Q1.

) Discuss the reasons behind the British emerging as the most formidable power in India
by the end of 18th century, outdoing everyone. (250 words)

Answer.)

It was the immense wealth of India that attracted the Europeans to this country. The
Europeans came to know about the vast wealth of India from the accounts of Marco Polo and
other travellers.

Among all the European nations who came as traders to India after new sea routes were
discovered, England emerged as the most powerful and successful by the end of the
eighteenth century. The major factors for the British success are:

1. Political Factors:
 Governance/ Administration: The English East India Company was
controlled by a board of directors whose members were elected
annually. The trading companies of France and Portugal were largely
owned by the State and their nature was in many ways feudalistic.
 Political Stability: With the exception of the Glorious Revolution of
1688, Britain witnessed a stable government with efficient monarchs.
Other European nations like France witnessed the violent revolution in
1789 and afterward the Napoleonic Wars. The Dutch and Spain were
also involved in the 80-years war in the 17th century which weakened
Portuguese imperialism.
2. Defence and Leadership:

Naval Supremacy: The Royal Navy of Britain was the most advanced
ot its time and a major reason why British were able to defeat the
Portuguese and the French.
 Quality of leadership: Robert Clive, Warren Hastings, Elphinstone,
Munro etc. showed high quality of leadership.
3. Economic Factors:
 Industrial Revolution: It started in England in the early 18th century
and reached to the other European countries only after Britain. This
helped Britain in maintaining its hegemony.
 Strong Financial Backup: The British had enough funds to pay the
directors of East India Company with good dividends which inturn
compelled them to finance the British wars in India.
4. Social Factors:
 Lesser Zeal for Religion: Britain was less zealous about religion and
less interested in spreading Christianity, as compared to Spain,
Portugal or Dutch. Thus, its rule was far more acceptable to the Indians
than that of other colonial powers.

By the end of the eighteenth century, the British had firmly established their position in India.
A large part of the country was under direct British rule. The areas that remained independent
were indirectly under British influence. India was subjugated politically as well as
economically.
Q2) The system of permanent settlement not only had economic consequences, but also
gave rise to a new social structure in the Indian society. Explain (150 words)

Answer)

The Permanent Settlement was brought into effect by the Governor-General Lord Cornwallis
in 1793. This was basically an agreement between the company and the Zamindars to fix the
land revenue. First enacted in Bengal, Bihar and Odisha.

Economic Consequences:

1. for Zamindars:
 Zamindars became wealthier as the permanent settlement vested
ownership rights on them.
 they invested in trade and commerce, thus some positive impact on
other segments of economy were seen
 The Zamindar had to deposit the collected revenue on a day fixed
before sunset, if not done, he would loose part or full of estate and then
the estate would be sold in open auction. Thus many zamindars also
became defaulters.
2. for East India Company/ Britain:
 By this settlement, the company was sure of getting fixed revenues.
 It also facilitated the easier method of collection of revenue through
Zamindars.
 However, the permanent settlement could not enhance the amount of
land revenue because it was inherent in the settlement that it was
permanent in terms of revenue also and company could not increase a
single pie even if there was rise in the produce or prices of the produce.
3. for Peasants:

 The Peasants had no right over land and could be kicked out any time.

How it gave rise to a new social structure:

1. Since the permanent settlement made Zamindars owners of land, peasants were left at
their mercy.
2. the society was divided into two mutually hostile classes of Zamindars and Tenants.
3. While Zamindars were favourite children of British Imperialism, they were few in
numbers in comparison to the other class of tenants. British won loyalty of a few at
cost of many.
4. A new crop of unofficial middlemen also grew between the Zamindars and Peasants.
A Zamindar would sublet the land to a middlemen and would relocate to big cities
like Calcutta to live a luxurious life.

Thus, the Permanent Settlement brought no advantage to anybody except the landlords. It
proved more harmful than useful. Besides, whatever advantaged it had, those could be
achieved by a settlement which covered a period of nearly fifteen to twenty years. The
Company also realised it and, therefore, did not introduce it in other parts of India except in
Northern Sarkars in the South and the district of Banaras in the North. The permanent
settlement system was completely abolished after India’s independence.

Note: If possible, draw a small map of india after the intro and shade the regions/states
where Permanent settlement was introduced.