Test: East India Company & Bengal Nawabs- 3 - BPSC (Bihar) MCQ

• British decision: The British decided to use Avadh as a buffer.


• Reason: This decision was made to create a buffer zone between their possessions and the Marathas.


• Buffer zone: Avadh acted as a buffer zone to prevent any direct conflict between the British and the Marathas.


• Strategic importance: Avadh's geographical location made it a strategic choice for the British to maintain peace and stability in the region.


• Political maneuvering: By using Avadh as a buffer, the British could effectively manage their relations with both the Marathas and the Mughals.

• Clive's second term: Clive returned to Bengal as its Governor in 1765.


• Significance of his return: His return marked a crucial period in British colonial rule in India.


• Consolidation of power: Clive's return helped in consolidating British power in Bengal.


• Reforms and administration: During his second term, Clive implemented various reforms and improvements in the administration of Bengal.


• Stabilization of the region: His governance played a key role in stabilizing the region and laying the foundation for British dominance in India.

The correct option is A.
After the death of Mir Jafar Nawab Nazim Najm-ud-din Ali Khan succeeded him to the Nawab's throne under the titles of Shuja-ul-Mulk (Hero of the Country), Nazam-ud-Daulah (Star of the State) and Mahabat Jang (Horror in War) at the age of 15 on February 5, 1765.

• Definition: The nizamat of Bengal referred to the administrative authority or governance system in Bengal during the Mughal Empire.


• Role: It encompassed various administrative functions such as revenue collection, law enforcement, judicial matters, and general governance.


• Responsibilities: The nizamat of Bengal was responsible for maintaining law and order, ensuring smooth administration of the region, and managing revenue collection for the empire.


• Significance: The nizamat of Bengal played a crucial role in the functioning of the Mughal Empire and was essential for the economic and political stability of the region.


• Impact: The efficient functioning of the nizamat of Bengal contributed to the prosperity and development of the region under Mughal rule.

B is the correct option.The Nawab of Awadh, Shuja-ud-Daulah, was made to pay a war indemnity of five million rupees to the Company. Moreover, the two signed an alliance by which the Company promised to support the Nawab against an outside attack provided he paid for the services of the troops sent to his aid.

• Company Subsidy: The East India Company gave a subsidy of 2.6 million rupees to Shah Alam II.


• Secured Districts: In return for the subsidy, the Company secured for Shah Alam II the districts of Koara and Allahabad.


• Significance: This subsidy and securing of districts were part of the Company's strategy to gain influence and control in the region.


• Impact: This financial support and territorial control helped strengthen the Company's position and influence in the Indian subcontinent.

• Diwan: The Diwan was the revenue collector of Bengal during the British Raj.


• East India Company: The East India Company was the entity that appointed the Diwan to collect revenues in Bengal.


• Mir Qasim: Mir Qasim was a Nawab of Bengal who rebelled against the East India Company's policies and was eventually replaced as the Diwan.


• Warren Hastings: Warren Hastings was the Governor-General of India, but he did not directly collect revenues in Bengal as the Diwan.


• None of these: This option is incorrect as the Diwan did indeed collect revenues in Bengal, appointed by the East India Company.

Dual Government in Bengal:

• Definition: The Dual Government in Bengal referred to a system where the same person held the positions of Deputy Diwan on the Company's behalf and Deputy Subahdar on the Nawab's behalf.



• Roles: The individual in this dual role was responsible for managing the financial affairs of the East India Company as well as assisting the Nawab in administering the province.


• Significance: This system created a complex power dynamic in Bengal, where the Company's interests often clashed with those of the Nawab, leading to conflicts and tensions.


• Impact: The Dual Government in Bengal ultimately contributed to the deterioration of relations between the East India Company and the local rulers, paving the way for further British intervention and control in the region.

• Treaty of Allahabad: The Treaty of Allahabad was signed in 1765 between the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II and the British East India Company. This treaty brought an end to the Battle of Buxar.


• Battle of Buxar: The Battle of Buxar was fought in 1764 between the forces of the British East India Company and the combined army of Mir Qasim, the Nawab of Bengal, Shuja-ud-Daula, the Nawab of Awadh, and the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II.


• Outcome: The British East India Company emerged victorious in the Battle of Buxar, leading to the signing of the Treaty of Allahabad.


• Terms: The Treaty of Allahabad granted the British East India Company the Diwani rights, allowing them to collect revenue in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa. This marked the beginning of British political control over large parts of India.

• Dual Government: The Dual Government was introduced in Bengal during the British rule in India.

• Robert Clive: Robert Clive was a British officer who played a significant role in establishing British rule in India. He is known for his victory in the Battle of Plassey in 1757.


• Warren Hastings: Warren Hastings was the first Governor-General of British India and played a key role in the administration of Bengal.


• John Mackpherson: John Mackpherson was a British administrator who served as the Governor-General of India from 1785 to 1786.

• Robert Clive: Robert Clive introduced the Dual Government in Bengal during his tenure as the Governor of Bengal.


• Significance: The Dual Government system involved dividing the administrative functions of Bengal between the British East India Company and the Nawab of Bengal.


• Impact: The Dual Government system led to conflicts and power struggles between the British authorities and the local rulers, ultimately paving the way for British dominance in Bengal.

• Legacy: The introduction of the Dual Government in Bengal by Robert Clive marked a significant turning point in the British colonial rule in India, setting the stage for further expansion and consolidation of British power in the region.

• Warren Hastings: Warren Hastings was the first Governor-General of India from 1773 to 1785.


• Dual Government: The Dual Government in Bengal was a system where the British East India Company and the Nawab of Bengal shared administrative powers.


• End of Dual Government: Warren Hastings abolished the Dual Government system in Bengal and established the Company's direct control over the region.


• Reforms: Hastings introduced various administrative and judicial reforms to improve governance in Bengal.


• Legacy: Warren Hastings' actions in Bengal laid the foundation for British colonial rule in India.

• Abolishment of Double Bhatta: During his second term as Governor of Bengal, Robert Clive abolished the practice of paying double bhatta.

• Military Officers: The double bhatta was a practice of paying an extra allowance to military officers. Clive's decision to abolish this practice had a direct impact on them.

• Governance: Clive likely saw the practice of double bhatta as unnecessary and a drain on resources.


• Efficiency: By abolishing this practice, Clive may have aimed to streamline governance and cut unnecessary expenses.

• Significance: Clive's decision to abolish double bhatta to military officers during his second Governorship of Bengal showcases his commitment to effective governance and financial prudence.

Henry Vansittart (3 June 1732 – 1770) was the English Governor of Bengal from 1759 to 1764.

B is the correct option.Robert Clive was addicted to opium. Hence it can be concluded that on 22 November 1774 he committed suicide at his residence in London by stabbing himself with a pen-knife because he was deeply depressed and the immediate reaction was excruciating pain resulting from illness which Clive attempted to alleviate with opium.

• Dual Government in Bengal: The Dual Government in Bengal was a system of governance established by the British East India Company where both a Governor and a Deputy Governor co-existed with overlapping powers.


• Last Governor of the Dual Government: The last Governor who functioned under the Dual Government system in Bengal was Cartier.


• Other Options: Verelst, Warren Hastings, and Munroe were not the last Governors of the Dual Government in Bengal.

• Warren Hastings: Warren Hastings started his career as a clerk in the East India Company. He later went on to become the Governor-General of India in 1773.



• Robert Clive: Robert Clive also began his career as a clerk in the East India Company. He played a significant role in the establishment of British rule in India and was known for his military achievements.



• John Shore: John Shore was not a clerk at the beginning of his career. He served as Governor-General of India from 1793 to 1798.

Therefore, the correct answer is option D: Both Warren Hastings and Robert Clive began their careers as clerks in the East India Company.

• Background: Lord Macaulay, a British historian and Whig politician, made this statement about Robert Clive.


• Significance: The quote highlights Clive's importance and greatness in both military and political spheres.


• Recognition: Lord Macaulay's words acknowledge Clive as one of the greatest figures to emerge from their island.

• Background: A famine struck Bengal and killed lakhs of people.


• Year of Occurrence: The famine occurred in 1770.


• Impact: The famine had a devastating impact on the population of Bengal, leading to the death of thousands of people.


• Cause: The famine was caused by a combination of factors such as poor harvests, high taxes, and the policies of the British East India Company.


• Response: The British authorities' response to the famine was inadequate, exacerbating the suffering of the affected population.


• Historical Significance: The Bengal famine of 1770 is considered one of the worst famines in Indian history and serves as a grim reminder of the devastating consequences of food shortages and inadequate relief efforts.

• Lord Warren Hastings: Warren Hastings was appointed as the first Governor-General of Bengal in 1773 by the British East India Company.


• Significance: He is known for his administrative reforms and efforts to centralize the Company's control over India.


• Regulating Act of 1773: His tenure saw the passing of the Regulating Act of 1773, which established the Supreme Court of Judicature at Fort William in Calcutta.


• Impeachment: Despite his contributions, he faced impeachment proceedings in Britain due to allegations of corruption and abuse of power.


• Legacy: Warren Hastings played a significant role in shaping British rule in India during the late 18th century.

• States: Bengal and Bihar


• Deputy Nawabs: The Deputy Nawabs of Bengal and Bihar were removed and tried for embezzlement by Warren Hastings.


• Reason for Removal: They were removed due to allegations of embezzlement, which refers to the act of dishonestly appropriating or misappropriating funds or assets entrusted to one's care.


• Trial by Warren Hastings: Warren Hastings, who served as the Governor-General of India from 1773 to 1785, initiated the trial of the Deputy Nawabs for their alleged involvement in embezzlement.


• Significance: The trial of the Deputy Nawabs for embezzlement highlighted the importance of accountability and transparency in governance, especially during the British colonial rule in India.

• Background: Warren Hastings was the first Governor-General of India, serving from 1773 to 1785. During his tenure, he made significant changes to the administrative and financial systems in Bengal.



• Reason for the Treasury Shift: Hastings decided to shift the treasury from Murshidabad to improve administrative efficiency and strengthen British control over the finances of Bengal.



• Location of the New Treasury: The new treasury was shifted to Calcutta, which was already emerging as an important administrative center under British rule.



• Significance of Calcutta: Calcutta was strategically located near the mouth of the Hooghly River, making it easily accessible for trade and communication with other British territories in India and beyond.



• Impact of the Shift: Moving the treasury to Calcutta helped centralize financial control and streamline the administration of Bengal, paving the way for further British expansion and consolidation of power in the region.

• Answer: B. Calcutta

• Warren Hastings: He was the Governor-General of India from 1773 to 1785.


• Establishment of Board of Revenue: Warren Hastings established the Board of Revenue in Calcutta.


• Purpose: The Board of Revenue was set up to supervise the entire organisation of revenue collection in British India.


• Role: The Board of Revenue played a crucial role in streamlining and managing the revenue collection process in the region.


• Significance: The establishment of the Board of Revenue in Calcutta marked a significant step in the administrative reforms introduced by Warren Hastings during his tenure.

• Year: In 1777, Warren Hastings revived the old system of bidding for land.


• System: Under this system, land was given to the highest bidder.


• Duration: The land was given to the highest bidder for one year.

• The Regulating Act, 1773: This Act provided for the appointment of a Governor-General for Bengal. It was a significant piece of legislation that marked the beginning of British intervention in the administration of India.


• The Pitt's India Act, 1784: While this Act also had provisions related to the governance of India, it did not specifically mention the appointment of a Governor-General for Bengal.


• No such Act was passed: There is no record of any other Act that specifically provided for the appointment of a Governor-General for Bengal.


• None of these: This option is incorrect as the correct Act was the Regulating Act, 1773.

• Separation of Powers: The Pitt's India Act of 1784 aimed at separating the political and commercial functions of the East India Company.


• Establishment of Dual Government: The act established a dual system of government in British India, with separate bodies overseeing political and commercial affairs.


• Board of Control: The act created a Board of Control in London to oversee the political affairs of the East India Company, ensuring that its actions were in line with British government policies.


• Board of Directors: The act also maintained the Board of Directors of the East India Company to manage its commercial activities.


• Regulation of Company's Activities: The Pitt's India Act brought about greater regulation and oversight of the East India Company's activities, preventing it from abusing its power for commercial gain.

• Establishment: Lord Cornwallis established Provincial Courts at four places in India.

• Murshidabad and Calcutta: Two of the Provincial Courts were located in Murshidabad and Calcutta.


• Other Two Locations: The remaining two Provincial Courts were established at different places.

• Patna and Dacca: The correct locations for the other two Provincial Courts established by Lord Cornwallis were Patna and Dacca.

Therefore, the correct answer is option C: Patna and Dacca.

• Cornwallis Code: The Cornwallis Code was a new code of regulations compiled in 1793.


• Significance: The Cornwallis Code was introduced by Lord Cornwallis, who was the Governor-General of India at that time.


• Content: The Cornwallis Code aimed to reform the administration of British territories in India.


• Features: The Cornwallis Code focused on revenue administration, judicial system, and police reforms.


• Legacy: The Cornwallis Code laid the foundation for future administrative reforms in British India.

Lord Cornwallis was the first Governor-General who paid his attention to the revenue reforms and achieved marvelous success.

It was the permanent land settlement of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa. He reorganized the Board of Revenue which had the power of supervising the works of the revenue collectors.

The correct option is C.
In 1790, the Court of Directors issued a ten-year (decennial) settlement to the zamindars, which was made permanent in 1793. By the Permanent Settlement Act of 1793, their power of keeping the armed forces were taken back. They remained just the tax collectors of the land.

• John Shore: John Shore, who was the Governor-General of British India, played a significant role in recommending the Permanent Settlement to Lord Cornwallis. He believed that a fixed land revenue system would bring stability and benefit both the British East India Company and the local landowners.

• Cornwallis's Decision: Lord Cornwallis, who was the Governor-General of India, implemented the Permanent Settlement based on the recommendations made by John Shore. He saw the Permanent Settlement as a way to streamline the land revenue collection process and ensure a fixed revenue for the British authorities.


• Impact: The Permanent Settlement had far-reaching consequences on the landholding patterns in India, leading to the creation of a new class of landlords known as Zamindars. It also established a fixed revenue system that would remain in place for many years.