided into distinct provinces.
• Significant structural changes in the British governance occurred post-1905, with Delhi becoming the capital of British India following the Delhi Durbar of 1911, presided over by King George V.
• Bihar was formally constituted as a province on March 22, 1912, with Patna designated as its capital. The city expanded westward to accommodate administrative functions, leading to the development of areas like Bankpore Township along Bailey Road.
• Under British colonial rule, several educational institutions were established in Bihar, including Patna Veterinary College, Patna Science College, Patna College, Prince of Wales Medical College, and Bihar College of Engineering.

Bihar and Bengal Famine: 1770 and 1783

• The Bengal Famine of 1770 affected 30 million people in Bengal and Bihar between 1769 and 1770.
• The famine occurred during a period of dual governance in Bengal.
• The local farmers' and others' suffering was ignored as the company focused solely on increasing revenue and profits.
• The main causes of the famine were believed to be crop failures in the autumn of 1768 and summer of 1769, along with a smallpox epidemic.
• Due to a lack of trained administrators, the Company outsourced tax collection, and the resulting uncertainty may have worsened the famine's impact.
• It is estimated that between seven and ten million people, or between a quarter and a third of the population, died.
• A third of the total cultivation was estimated to be lost.
• When famine struck again in 1783, Governor-General Warren Hastings ordered the construction of the large dome-shaped granary, Golghar, to combat the famine.
• The massive granary was built by Captain John Garstin in 1786 A.D.

Permanent Settlement of Zamindari System in Bihar

• Lord Cornwallis introduced the Permanent Settlement in Bengal, Orissa, the Benaras region, and the northern districts of Madras, with John Shore as its architect.
• This zamindari system declared zamindars as the proprietors of the land.
• Zamindars were allowed to keep 1/11th of the revenue collected and give 10/11th to the British.
• Zamindars had the freedom to set rents and exploit tenants, leading to widespread discontent among the tenants.
• Due to growing dissatisfaction among tenants with the zamindars, the Bengal Tenancy Act was introduced in 1885 to define tenants' rights.

Freedom Fighters of Bihar

The state of Bihar has made significant contributions to the Indian freedom struggle, with many freedom fighters hailing from the region. Notable revolutionaries from Bihar include Prafulla Chaki and Upendra Narayan Jha, also known as "Azad."
Other prominent figures include:

• Swami Shahjanand Saraswati
• Shaheed Baikuntha Shukla
• Bihar Bibhuti Anurag Narayan Singh
• Maulana Mazhar-Ul-Haq
• Loknayak Jaiprakash Narayan
• Bhadra Yajee
• Pandit Yamuna Karjee
• Dr. Maghfoor Ahmed Ajazi