Syllabus

HISTORY II
b. a. ll. b. (hons.)
I Semester
Academic Year 2021 – 22
Course Teacher: Uday Pratap Singh

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Introduction: Modern India

History II course covers social, political and economic events from the 18th century till the making
of the Indian Constitution. In some books this period is also titled as Modern India. It is difficult
to say as to when the modern period started in the Indian context though in the west it is generally
suggested to have started from the period of Renaissance, Reformation, decline of feudalism and
the rise of nation states. In India the period of feudalism lasted till the end of the eighteenth century.
Eighteenth century also marks the change from medieval to the beginning of the modern era in
Indian history.
Eighteenth century saw the decline of Mughal rule in India with many of the territories being ruled
by Mughal Governors as semi-independent states. The rise of the Maratha power under the
leadership of the Peshwas who were Brahmins in the eighteenth century has made many of the
historians label it as the century of Maratha power.
India was still an economic power to be reckoned with. A large number of states were producing
goods not only for domestic markets but these were also exported to other parts of Asia and.to
Europe. A number of European companies were having their settlements in India and were sending
Indian goods to Europe. The balance of trade was in India’s favour.
Subsequently some of these foreign companies like French and East India Company (EIC) got
involved in the political affairs of the native states by pledging support to warring factions and
finally taking over their administration. Bengal is a classic example which under the Control of
British East India company by the end of 1750s.
By the end of the eighteenth century the British East India Company came to establish political
dominance over India and its resources. They also introduced their administrative and judicial
institutions in the second half of the eighteenth century. This started from Bengal and was
introduced in the other territories under their control.
The impact of their rule was also felt on the Indian society and economy. As a result of which a
number of socio-religious reforms movements started in India. These were also accompanied by
peasant and political movements in India.
In some ways the emergence of East India Company as political power also led to the unification
of India. It also resulted in the emergence of the feeling of nationalism in India. India also saw the
biggest challenge against the East India Company’s power in the form of Revolt of 1857. The
second half of the 18th century also saw the end of the rule of the Revolt of 1857and take over of
the Indian administration in the name of the British crown. It resulted in the introduction of
legislative institutions in India. In this phase their also started the process of introduction of English
laws in India.
Subsequently the above-mentioned developments resulted in the development of struggle for
India’s independence which was also marred by the demand and ultimate recognition of partition
of India on religious grounds.
The last year of the colonial rule also saw the establishment of the Constituent Assembly to frame
a Constitution for India. India became independent in 1947 but this was marred by bloody riots on
communal lines in different states.

Course Objectives
-To develop an insight into the historical political, economic and social developments in
eighteenth, nineteenth and first half of twentieth century.
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Learning Outcomes

- The objective of the course is that students develop an understanding of various political
and economic developments of the events in 18th century India
- To develop an insight into the introduction of legal institutions by the British in India.
- To develop an understanding of the impact of colonial rule on Indian society and economy.
- To develop an understanding of Indian freedom struggle .

Unit -I Mughal empire after Aurangzeb and the causes for the decline and disintegration of
Mughal empire. Rise of the Maratha power
Unit-II Rise of East India Compnay, Carnatic Wars , Battle of Plassey and Buxar, Maratha wars
and Mysore war.

Unit-II Impact of British rule on Indian Society and growth of Socio-Religious Movements in 19th
century.

Unit-III Development of Judicial system by EIC in India till 1772.

UNIT IV Introduction of Adalat system in Bengal and it’s spread to other states.

Unit-V Codification of Laws

Unit-V Development of revenue system under the colonial rule.

Unit-VI Development of nationalism in India

.
Unit-VII Causes, result and impact of the Revolt of 1857.

Unit-VIII Freedom Struggle-Formation of Indian National Congress, Surat split, GOI Act 1909,
Non Cooperation Movement and Simon Commission.

Unit-IX Civil Disobedience Movement, GOI Act 1935, Second World War.

Unit-X Cripps Mission, Quit India Movement, Cabinet Mission Plan, Mountbatten Plan,
Independence of India , Formation of government.

Readings-
Bipin Chandra, History of Modern India, Orient Blackswan,2001
- Bipin Chandra & Ors, India’s Struggle for Independence, Penguin Publishers
-V.D. Kulshreshtha’s, Landmarks in Indian Legal & Constitutional History, Eastern Book
Company, Twelfth Edition,2019
M.P.Jain, Outlines of Indian Legal History,