Coloured

COLOURED
SOCIAL SCIENCE
A Book With a Difference
Based
on
New NCERT
Textbook
SOCIAL SCIENCE
A Book With a Difference
Based on New NCERT Textbooks and CBSE Guidelines
OurPasts-III(History)•ResourcesandDevelopment(Geography)•SocialandPoliticalLife-III(Civics)
CLASS VIII
• Facts to Remember & Textbook Keywords

• NCERT Textbook Exercises and Intext Questions (Solved)
• Other Important Questions with Answers
• Objective Type Questions with Answers
• Multiple Choice Questions
R K Gupta
&
Muskaan Gupta
NEW AGE INTERNATIONAL (P) LIMITED, PUBLISHERS

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PREFACE
This book Social Science is a step towards achieving excellence and has
been written strictly as per the latest NCERT textbook and CBSE guidelines for students
associated with class VIII.
Special Features of the Book are:

It has been designed both as a helpbook as well as a textbook.
The language used is simple and the book is written in a lucid style.
Each chapter begins with meaning of typical words, indicating glossary and word
origin.
All exercises of the NCERT textbook and intext questions have been given with
complete answers.
Each chapter contains additional questions, including very short, short and long
answer type questions.
Objective Type Questions are given for the benefit of students.
Multiple Choice Questions, as per CBSE are given in each chapter.
We are confident that Social Science will prove useful for all students. Any
suggestion for the improvement of the book shall be gracefully accepted and appreciated.
Authors
(v)
CONTENTS
Preface ... (v)
HISTORY
Our PastsIII
(1137)
Pages
1. How, When and Where ... 2
2. From Trade to Territory: The Company Establishes Power ... 13
3. Ruling the Countryside ... 35
4. Tribals, Dikus and the Vision of a Golden Age ... 51
5. When People Rebel: 1857 and After ... 67
6. Civilising the Native, Educating and Nation ... 83
7. Women, Caste and Reform ... 98
8. The Making of the National Movement : 1870s1947 ... 115
GEOGRAPHY
Resources and Development
(139223)
1. Resources ... 140
2. Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Resources ... 151
3. Agriculture ... 173
4. Industries ... 192
5. Human Resources ... 211
(vii)

(viii)
CIVICS
Social and Political LifeIII
(225353)
Unit One: The Indian Constitution and Secularism
1. The Indian Constitution ... 226
2. Understanding Secularism ... 243
Unit Two: Parliament and the Making of Laws

3. Why Do We Need a Parliament? ... 255
4. Understanding Laws ... 269
Unit Three: The Judiciary

5. Judiciary ... 277
Unit Four: Social Justice and the Marginalised
6. Understanding Marginalisation ... 292
7. Confronting Marginalisation ... 308
Unit Five: Economic Presence of the Government

8. Public Facilities ... 322
9. Law and Social Justice ... 338
978-81-224-4954-9 3
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Watch me
on
• Facts to Remember
• Glossary and Word Origin
• Solved NCERT Textbook Exercises/ Intext Questions and Activities
• Additional Important Questions with their Answers
• Map Work for Practice
• Test Your Knowledge Exercises for Self Evaluation

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HISTORY
OUR PASTS—III
1
HOW, WHEN AND WHERE
+ I. FACTS TO REMEMBER
l History has been associated with dates and events. It is about before
and after.
l Initially, it was an account of battles and big events; about rulers and their
policies. Dates were important because a certain event happened on that
date.
l James Mill wrote a three volume book, A History of British India in 1817.
In this he divided Indian history into three periods: Hindu, Muslim and
British.
l According to Mill, all Asiatic societies were at a lower level of civilization
than Europe. Before British rule, India was dominated by religious
intolerance, caste system and bigotry.
l Historians divide history intoAncient, Medieval and Modern periods.
This division has been borrowed from the West.
l Modern period is associated with growth of science, reason, democracy
etc. but these features were not visible in India during British rule.
l British considered art of writing as important. All their plans, policies and
instructions were written. They preserved their official documents in record
rooms, archives or museums.
l Surveying was very important during colonial period. These gave details
about British territory and their rule.
l Diaries of people, biographies and autobiographies give details about literate
people of that time.
+ II. GLOSSARY AND WORD ORIGIN

1. Historians: Scholars who write histories.
2. Stretch of time: Duration, period.
Watch me on
HOW, WHEN AND WHERE 3
3. Ancient: Ancient means the earlier period of history or old period of

history.
4. Medieval means the middle period which is described as the period in
which the features of the modern time did not exist.
5. Modern is the period which is associated with the growth of all the
forces of modernity like science, technology, reason, democracy, liberty
and equality.
6. Colonial period was associated with domination of the British, French
and Portuguese. In this period, people did not had equality, freedom and
liberty.
7. Subjugation: Control over a (countrys domination) country.
8. Colonialisation refers to the period when the subjugation of a country
by another leads to political, economic, social and cultural control.
9. Calligraphists: Experts in art of writing.
+ III. NCERT TEXTBOOK EXERCISES

(Page 8)
Lets imagine
Imagine that you are a historian wanting to find out about how agriculture
changed in a remote tribal area after independence. List the different
ways in which you would find information on this.
Answers:
l Manuscripts (handwritten or original documents).
l Records.
l Documents and letters.
l National Archives.
l Surveys.
l Official documents, letters and memos.
l Interview with old tribal persons.
Lets recall
1. State whether true or false:
(a) James Mill divided Indian history into three periodsHindu, Muslim,
Christian.
(b) Official documents help us to understand what the people of the country
think.
(c) The British thought surveys were important for effective
administration.
Answers:
(a) True (b) False (c) True.
4 OUR PASTS IIIHISTORY VIII
Lets discuss
2. What is the problem with the periodisation of Indian history that James
Mill offers ?
Ans. Problem with the periodisation of Indian history:
It is difficult to refer to any period of history on the basis of faith of
ruler. Many faiths co-exist at a particular time.
Such as, Kabir Panthi, Sikhs, Sufis, in North; and Shaivism, Vaishnavism etc. in
South.
More so, during Ancient period, not all the rulers followed same faith.
Examples: Hindus in south India, such as Vijaynagar Empire,
Muslims, Sultans in North.
3. Why did the British preserve official documents ?
Ans. The British preserved documents because of the following reasons:
l Any information or proof of any decision can be read/used from the
preserved documents.
l The preserved documents reveal the progress made by a country in the
past.
l Their copies may be made and used in modern times.
l Documents were helpful in understanding social, economical and history
of that times.
4. How will the information historians get from old newspapers be different
from that found in police reports ?
Ans. The information, the historians get from old newspapers is different from
that found in police reports. Reasons:
Police records are true and pragmatic.
Information printed in newspapers is affected by the views and thinking
of the correspondents, news editors, etc.
Lets do
5. Can you think of examples of surveys in your world today? Think about
how toy companies get information about what young people enjoy playing
with or how the government finds out about the number of young people
in school. What can a historian derive from such surveys ?
Answer to be attempted by the students.
Hints:
Surveys are done by government and private companies.
On demographic changes, employment, incomes, tastes, interests,
possessions, etc.
Manually or with use of technology.
At different places like homes, schools, institutions, malls, etc.
Historians may get information about preferences, life style, demographic
changes, political, social, economic life, etc.
+ IV. OBJECTIVE TYPE QUESTIONS

1. Match the following:
(i) James Mill (a) The first Governor General of India
(ii) Warren Hastings (b) Scholars who write histories
(iii) Calligraphists (c) A Scottish economist and political leader
(iv) Historians (d) The earlier period of the history
(v) Ancient (e) Expert in writing documents with beautiful
handwriting
Answers:
(i) ↔ (c) (ii) ↔ (a) (iii) ↔ (e) (iv) ↔ (b) (v) ↔ (d).
(i) Lawrence was a prominent Viceroy of India.
(ii) Curzon was a Viceroy of India.
(iii) James Mill published a newspaper in 1817.
(iv) We need to divide history into different periods.
(v) The British came to India to know about its great culture.
(vi) History deals with changes that occur over time.
Answers:
(i) → True (ii) → True (iii) → False (iv) → True (v) → False
(vi) → True.
3. Fill in the blanks:
(i) The last Viceroy of British India was ..................... .
(ii) James Rannel prepared the ..................... in 1782.
(iii) James Mill divides ..................... into three periods.
(iv) The British preserved all important ..................... and ..................... .
(v) In Mills idea of history, the period before British rule was one of
..................... .
Answers:
(i) Lord Mountbatten (ii) first map (iii) Indian history
(iv) letters, documents (v) darkness.
+ V. MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

Choose the correct answer:
1. Who was the last Viceroy of India?
(a) Lord Canning (b) Lord Mountbatten
(c) Ripon (d) Lord Wellesley
2. Medieval period was

(a) the old period of history
(b) the period associated with the growth of all the forces of modernity
(c) none of the above
3. The British thought surveys were important for
(a) writing history (b) effective judgement
(c) effective administration (d) none of these
4. The British preserved official documents because
(a) the preserved documents reveal the progress made by the country in the past
(b) one can study the notes and reports which were prepared in the past
(c) their copies may be made and used in modern times
(d) all of the above
5. Which one of the sources do historians use in writing about the last 250
years of Indian history ?
(a) Official records of the French administration
(b) Official records of the British administration
(c) Official records of the Church administration
(d) None of the above
6. Which of the following is NOT the period of division of Indian History by
James Mill ?
(a) Hindu (b) Muslim
(c) Both of the above (d) Sikhs
7. Which is NOT a source of describing history ?
(a) Diaries of people (b) Conversation between two people
(c) Accounts of pilgrims and travellers (d) Autobiographies of important
personalities
8. The National Archives of India came up in
(a) 1910s (b) 1920s
(c) 1930s (d) 1940s
Answers:
1. → (b) 2. → (c) 3. → (c) 4. → (d) 5. → (b) 6. → (d) 7. → (b)
8. → (b).
+ VI. OTHER QUESTIONS-ANSWERS
1. HOW IMPORTANT ARE DATES ?

Q. 1.1. Why do we call our history our past ?
Ans. We call our history our past. It is about finding, how things were, and,
how they have changed. We compare that and so refer them as before or after.

Q. 1.2. What is the subject-matter of the historians these days ?

Ans. l Historians, these days, write about a host of issues.
l They discuss the means of livelihood, production, food and life style.
l They also deal with:
the cities development and markets,

demographic changes, dress,
production and host of related things.
l They also discuss how:
new kingdoms were formed;

new ideas were formed;
how culture and society changed.
Q. 1.3. Is it correct to fix precise dates for long term processes ?
Ans. The dates are part of history. Sometimes, it is incorrect to associate
dates with events if these happened over a long period.
For example: One cannot fix a date of establishment of British rule over
India.
The changes in economy or society started in which period.
When Indians started drinking tea.
Q. 1.4. Why do we continue to associate history with a string of dates ?
Ans. This association has a reason:
l During the past, history was an account of battles and big events.
l It was about rulers and their policies.
l Historians wrote about
(a) the year during which a king was crowned,

(b) the year he married,
(c) the year he died, and
(d) the year the next ruler succeeded the throne.
For all such events, dates could be specified.
1.1. Which dates?

Q. 1.5. What does Fig. 2 (NCERT, page no. 2) suggests ?
Ans. This is an advertisement of Lipton Tea published in 1922. The Indian
palace is shown in the background. Prince Arthur, the Duke of Connaught, (third
son of Queen Victoria) is on a horse in the foreground. This suggests that this
brand was associated with royalty world over.
Q. 1.6. By which criteria do we choose a set of dates as important ?
Give examples.
Ans. l The dates we choose are the dates around which we compose our
story of the past. These dates are not important on their own. They
become important because we take a particular set of events as
important.
l The importance of dates, changes with change in topic, we want to

study.
l We explain this with an example.
Examples:
l British historians in India emphasised the rule of each Governor-General.
l These historians began with the rule of the first Governor-General, Warren
Hastings and finished with the last Viceroy, Lord Mountbatten.
Q. 1.7. Name the prominent five Governor Generals who governed
India between 1773 and 1857.
Ans. l Warren Hastings l Lord Irwin
l Lord William Bentinck l Lord Dalhousie
l Lord Canning.
Q. 1.8. How do we write history ?

Ans. l When we write history, we divide it into periods.
l We do this to give each period some continuity.
l It is to tell a story in a way that makes some sense and can be
followed. In the process of writing history we focus only on those

events which help us to give shape to the story.
l In the histories of the British Governor-General, the activities of
Indians have no space.

l For this, we need another format for our history. In it, old dates no
longer have significance.
1.2. How do we periodise?

Q. 1.9. Why do we divide history into periods ?
Ans. We divide history into periods to capture the importance of that time.
The periods reflect the ideas about past; and the changes from one period to
another.
Q. 1.10. What did James Mill think about the Asian societies ?
Ans. l Mill thought all Asian societies to be at a lower level of civilisation
than European societies.
l He said that before the British came to India; rulers ruled the country
brutally.
l As per Mill, British rule was able to civilise India. For this European
manners, arts, institutions and laws should be introduced. He further

said that the British rule should conquer all the territories in India.
This would ensure the enlightenment and happiness of the Indian
people. As per his opinion, India was not capable of progress without
British help.
l As per Mill, the period before British rule was one of darkness.
Q. 1.11. How did historians divide the Indian History ?

Ans. lHistorians have usually divided Indian history into ancient, medieval
and modern.
Q. 1.12. What was the problem with periodisation of Indian history by
the historians ?
Ans. The classification of Indian history is borrowed from West. Many times,
this is not applicable.
l The modern period in the West was associated with science, reason,
democracy and liberty. But we were under British rule, without any
of these features.
l India lacked growth and progress during this time.
1.3. What is colonial?

Q. 1.13. Define the term colony.
Ans. Colony means the country or territory which is under another countrys
domination.
Q. 1.14. What is colonisation ?
Ans. When one country is controlled by another, it leads to different kinds
of political, economic, social and cultural changes; we call it the process of
colonisation.
Q. 1.15. What was the effect of colonisation on India ?
Ans. l The British came to India to trade, but conquered the country; and
established their rule.
l They established control over the economy and society,
collected revenue to meet all their expenses,

bought the goods they wanted, at low prices,
produced crops they needed for export, and
brought the changes that come about as a consequence.
l British rule brought changes in values and tastes, customs and
practices. These were harmful to our interests.
2. HOW DO WE KNOW?
2.1. Administration produces records

Q. 2.1. What sources do historians use in writing about the last 250
years of Indian history ? How were these preserved ?
Ans. l There are several sources which historians use in writing about the
last 250 years of Indian history.
1. Official records of the British administration:

The British wrote every instruction, plan, policy, decision, agreement
and investigation.
When this was done, things were properly studied and debated.
This produced an administrative culture of memos, notings and
reports.
2. Preservation of important documents and letters:
The British preserved all important documents and letters.
They set-up record rooms attached to all administrative institutions.
The village tahsildars office, the collectorate, the commissioners office,
the provincial secretariats and the law courts had their record rooms.
Specialised institutions like archives and museums were also set-up
to preserve important records.
Letters and memos that moved from one branch of the administration
to another in the early years of the nineteenth century can still be
read in the archives.
The notes and reports are still preserved and can be read/studied.
A few examples
Reports and instructions of district officials.
Documents sent to provincial administrators.
In the beginning of the 19th century, these documents were carefully
copied out.
By the middle of the 19th century, with the spread of printing, multiple
copies of these records were printed.
Q. 2.2. What happened in 1946 in relation to Royal Indian Navy ?
Ans. In 1946 a mutiny broke on the ships at different dockyards.
Q. 2.3. What kind of report(s) were received by the Home Department
at that time ?
Ans. Home Department received different reports from different dockyards
like:
From Bombay
Navy Ships to remain outside the harbour and army to take over the ships.
From Karachi
301 mutineers are under arrest and all establishments under military guard.
From Vizagapatnam
No violence and military guards posted on ships.

2.2. Surveys become important

Q. 2.4. What is survey? Why were surveys carried out ?
Ans. The process of collecting information about various aspects is called
a survey.
For example, about flora, fauna, topography, cropping etc. of a place.
Surveys were carried out by the British to administer India effectively:
l Detailed surveys were carried out to judge:
The revenue collection, the quality of soil, topography, flora,
fauna, cropping pattern, etc.
l Census operations were also carried out to get the information about castes,
religions occupations etc.
l There were other surveys like botanical, zoological, archaeological,
anthropological surveys, etc.
2.3. What official records do not tell?

Q. 2.5. Why are most of the records unreliable ?
Ans. We get a lot of information from these official records. But these are not
a true picture.
These give the view point of officials only.
They do not always help us to understand the people of the country.
Q. 2.6. What are the other sources of describing histories ?
Ans. 1. The other sources are:
diaries of people, accounts of pilgrims and travellers,
autobiographies of important personalities and
popular booklets sold in the local bazaars.
2. With the spread of printing, newspapers were published and issues
were debated in public.
3. Leaders and reformers wrote to spread their ideas. Poets and novelists
wrote to express their feelings.
4. All these sources, however, were produced by the literates.
Q. 2.7. What are the facts that the official records do not tell us ?
Ans. The official records do not make us understand how history was
experienced and lived by:
tribals and the peasants, the workers in the mines or
the poor on the streets.
Knowing their lives is a very difficult task as these people were
illetrate, so there is no record of their history. But this can be done
by making a little effort.
+ VII. ACTIVITIES
Activity 1
Look carefully at Fig. 1 and write a paragraph explaining how this image
projects an imperial perception. (See NCERT Textbook, page 1)
Ans. Related Points
l Rennel was asked by Robert Clive to produce maps of Hindustan.
l Rennel was an enthusiastic supporter of British conquest of India.
l He saw preparation of maps as essential to the process of domination.
l The picture here suggests that Indians willingly gave over their ancient
texts to Britanniathe symbol of British power.

l In this way, this image projects an imperial perception because of the
Britannia dominating the scene.
Activity 2
Interview your mother or another member of your family to find out about
their life. Now divide their life into different periods and list out the significant
events in each period. Explain the basis of your periodisation.
(NCERT Textbook, page 3)
Ans. Do this activity yourself.
Hints: Mothers life
l Early childhood l Educational period
l Married life l Her activities/works during this period.
Activity 3
Look at Sources 1 and 2. Do you find any differences in the nature of reporting ?
Explain what you observe. (Sources: NCERT Textbook, page 5 and page 7)
Study the sources and write your observations:
Ans. Yes, we find differences in the nature of reporting:
l Source 1 is the report given by the Director of Intelligence. This report is
an account of events seen and observed by the Director himself. Hence, it

is an eye-witness account.
l Source 2 describes the events through newspapers. Newspapers reports
are according to the observations of the correspondents and views of the

editors. Hence, there may be some distortions in the media reports.
+ VIII. TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE

1. Give examples of things that we may wonder about in present situation ?
2. What are biographies ? Give examples.
3. What is an autobiography ? Give examples.
qqq
2
FROM TRADE TO TERRITORY
The Company Establishes Power
+ I. FACTS TO REMEMBER
l The need for new areas for trading, led to discovery and establishment of
colonies.
l Vasco da Gama discovered the sea route to India in 1498.
l The Royal Charter could not prevent other European powers from entering
eastern markets. The Portuguese made base at Goa in the 16th century.
By 17th century French and Dutch also arrived.
l All of them wanted to trade in cotton, silk, pepper and other spices.
l First English factory was established on the banks of river Hugli in 1651.
By 1696 fort was built around it. They got zamindari rights of three villages
including Kalikata (Kolkata).
l Farman (iQjeku) (an order) right to free trade was acquired from Aurangzeb
for the company. The Company officials were also carrying on their private
trade.
l After the death of Aurangzeb, the Bengal nawabs refused to grant
concessions to the company. Company helped Sirajuddaulahs rivals, like
Mir Zafar to defeat him.
l Bengal was acquired by the British after the battles of Plassey (1757) and
Buxar (1764).
l Company officials collected wealth and lived like nawabs in England.
l Company took direct military actions in some cases like in Mysore. Mysore
was ruled by Haider Ali and after that his son Tipu Sultan. He stopped
the export of sandalwood, pepper etc.
l After four Mysore wars and defeating and killing Tipu Sultan at
Seringapatam, British captured Mysore.
l Marathas were defeated in a series of wars.
l Under the policy of territorial expansion, Company introduced Subsidiary
alliance. In 1848 Lord Dalhousie introduced Doctrine of Lapse.
13
l British established a uniform administration with Presidencies. They trained

their army.
+ II. GLOSSARY AND WORD ORIGIN

1. Subadars: The chiefs of the provinces, commonly known as governors.
2. Zamindars: Big owners of land or landlords.
3. Charter: Dictate or official order.
4. Meddling: Interfering.
5. Nabobs: The symbol of power and authority, a British word, for rich
persons.
6. Doctrine of lapse: Rule under which a ruler would lose his kingdom if
he does not have his own son (male heir) to succeed the throne.
7. Misgovernment: Means malfunctioning of the government or
administration.
8. Paramountcy: Supreme power.
+ III. NCERT TEXTBOOK EXERCISES

(Pages 2425)
Lets imagine
You are living in England in the late eighteenth or early nineteenth
century. How would you have reacted to the stories of British conquests ?
Remember that you would have read about the immense fortunes that
many of the officials were making.
Answer: Various Answers:
A Sample Answer
I would have been thrilled to hear the stories of British conquests. I
would have had the ambition of joining my countrymen (Britishers) in
India learning about its culture and earning enough to live lavishly.
Lets recall
1. Match the following:
Diwani Tipu Sultan
Tiger of Mysore right to collect land revenue
faujdari adalat Sepoy
Rani Channamma criminal court
sipahi led an anti-British movement in Kitoor
Answers:
Diwani right to collect land revenue
Tiger of Mysore Tipu Sultan
faujdari adalat criminal court
Rani Channamma led an anti-British movement in Kitoor
sipahi Sepoy.

FROM TRADE TO TERRITORYTHE COMPANY ESTABLISHES POWER 15

(a)The British conquest of Bengal began with the Battle of ............... .
(b) Haidar Ali and Tipu Sultan were the rulers of ............... .
(c) Dalhousie implemented the Doctrine of ............... .
(d)Maratha kingdoms were located mainly in the ............... part of India.
Answers:
(a) Plassey (b) Mysore (c) Lapse (d) western.

(a)The Mughal empire became stronger in the eighteenth century.
(b) The English East India Company was the only European Company
that traded with India.
(c) Maharaja Ranjit Singh was the ruler of Punjab.
(d)The British did not introduce administrative changes in the territories
they conquered.
Answers:
(a) → False (b) → False (c) → True (d) → False.
Lets discuss
4. What attracted European trading companies to India ?
Ans. European trading companies were attracted due to the following reasons:
l Cheap and fine quality of silk and cotton.
l For spices like pepper, cloves, cardamom and cinnamon etc.
5. What were the areas of conflict between the Bengal nawabs and the East
India Company ?
Ans. Areas of conflict between the Nawabs of Bengal and the East India
Company:
1. Requests to grant concessions to Company.
2. Demand of large tributes from the Company for right to trade.
3. Denial of right to mint (making) coins.
4. Stoppage of fortification expansion.
5. Nawab claimed that company was depriving the Bengal government of
huge amount of revenue.
Actions taken by the Company
1. Refusal to pay taxes by the Company.
2. Writing of disrespectful letters by the Company.
3. Trying to humiliate the nawab and his officials.
4. Enlargement of settlements by the Company.
5. Buying villages.
6. Rebuilding of forts.
6. How did the assumption of Diwani benefit the East India Company ?
Ans. In 1765, the Diwani right to the Company benefited the Company. It
could collect the revenues from the zamindars and others. Thus, it began
to get finances to meet its expenditure of buying cotton and silk textiles.
They were also able to maintain their troops, forts and offices in India
from this revenue.
7. Explain the system of subsidiary alliance.
Ans. Subsidiary Alliance System
l The Britishers as a supreme power: Whichever state wanted to sign
this treaty, had to accept the English as a supreme authority. The East
India Company behaved as a guardian of that state.
l Appointment of a resident: The state kept an English Resident in
their court, to check the activities of the king.
l Keeping of the English army: Indian rulers were not allowed to have
their army. The state had to keep the English army. The state had to
bear financial burden of the army.
l Giving in the territory: If the Indian rulers failed to make payments,
part of their territories were taken away as penalty.
e.g., The Nawab of Awadh was forced to give over half of his territory to the
Company in 1801.
Hyderabad was also forced to cede territories on similar grounds.
l Protection by the English: In return for the above mentioned
conditions, the English Company promised to protect the state from its
enemies. They also promised the state not to interfere in the internal
affairs of the state. But this promise was seldom kept.
8. In what way was the administration of the Company different from that
of Indian rulers ?
Ans. Administration of Company was different from that of Indian Rulers
Companys Administration Indian Rulers Administration
l Administrative units divided into l State was divided in Subas.

Presidencies.
l Three PresidenciesBengal, Madras and l There were many Subas in a state.
Bombay.
l Each Presidency ruled by Governor and l Each suba was governed by Subedar. Then
districts by collectors. by Zamindars.
l Governor-Generalthe Supreme head. l King, the supreme head.
9. Describe the changes that occurred in the composition of the Companys

army.
Ans. l East India Company adopted its own method when it began
recruitment for the army.
l It was known as the sepoy army (Sepoy was an Indian word sipahi,
meaning soldier).
l Warfare technology changed from the 1820s. The cavalry needs of the
Companys army declined. The British empire was fighting in Burma,

Afghanistan and Egypt. There, the soldiers were armed with muskets
(a type of gun) and matchlocks (also another type of gun). So infantry
fighting with swords and archeries came down.
l Its infantry regiments now became more important.
l In the early 19th century, the British began to develop a uniform
military culture.
Soldiers were given European-style training drill and discipline.
l They regulated their life far more than before.
l Often, this created problems since caste and community feelings were
ignored in building a force of professional soldiers.

Lets do
10. After the British conquest of Bengal, Calcutta grew from a small village
to a big city. Find out about the culture, architecture and the life of
Europeans and Indians of the city during the colonial period.
Ans. Hints: Visit school library or get information from internet.
Indians were influenced by the British culture, architecture and life style.
l Culture : British influence began.
l Architecture : Influenced by the British Architecture (fortification of
the city, churches etc.), rich Indians started constructing

bunglows in English style.
l Life : English education, English clothes, became popular.
11. Collect pictures, stories, poems and information about any of the following
the Rani of Jhansi, Mahadji Sindhia, Haidar Ali, Maharaja Ranjit Singh,
Lord Dalhousie or any other contemporary ruler of your region.
Ans. The Rani of Jhansi: Collect information and photographs
Hints: l Early childhood l Early marriage
l Death of husband l Adopted son
l Fought with British l Died fighting with the British.
l History would always remember her.

1. RANI OF JHANSI
Lakshmibai was born in the holy town of Varanasi in
a Marathi brahmin family in the year 1828. Her father
was Moropant Tambe. Her father worked for the court
of Peshwa of Bithoor district. Peshwa brought up
Manikarnika like his own daughter. The Peshwa called
her Chhabili (Nchyh), which means playful. She was
educated at home. Her studies included archery,
horsemanship and self-defence. Rani Lakshmibai was
accustomed to ride on horseback.
The Rani Mahal, the palace of Rani Lakshmibai (in
Jhansi), has been converted into a museum. She died,
fighting British Army bravely, to save her state Jhansi.
Fig. 2.1. Rani
2. MAHADJI SHINDE Lakshmibai
Mahadji Shinde (egknth f'kans) (17301794 A.D.)
also spelled as Mahadji Scindia or Mahadaji Scindia,
was a Maratha ruler of the state of Gwalior in central
India.
Mahadaji was instrumental in resurrecting Maratha
power in North India, after the Third Battle of Panipat
in 1761. He was a trusted lieutenant of the Peshwa,
leader of the Maratha Empire. During his reign, Gwalior
became the leading state in the Maratha Empire.
Gwalior was one of the foremost military powers in
India during his period.
He accompanied Shah Alam II (Mughal Badshah) in
1771 to Delhi in order to restore the Mughals in Delhi. Fig. 2.2. Mahadji Shinde
The Marathas were, practically, ruling Delhi, at that
time.
He annihilated the power of Jats of Mathura during 1772-73. He destroyed the
power of Pashtun Rohillas in Rohilkhand and captured Najibabad.
3. HYDER ALI OF MYSORE

Hyder Ali (17211782) was the sultan and, de facto,
ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore in southern India. He
rose to the post of Dalavayi (commander-in-chief) to
Krishnaraja Wodeyar II. He became, de facto, the ruler
of Mysore as Sarvadhikari (Chief Minister) by 1761.
He gave strong opposition to the military advances of
the British East India Company during the First and
Second Anglo Mysore Wars. He was the innovator of
military use of the iron-cased Mysorean rockets.
He was father of Tipu Sultan.
Fig. 2.3. Hyder Ali

4. MAHARAJA RANJIT SINGH

Ranjit Singh was born to Sardar Maha Singh and
Raj Kaur on 13 November, 1780, in Gujranwala, Punjab
(now in Pakistan).
As a child he suffered from smallpox. This resulted
in loss of his one eye. At the time, much of Punjab was
ruled by the Sikhs under a Confederate Sarbat Khalsa
system. Sarbat Khalsa had divided the territory among
factions known as misls (feLyl). Ranjit Singhs father
was the commander of the Sukerchakia Misl. He
controlled a territory in the west Punjab based around
his headquarter at Gujranwala.
In 1799, Ranjit Singh captured Lahore (now in
Pakistan) from the Bhangi Misl. He later made it his
capital. In the following years, he brought the whole of
the central Punjab from the Sutlej to the Jhelum under
his sway. This area includes, north of Satluj (Jullundhar,
Amritsar, Pathankot etc.); and Lahore, Multan etc. of Fig. 2.4. Ranjit Singh
Pakistan.
5. LORD DALHOUSIE
A governor general of India (1848 to 1856): Lord
Dalhousie is one the most negatively remembered
personality in the rule of East India Company. He
ruled India from 1848 to 1856 A.D. In India he was
famous for various negative and positive reasons.
Positive :
1. Starting of Railway in 1853 A.D. for the first time,
between Bombay to Thane.
2. Starting of postal and telegraph services in India.
3. Starting of widow remarriage in 1856 A.D.
4. Completion of Ganges Canal.
5. Reform in Indian civil services.
Negative :
1. East India Company captured the princely state of
Punjab in 1849 A.D.
2. Second Anglo-Burmese War.
3. Doctrine of Lapse (Most Controversial).
4. Annexation of Awadh. Fig. 2.5. Lord Dalhousie
+ IV. OBJECTIVE TYPE QUESTIONS
1. Match the following :

(i) Tipu Sultan (a) Kitoor
(ii) Dalhousie (b) Punjab
(iii) Rani Channamma (c) Mysore

(iv) Maharaja Ranjit Singh (d) Doctrine of Lapse
(v) Tipu Sultan was killed in (e) Battle of Plassey
(vi) Sirajuddaulah lost (f) Battle of Seringapatam
Answers:
(i) → (c) (ii) → (d) (iii) → (a) (iv) → (b) (v) → (f) (vi) → (e).
(i) The British originally came as traders.
(ii) The battle of Buxar ended in 1764.
(iii) Second Anglo-Maratha war was fought in 1757.
(iv) Maratha kingdoms were located mainly in the northern part of India.
(v) The army was known as sepoy army during companys rule.
Answers:
(i) → True (ii) → True (iii) → False (iv) → False (v) → True.
(i) Indian rulers administrative units were divided into Districts, .............
and ........... .
(ii) The new system of justice was set up in the year .................... .
(iii) The first English factory was set up on the banks of the .................... .
(iv) Queen Elizabeth granted the East India Company the sole right to trade
with the .................... .
(v) After the defeat at Plassey, .................... was made the Nawab.
(vi) Lord Dalhousie devised the policy of .................... .
Answers:
(i) Parganas, Tehsils (ii) 1772 (iii) river Hugli
(iv) East (v) Mir Jafar (vi) Doctrine of Lapse.
+ V. MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

Choose the correct answer:
1. Which of the following was NOT the Presidency ?
(a) Bihar (b) Madras
(c) Bombay (d) Calcutta
2. Tipu Sultan stopped export through his kingdom in
(a) 1764 (b) 1772
(c) 1785 (d) 1790
3. The first English factory was set up in the year

(a) 1600 (b) 1651
(c) 1655 (d) 1665
4. Who discovered the sea route to India in 1498 ?
(a) Columbus (b) Dutch
(c) East India Company (d) Vasco-da-Gama
5. Robert Clive committed suicide in the year
(a) 1770 (b) 1743
(c) 1767 (d) 1774
6. The Third Battle of Panipat was fought in the year
(a) 1743 (b) 1752
(c) 1761 (d) 1763
7. Rani Channamma was the ruler of
(a) Bengal (b) Kitoor
(c) Agra (d) Delhi
8. Haidar Ali was the ruler of
(a) Bengal (b) Delhi
(c) Bombay (d) Mysore
9. European trading companies were attracted to India due to
(a) cheap land (b) cheap labour
(c) raw material like cotton silk and spices (d) none of these
10. Competition among the companies resulted in
(a) reduced profits of companies (b) quality of goods increased
(c) price became low (d) none of these
Answers:
1. → (d) 2. → (c) 3. → (b) 4. → (d) 5. → (d) 6. → (c)
7. → (b) 8. → (d) 9. → (c) 10. → (a).
+ VI. OTHER QUESTIONS-ANSWERS
1. PRELUDE
Q. 1.1. How were the regional kingdoms set up after Aurangzebs
death ?
Ans. After his death in 1707, several Mughal governors (subadars) and big
zamindars began setting up regional kingdoms.
Q. 1.2. Why could Delhi not function as an effective centre ?

Ans. Powerful regional kingdoms emerged in various parts of India (including
Pakistan) after Aurangzebs death. So Delhi could not function as an effective
centre.
Q. 1.3. Which new power began emerging on the political scene after
the fall of Mughals ?
Ans. British began emerging after the fall of Mughals.
Q. 1.4. What does the Fig. 1 (NCERT) represent ?
Ans. This picture shows Bahadur Shah and his sons being arrested by Captain
Hudson.
After the control of revolt of 1857, Bahadur Shah was put in prison. His sons
were executed.
2. EAST INDIA COMPANY COMES EAST

Q. 2.1. Who ruled England in 1600 ?
Ans. England in 1600 was ruled by Queen Elizabeth I.
Q. 2.2. When did the East India Company acquire a charter from the
England ruler? What did this mean ?
Ans. l In 1600, the East India Company acquired a charter from the ruler of
England.
l Queen Elizabeth granted it the sole right to trade with the East.
l This meant that no other trading group in England could do business
with the East.

l From the East, the Company would buy products at cheap price; and
carry them back to Europe to sell at higher prices.

l The Company did not have to fear competition from other English
trading companies.
Q. 2.3. How could mercantile Company make profits ?
Ans. l Mercantile trading companies in those days made profit primarily by
trading.
l They could buy cheap; and sell dear.
Q. 2.4. Was the royal charter successful for the East India Company ?
Ans. l The royal charter was partially successful as the other British
Company could not trade in eastern countries. But East India Company
could not prevent other European powers from entering the Eastern
markets.
l When the first English ships came to India; the Portuguese had already
set up their presence on the western coast of India.

l They had their base in Goa.

l Vasco-da-Gama, Portuguese explorer had discovered this sea route to

India in 1498.
l By the start of 17th century, the Dutch too came for trade in the
Indian ocean.
l Soon the French traders arrived on the scene.
Q. 2.5. Why so many European companies wanted to trade with India ?
Ans. See NCERT Exercise Lets Discuss Q.4.
Q. 2.6. What did the competition among the companies result in ?
Ans. l Due to competition amongst the European companies, purchase price
of goods increased.
l This reduced the profits of the companies.
Q. 2.7. What was the way for the Company to flourish ?

Ans. l The only way the trading companies could flourish, was elimination
of rival competitors.
l This led to fierce battles between the trading companies.
l During the 17th and 18th centuries, they regularly sank each others
ships. They blocked routes and prevented rival ships.

l Trade was done on with arms.
l Trading posts were protected through fortification.
Q. 2.8. What items foreign companies were interested in buying ?

Ans. Foreign companies were interested in buying following things:
fine qualities of cotton, silk, etc. pepper,
cloves, cardamom cinnamon etc.
Q. 2.9. What led to intense conflicts of the companies with local rulers ?
Ans. l The effort to fortify settlements and carry on profitable trade led to
intense conflict with local rulers.
l The Company found it difficult to separate trade from politics.
2.1. East India Company begins trade in Bengal

Q. 2.9. Write about British growth in trade and influence in India.
Ans. The first English company was set up on the banks of river Hugli in
1651:
l The factory had warehouse from where the factors operated.
l They persuaded merchants and traders to live near the factory. They
gradually started fortifying from 1696.
l They bribed Mughal officials and got zamindari rights over 3 villages
including Kalikata (now Kolkata).
l Then got the right of free trade only for British and asked for more
concessions.
l Gradually through different means, they captured other territories as well.
Q. 2.10. What Farman did the Company get issued by Aurangzeb ?

Ans. The Company persuaded the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb to issue a
farman (order) granting the Company the right to trade duty free.
Q. 2.11. How the Company manipulated the privileges given to them ?
Ans. The Company pressed for more concessions. It manipulated the existing
ones.
The Farman had only granted duty free trade for the Company. But the
Company officials did not pay duty even for their own private trade.
This caused revenue loss to Bengal. The rulers protested against this.
2.2. How trade led to battles

Q. 2.12. After the death of Alivardi, who became the nawab of Bengal ?
Ans. Sirajuddaulah.
Q. 2.13. What were the areas of conflict between the Bengal nawabs
and the East India Company.
Ans. See NCERT Exercise Question No. 5.
Q. 2.14. What happened after the death of Aurangzeb ?
Ans. After the death of Aurangzeb, the Bengal Nawabs increased their power
and autonomy.
Other regional powers were doing the same. In Bengal, Murshid Quli Khan
was followed by Alivardi Khan and than Sirajuddaulah as the Nawabs of Bengal.
Each of them was a strong ruler.
Q. 2.15. How did trade lead to battles ?
Ans. l In the beginning of the 18th century, the conflict between the Company
and the Nawabs of Bengal intensified.
l Murshid Quli Khan, Alivardi Khan and Sirajuddaulah proved to be
strong rulers. They refused to grant the Company concessions.

They also denied it any right to mint coins, and stopped it from
extending its fortifications.
l They accused the Company of deceit. They claimed that the Company
was depriving the Bengal government of huge amounts of revenue.

They also accused that it was undermining the authority of the Nawab.
l The Company refused to pay taxes. It wrote disrespectful letters, and
tried to humiliate the Nawab and his officials.

l Company realised trade could flourish only if the duties were
removed. It was also convinced that to expand trade it had to enlarge

its settlements. It had to build up villages and rebuild its forts.
l These conflicts led to confrontations. Finally the famous Battle of
Plassey was fought.

2.3. The Battle of Plassey

Q. 2.16. Why is the Battle of Plassey famous in the history of India ?
Ans. l After the death of Alivardi Khan in 1756, Sirajuddaulah became the
Nawab of Bengal.
l The Company was worried about his power. It was keen to have a
puppet ruler for giving it trade concessions and other privileges. So

it tried to help one of Sirajuddaulahs rivals to become the Nawab.
l Angry Sirajuddaulah asked the Company to stop meddling in the
political affairs of his state. He also asked to stop fortification and

pay the revenues.
l When the negotiations failed, the Nawab marched with 30,000 soldiers
to the English factory at Kassim bazar. He captured the Company

officials.
l He locked the warehouse. He disarmed all Englishmen and blocked
English ships.
l After this, he marched to Calcutta to establish control over the
Companys fort.
l The news of the fall of Calcutta spread to Madras. The Company
officials in Madras sent forces under the command of Robert Clive.

l The forces were reinforced by naval fleets.
l Prolonged negotiations with the Nawab followed. Finally in 1757
Robert Clive led the Companys army against Sirajuddaulah at Plassey.

l The forces were led by Mir Jafar, one of Sirajuddaulahs commanders.
He deceived and never fought the battle.

l Hence the Nawab was defeated; and Mir Jafar was made the nawab.
l Clive had managed to secure Mir Jafars support by promising to
make him Nawab after defeating Sirajuddaulah.

l The battle of Plassey (district Nadia) became famous as it was the
first major victory the Company won in India.

Q. 2.17. Why did Robert Clive wrote an explanation letter to William
Pitt, Principal Secretary to English Monarch ?
Ans. It was widely believed that mercantile East India Company was having
territorial ambitions in India. Robert Clive wrote to explain that it is not difficult
to acquire the rich kingdoms of India.
Q. 2.18. Who was Mir Jafar? What were his relations with the British ?
Ans. Mir Jafar was Sirajuddaulahs commander. He sided with the British in
battle of Plassey and did not fight:
l He was made the nawab of Bengal and acted as a puppet for British.
l Mir Qasim was installed as nawab. Later the relations soured.
l He, in turn, was defeated in battle of Buxar. Mir Jafar was reinstated.
He remained a puppet in their hands till his death in 1765.
Q. 2.19. What happened after the defeat at Plassey ? Why did the
Company did not take over the administration ?
Ans. l After the defeat at Plassey, Sirajuddaulah was assassinated.
l Mir Jafar was made the Nawab.
l The Company did not want to control the administration.
l Its main objective was the expansion of trade.
Q. 2.20. What were the results of battle of Buxar ?

Ans. Mir Qasim was defeated at the battle of Buxar. It sealed the fate of
India. Mir Zafar was again made Nawab of Bengal.
l The new nawab, Mir Jafar, had to pay ` 500,000 every month to the British.
l And Company had right to trade freely.
l After Mir Jafars death, Company got the Diwani rights (of collecting
revenue) of the province of Bengal, from Mughal emperor.
Q. 2.21. What happened when the Company failed to realise their prime
objective of expansion of trade ?
Ans. Company initially thought that with the help of privileges from the
local rulers they can expand. But by the time Mir Jafar died in 1765; they realised
that they must conquer to expand trade.
Q. 2.22. What was the result of Company getting the Diwani rights of
Bengal in 1765 ?
Ans. Also see NCERT Lets Discuss Q. 6.
Diwani rights allowed Company to collect huge taxes from Bengal.
Money thus got, could now finance the purchase of cotton silk textiles. It
could help in maintaining troops, forts and offices at Calcutta.
2.4. Company officials become “Nabobs”

Q. 2.23. How did the Company officials become nabob ?
Ans. l Most of the Company officials did not succeed in making money like
Clive.
l Many died an early death in India due to disease and war. They all
were not corrupt and dishonest.

l Many of them came from humble backgrounds. Their uppermost desire
was to earn enough in India; and return to Britain and lead a

comfortable life.
l Those who managed to return with wealth, led flashy lives.
l They were called nabobsan anglicised version of the Indian word
Nawab.

Q. 2.24. Why did Robert Clive commit suicide ?

Ans. l After the defeat in the Battle of Plassey, the Nawabs of Bengal were
forced to give land and vast sums of money, as personal gifts to
Company officials.
l Robert Clive himself got a fortune in India.
He had come to Madras (now Chennai) from England in 1743 at the

age of 18. He became Governor-General twice.
l In 1767, he finally left India. He had wealth of about £ 4 lac
(approximately 4 crore rupees) pounds. British Parliament took notice

of this wealth. It tried him. Though he was acquitted, he committed
suicide in 1774.
Q. 2.25. After reading the source 3 (NCERT PAGE 15) do you feel Clive
was repentful ?
Ans. After reading the extract, it is clear Clive was not repentful at all. At
his hearing, he said that he restrained himself despite the money offered to him
after the battle of Plassey. As per him, when the ruler, rich bankers and traders
all tried to drew his attention, he controlled himself. He earned only a little
money.
3. COMPANY RULE EXPANDS

Q. 3.1. What was the key aspect of Companys policy from 1757 to
1857 ?
Ans. During this period, the Company rarely launched a direct attack on any
unknown territory. They tried political, economic and diplomatic measures before
aquiring a kingdom.
Q. 3.2. When did the Company appoint Residents of States ? What was
their role ?
Ans. Residents were appointed after the battle of Buxar in 1764. They were
commercial or political agents to serve the interests of the Company.
Through them, the Company interfered in the internal matters of the states
like appointment of the successors or to the administrative posts.
Q. 3.3. Explain the system of subsidiary alliance.
Ans. See N.C.E.R.T. Exercise Question No. 7.
Q. 3.4. What was the opinion of James Mill about the Residents ?
Ans. According to James Mill, a Resident was like a king in the state. Though
he follows the policy of non-interference, but actually manage the entire
administration.
As long as the prince acted according to the resident, the things went quietly.
But if anything against of wishes of the resident; there were clashes and
disturbances.
3.1. Tipu Sultan—The “Tiger of Mysore”

Q. 3.5. How was Mysore captured by the British ?
Ans. l The Company took direct military confrontation when there was a
threat to its political or economic interests.
l Mysore state illustrates this.
1. Mysore became strong under Haidar Ali who ruled Mysore from
1761 to 1782 and his famous son Tipu Sultan who ruled Mysore
from 1782 to 1799.
2. Mysore controlled the profitable trade of pepper and cardamom
from the Malabar coast.
3. In 1785, Tipu Sultan stopped the export of sandalwood, pepper
and cardamom through the ports of his kingdom.
4. He also disallowed local merchants from trading with the Company.
5. He set up a close relationship with the French in India. He
modernised his army with their help.
6. The British saw Haidar and Tipu as ambitious, arrogant and
dangerous.
7. They decided to control and crush them.
8. Four wars were fought with Mysore (176769, 178084, 179092
and 1799).
9. Only in last, the Company won the Battle of Seringapatam and
took full control.
Tipu Sultan was killed defending his capital Seringapatam.
Mysore was placed under the former ruling dynasty of the
Wodeyars.
A subsidiary alliance was imposed on the state.
Q. 3.6. What were the terms of treaty signed between Tipu Sultan and
the Company in 1792 ?
Ans. In 1792 combined forces of the Marathas, Nizam of Hyderabad and the
Company attacked Mysore. Tipu Sultan had to sign a treaty. In treaty, his two
sons were taken as hostages by the British.
Q. 3.7. What does the legend about Tipu Sultan glorify ?
Ans. According to the legend once Tipu Sultan had gone hunting with his
French friend, there he encountered a tiger. His gun did not work and his dagger
fell. He fought bare handed with the tiger and managed to pick up his dagger. He
finally killed the tiger and since then is known as the Tiger of Mysore.
Q. 3.8. What was interesting about Tipus toy tiger (Fig. 9 NCERT) ?
Ans. Tipu possessed a toy tiger. Whenever its handle turned, the tiger roared
and soldiers shrieked. This toy was taken away by the British. It is now kept in
a Museum in London.
3.2. War with the Marathas

Q. 3.9. Give an account of wars with Marathas.
Ans. Wars with the Marathas
l In the late 18th century, the Company started destroying Maratha power.
l The Marathas were defeated in the Third Battle of Panipat in 1761 with
Ahmed Shah Abdali. Their dream of ruling from Delhi failed.

l They were divided into many states under different chiefs (sardars). These
chiefs belonging to different dynasties like Sindhia (Gwalior), Holkar

(Indore), Gaikwad (Baroda) and Bhonsle (Satara, Kolhapur). The Maratha
chiefs were held together in a confederacy under a Peshwa (Principal Minister)
base in Pune.
l The Marathas were busy in a series of wars.
The first war came to an end in 1782 with the Treaty of Salbai. No side
won the war.
The second Anglo-Maratha War (180305) was fought on different fronts. It
resulted in the British winning Orissa. The territories north of the Yamuna
river were won by the British. This includes Agra and Delhi.
The third Anglo-Maratha War of 181719 crushed Maratha power. The
Peshwa was removed and sent away to Bithur near Kanpur with a pension.
l The Company now had complete control over the territories south of the
Vindhyas.
3.3. The claim to paramountcy

Q. 3.10. How did the Company claim Paramountcy ?
Ans. l From the early 19th century, the Company succeeded in territorial
expansion.
l Under Lord Hastings (Governor-General, from 1813 to 1823), the Company
initiated a new policy of paramountcy.

l It claimed its authority paramount or supreme. It justified threatening
to annex any Indian kingdom. This view continued later also.

Q. 3.11. Did process of expanding territories go unchallenged ?
Or
Give a brief account of resistance of Rani Channamma.
Ans. l This process of expanding territories did not go unchallenged.
l When the British tried to annex the small state of Kitoor (in Karnataka),
Rani Channamma took to arms. She led an anti-British resistance

movement.
She was arrested in 1824 and died in prison in 1829.
But Rayanna, a poor Chowkidar of Sangoli in Kittor, carried on

the resistance.
He, with popular support, destroyed many British camps and
records.
He was caught and hanged by the British in 1830.
Q. 3.12. Why did the East India Company become worried in the late
1830s? What did they do to allay this worry ?
Ans. l In the late 1830s, the East India Company became worried because of
Russias expansion policy across Asia. Russia probably wanted entry
into India from the north-west.
l Because of this fear, the British wanted to secure their control over
the north-west.
l They fought a prolonged war with Afghanistan between 1838 and
1842. They set up indirect Company rule there.

l Sind was taken over in 1843.
l They tried to annex Punjab. But Maharaja Ranjit Singh resisted.
l After his death in 1839, two prolonged wars were fought with the
Sikh kingdom. Punjab was annexed in 1849.
3.4. The Doctrine of Lapse

Q. 3.13. Explain major features of the Doctrine of Lapse.
Ans. Major Features of the Doctrine of Lapse
l The final wave of annexations of territories occurred under Lord
Dalhousie, Governor-General from 1848 to 1856.

l He devised a policy by the name of Doctrine of Lapse.
The doctrine declared that if an Indian ruler died without a male

heir, his kingdom would lapse. It would become a part of Company
territory.
l The Company annexed several kingdoms simply by applying this
doctrine.
l These kingdoms included Satara (1848), Sambalpur (1850), Udaipur*
(1852), Nagpur (1853) and Jhansi (1854).

l At last the Company also annexed Awadh in 1856. This time, the
British argued that they want to free the people from the
misgovernment of Nawab.
4.0. SETTING UP A NEW ADMINISTRATION

Q. 4.1. Describe the administration of Warren Hastings.
Ans. Warren Hastings divided the British territories into administrative
units called Presidencies.
l There were three presidenciesBombay, Calcutta and Madras.
* Chhota Udaipur in Gujarat

l Each ruled by a Governor.

l The supreme head was the Governor General.
l They were further divided into districts.
l New system of justice was established. Each district had two courts
criminal and civil.
l Criminal courts were still under a Qazi and a Mufti, but under the
supervision of district collectors.
l To bring uniformity, Hindu and Muslims laws were compiled.
l Under the Regulating Act of 1773, Supreme Court was established.
l The Principal figure was the collector. He collected revenue and maintained
law and order.
Q. 4.2. What was the problem with the Pandits and Qazis in interpreting
local laws? How was it solved ?
Ans. l A major problem was that the Brahman pandits gave different
interpretation of local laws. These laws were based on different schools
of the Dharmashastra.
l To bring about uniformity, in 1775 eleven pandits were asked to
compile a book of Hindu laws.
l N. B. Halhed translated this book into English.
l By 1778, a code of Muslim laws was also compiled for the benefit of
European judges.
l Under the Regulating Act of 1773, a new Supreme Court was set up.
l Another court of appeal was also set up at Calcutta in the name of
Sadar Nizamat Adalat.
l The Collector collected revenue and taxes and maintained law and
order in his district. He did this, with the help of judges, police
officers and darogas.
l His office, the Collectorate, became the new centre of power and
patronage. This steadily replaced other authorities.
Q. 4.3. What was the highlight of Edmond Burkes speech (source 5
NCERT) ?
Ans. The highlight that Edmund Burke said I impeach (Warren Hastings)
him in the name of people of India. He further added that Warren Hastings
turned India into a desert and trodden the rights of Indians.
4.1. The Company Army

Q. 4.4. Write the major features of the Mughal Army.
Ans. l The Mughal army was mainly composed of cavalry (sawars; trained soldiers
on horseback) and infantry (the paidal). They were trained in archery

and the use of the sword.
l The cavalry had to play a major role in the army. The Mughal state
did not feel the need to have a large professionally trained infantry.
l The rural areas had a large number of armed peasants. The local
zamindars often supplied the Mughals with paidal (iSny) soldiers.
Q. 4.5. Explain major features of the army of the East India Company.
Ans. Please See N.C.E.R.T. Exercise Question No. 9.
5. CONCLUSION
Q. 5.1. How new steam technology was helpful for the company.
Ans. 1. The East India Company was transformed from a trading company to
a territorial colonial power.
2. This was also aided by:
New steam technology was used in engines of ships. This reduced
timing of journey from England to India.
Earlier, time taken for this journey was 6 to 8 months. Now it has
reduced to 3 weeks.
Now more and more Britishers and their families were coming to
India.
Q. 5.2. How is it said that East India Company had virtually controlled
the whole of the country by 1857 ?
Ans. l By 1857, East India Company was ruling over about 63% of the territory
and 78% of the population of India.
l It had its indirect influence on the remaining territory of the country.
So it had virtually the whole of India under its control.
+ VII. ACTIVITIES
Activity 1
Imagine that you are a young Company official who has been in India for a
few months. Write a letter home to your mother telling her about your luxurious
life and contrasting it with your earlier life in Britain.(NCERT Textbook, page 15)
Ans. Hints:
Dear Mother,
I am very much happy here. I had humble life in Britain. But India has
become a place of luxuries for me.
l Rich and the big dance at my pleasure.
l They grease my palm with gold and jewellery.

l Richest bankers are at my disposal.
Activity 2
Imagine that you have come across two old newspapers reporting on the
Battle of Seringapatam and the death of Tipu Sultan. One is a British paper and
the other is from Mysore. Write the headline for each of the two newspapers.
(NCERT Textbook, page 18)
Ans. Hints
(i) British newspapers headline
Company crushes Tipus army.
(ii) Mysore newspapers headline

Mysore Tiger Tipu Sultan fought with bravery but lost his life for
Mysore
Or
Mysore Tiger sacrificed his life for Mysore.
Activity 3
Imagine that you are a nawabs nephew and have been brought up thinking
that you will one day be king. Now you find that this will not be allowed by the
British because of the new Doctrine of Lapse. What will be your feelings? What
will you plan to do so that you can inherit the crown? (NCERT Textbook, page 19)
Ans. l My feelings would be of disappointment and disgust.
l I would raise an army. I would rise against and fight with the British.
I will defeat them.
+ VIII. MAP WORK

1. Look at the Maps 14 (a), (b) and (c) along with a present-day political
map of India. In each of these maps, try and identify the different parts
of India that were not under British rule. (NCERT Textbook, page 20)
Ans. Areas not under British control
Map 14.(a) :
Only following areas were under British control. Rest of India
was not under British rule
Part of U.P., Bihar, Bengal, Madras city, parts of Tamil
Nadu,
Coastal Andhra Pradesh and some parts of Kerala).
Map 14.(b) : Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sindh, Gujarat.

Parts of:
M.P. Odisha Andhra Pradesh
(Telangana part),
Kerala, Maharashtra, UP,
Karnataka.
Map 14.(c) : Parts of:
Jammu and Kashmir, Maharasthra, Rajasthan,
Gujarat, M.P., Odisha,
Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala.
2. Mark and label the routes to India on the old world map in the
eighteenth century.
Ans. (NCERT textbook page 10, Fig. 2.)
+ IX. TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE

1. How did East India company started trading with India ?
2. Give major features of first factory of British.
3. When was battle of Plassey fought and why ?
4. What was the result of failure of Royal Charter in eastern markets ?
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Unit Two: Parliament and the Making of Laws

Unit Three: The Judiciary

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+ II. GLOSSARY AND WORD ORIGIN

3. Ancient: Ancient means the earlier period of history or old period of

+ III. NCERT TEXTBOOK EXERCISES

+ IV. OBJECTIVE TYPE QUESTIONS

+ V. MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

2. Medieval period was

+ VI. OTHER QUESTIONS-ANSWERS

1. HOW IMPORTANT ARE DATES ?

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Q. 1.2. What is the subject-matter of the historians these days ?

l They also deal with:

 the cities development and  markets,

 new kingdoms were formed;

l It was about rulers and their policies.

l Historians wrote about

(a) the year during which a king was crowned,

1.1. Which dates?

l The importance of dates, changes with change in topic, we want to

l Lord William Bentinck l Lord Dalhousie

Q. 1.8. How do we write history ?

l It is to tell a story in a way that makes some sense and can be

followed. In the process of writing history we focus only on those

Indians have no space.

longer have significance.

1.2. How do we periodise?

manners, arts, institutions and laws should be introduced. He further

Q. 1.11. How did historians divide the Indian History ?

1.3. What is colonial?

 collected revenue to meet all their expenses,

practices. These were harmful to our interests.

2.1. Administration produces records

1. Official records of the British administration:

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2.2. Surveys become important

2.3. What official records do not tell?

l He saw preparation of maps as essential to the process of domination.

texts to Britanniathe symbol of British power.

Britannia dominating the scene.

l Married life l Her activities/works during this period.

an account of events seen and observed by the Director himself. Hence, it

are according to the observations of the correspondents and views of the

+ VIII. TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE

l British established a uniform administration with Presidencies. They trained

+ II. GLOSSARY AND WORD ORIGIN

+ III. NCERT TEXTBOOK EXERCISES

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2. Fill in the blanks:

3. State whether true or false:

l Administrative units divided into l State was divided in Subas.

the cities development and markets,

new kingdoms were formed;

collected revenue to meet all their expenses,

texts to Britanniathe symbol of British power.

9. Describe the changes that occurred in the composition of the Companys

Companys army declined. The British empire was fighting in Burma,

Robert Clive led the Companys army against Sirajuddaulah at Plassey.

l Clive had managed to secure Mir Jafars support by promising to

l They were called nabobsan anglicised version of the Indian word

He had come to Madras (now Chennai) from England in 1743 at the

initiated a new policy of paramountcy.

But Rayanna, a poor Chowkidar of Sangoli in Kittor, carried on