Traders to Rulers (I)

The chapter “Traders to Rulers (I)” details the transformation of European trading entities, especially the British East India Company, into dominant political forces in India. Initially drawn by profitable trade goods like spices and textiles, these companies capitalized on the weakening Mughal Empire and the subsequent rise of independent regional states.

The British East India Company, distinguished by its military prowess and strategic acumen, skillfully exploited this power vacuum. This triumph gave the British substantial command over Bengal’s rich resources and revenue, marking the genesis of their political ascendancy in India.

Ultimately, the chapter illustrates how the British skillfully combined military might, political machinations, and economic leverage to expand their territorial control and solidify their authority, laying the groundwork for their prolonged rule over the subcontinent.

I. Fill in the blanks:

1. Elizabeth 1 was the Queen of ________.

Ans : England

2. The French company set up its headquarters at ________.

Ans : Pondicherry

3. A group of English merchants formed the ____________.

Ans : English East India Company

4. The first Englishman to meet Emperor Jahangir was __________.

Ans : Sir Thomas Roe

5. In 1668 the English East India Company _____________ due to a marriage.

Ans : acquired Bombay

6. The wars between the English and the French companies in India are known as ___________.

Ans : Carnatic Wars

II. Match the Contents of Column A  Column B


Answer:
          Column A                                                  Column B

III. State the following Statements are True or False:

1. Calcutta (now Kolkata) was the centre of the English East India Company’s power in India for many years.
Ans : True.

2. A Charter is a formal deed by the ruler of a country guaranteeing certain rights to the subjects or a company.
Answer: True.

3. The English prestige rose after the First Carnatic War.
Answer: False.

Ans.Mir Qasim from the very beginning had very cordial relations with the English.

4. Mir Jafar hatched a conspiracy with the English against Siraj-ud-daulah.
Ans : True.

5. Clive rose to fame after his success in the Second Carnatic War.
Ans : True

6. The Battle of Buxar led to the foundation of the British empire in India.
Ans : True

IV. Answer the following questions:
Question 1.
What were ‘factories’ and who were called factors?
Answer:
In early European trading, “factories” were fortified centers combining warehouses, offices, and living spaces. “Factors” were the company agents who managed these outposts and their trade operations.

Question 2.
When and how was the English East India Company formed?
Answer:
A collective of English merchants founded a company that was granted a charter by Queen Elizabeth I on December 31, 1600. This pivotal moment allowed them to embark on ambitious trading ventures. Their early efforts in India were significantly bolstered when Sir Thomas Roe secured a “farman” (royal decree) from Emperor Jahangir in 1615, permitting the establishment of their first factory in Surat. From the outset, these English traders skillfully blended commercial pursuits with diplomatic overtures. Over time, they successfully established factories in key locations such as Surat, Agra, Ahmedabad, Broach, Hooghly, Masulipatnam, and Madras.

Question 3.
What were the main reasons for Anglo-French rivalry in India?
Answer:
France’s imperial aspirations in India were consistently thwarted by the English, leading to the Anglo-French rivalry and the three Carnatic Wars. Ultimately, the French defeat cemented English supremacy in the South, providing the British with a crucial foothold from which they expanded their conquest across India.

Question 4.
What were the causes of the conflict between Siraj-ud-daulah and the English?
Answer:
The English consistently frustrated French imperial ambitions in India, culminating in the Anglo-French rivalry and the three Carnatic Wars. This ultimately secured English dominance in the South, giving them a vital base for their eventual conquest of India.

In Bengal, a conflict brewed between Nawab Siraj-ud-daulah and the British East India Company due to several key factors: The British abused “dastaks” (duty-free trade passes), extending them to private trade, which cost the Nawab revenue and disadvantaged local merchants. They fortified Calcutta without his consent, a move the Nawab saw as a challenge to his authority. Furthermore, the British sheltered Krishna Das, a wealthy fugitive, and generally displayed disrespect and arrogance in their interactions. Finally, the Company engaged in political intrigue, plotting with disaffected members of the Nawab’s court to replace him.

Question 5.
Why did Mir Jafar enter into a conflict with the English East India Company?
Answer:
Mir Jafar’s conflict with the English East India Company arose from his growing resentment over their excessive demands for tribute and their increasing interference in Bengal’s administration after the Battle of Plassey. He sought to assert greater independence and reduce their control, leading to friction.

Question 6.
How did Mir Qasim become the Nawab of Bengal?
Answer:
Mir Qasim became Nawab of Bengal in 1760, installed by the British East India Company after they removed Mir Jafar. In exchange for their backing, Qasim agreed to substantial financial and territorial concessions.

Question 7.
Describe the circumstances that led to the Battle of Buxar.
Answer:
The Battle of Buxar in 1764 arose from growing friction between the British East India Company and Mir Qasim, the Nawab of Bengal. Mir Qasim’s attempts to assert his authority through trade reforms and military buildup led to his dethronement. He subsequently formed an alliance with Shuja-ud-Daula of Awadh and Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II. However, their defeat at Buxar solidified British supremacy in the region.

Question 8.
What were the results and significance of the Battle of Buxar?
Answer:
The Battle of Buxar in 1764 marked a turning point for the British East India Company. Their decisive victory against the combined Indian forces cemented their position as the leading power in Bengal and much of northeastern India. This win granted them the crucial Diwani rights from the Mughal Emperor, allowing them to collect revenue from Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha. This shift from a trading entity to a revenue-collecting power significantly boosted their financial might. Ultimately, Buxar dismantled any significant opposition to British expansion, paving the way for their direct administrative control and laying the groundwork for full-fledged British colonial rule in India.

V.  Picture Study –
This is a picture of a fort built by the British.

Question 1.
Identify the building.

Answer:
The image provided appears to depict Fort William in Calcutta (Kolkata), India. This identification is based on the architectural style of the building shown, which features the distinctive colonial design of British-built forts in India, and the presence of what appear to be military personnel or guards in period uniforms. Fort William was a crucial strategic and administrative center for the British East India Company, and later the British Raj, playing a significant role in their consolidation of power in Bengal. It was extensively rebuilt in the mid-18th century following the Siege of Calcutta, making it a prominent symbol of British military and political authority in the region.

Question 2.
When did the British purchase the three villages to develop into a city? Also name the villages and the city.
Answer:
In a pivotal moment for their expanding influence in India, the British East India Company strategically acquired three distinct villages in the year 1698. These villages, known as Sutanuti, Gobindapur, and Kalikata, were then systematically developed and amalgamated to form the foundational nucleus of what would become the prominent city of Calcutta. This acquisition was far more than a simple land transaction; it represented a crucial step in the establishment of British territorial control and economic dominance on the subcontinent. Calcutta rapidly transformed from a collection of rural settlements into a thriving urban center, evolving into a vital trading hub and, significantly, serving as the capital of British India for an extended period. This strategic move undeniably played a fundamental role in solidifying the British presence and shaping the future trajectory of their colonial empire in the region. Today, the city is officially known by its original Bengali name, Kolkata, a testament to its rich history and enduring cultural significance.

Question 3.
Write a short note on establishment of British factories in India.
Answer:
The British established their first “factories” (trading posts) in India primarily along the coastlines, starting in the early 17th century. These weren’t manufacturing units in the modern sense, but rather fortified warehouses and residential quarters for the East India Company’s agents and merchants. Their primary purpose was to facilitate trade, particularly in valuable Indian goods like textiles, spices, and indigo, which were in high demand in Europe.

Initially, these factories were set up with the permission of local rulers or the Mughal emperors, often through treaties or firmans (royal decrees). Key early locations included Surat (1613), Madras (Chennai) (1639), and Bombay (Mumbai) (1668, acquired from the Portuguese). These establishments provided secure bases for storing goods, conducting business, and housing Company employees. Over time, as the Mughal Empire weakened, these factories evolved from mere trading posts into centers of political and military power, eventually becoming the nuclei for British territorial expansion and colonial rule in India.

Additional Questions

EXERCISES
A. Fill in the blanks:

1. Balaji Vishwanath laid the foundation of the____________ rule of the Peshwas.

Ans : Hereditary Dynastic

2. __________ was the cultural capital of Awadh.

Ans : Lucknow

3. Mysore, under the leadership of __________became the most formidable adversary of the English East India Company in the south.

Ans : Hyder Ali 

4. ___________, the tenth Sikh guru, organized a military brotherhood of Sikhs called Khalsa.

Ans : Guru Govind Singh ji

5. The Sikhs were organized into a loose confederacy of____misls or groups.

Ans : 12 

B. Match the following:

Answer:

C. Choose the correct answer:

1. The Marathas/Sikhs/Rajputs had the power and potential to establish an all-India empire after the collapse of the Mughal empire.
Ans. The Marathas had the power and potential to establish an all- India empire after the collapse of the Mughal empire.

2. Shahu was ease-loving and a weak Maratha/Sikh/Rajput
Ans. Shahu was easy-loving and a weak Maratha ruler.

3. The Maratha empire reached the heights of its power am glory during the reign of Balaji Vishwanath/Baji Rao I/Balaj Baji Rao.
Ans. The Maratha empire reached the heights of its power and glor during the reign of Balaji Vishwanath.

4. Shuja-ud-Daulah was the nawab of Hyderabad/Awadh/Bengal.
Ans. Shuja-ud-Daulah was the nawab of Awadh.

5. The state of Hyderabad/Awadh/Mysore was founded by the Mughal viceroy of the Deccan, Nizam-ul-Mulk Asaf Jah.
Ans. The state of Hyderabad was founded by the Mughal viceroy ol the Deccan, Nizam-ul-Mulk Asaf Jah.

D. State whether the following are true or false:

1. Bengal was one of the poorest provinces of the Mughal empire.
Ans : False.
Correct:- Bengal was the richest provinces of the Mughal empire.

2. The most capable among the successors of Murshid Quli Khan was Alivardi Khan.
Ans : True.

3. Lucknow was the cultural centre of Bengal. 

Ans : False
Correct : Lucknow was the cultural centre of Awadh.

4. The most powerful kingdom in the south was Mysore.
Ans : True

5. Ranjit Singh became the master of Punjab by the end of the 18th century.
Ans : True

E. Answer the following questions in one or two words/ sentences:

Question 1.
What followed the disintegration of the Mughal empire?
Answer:
The decline of the Mughal Empire paved the way for the emergence of several independent and semi-independent regional powers. These included:

• Bengal: Under Murshid Quli Khan, Bengal became largely autonomous, though it continued to pay tribute to the Mughals.
• Awadh: Saadat Khan established a virtually independent state in Awadh, focusing on administration and economic development.
• Marathas: Building on the legacy of Shivaji, the Marathas expanded their influence significantly, posing a major challenge to Mughal authority and becoming a dominant power.
• Mysore: Under rulers like Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, Mysore rose as a formidable power in the South, known for its military innovations.
• Sikhs: The Sikh Misls consolidated their power in Punjab, eventually leading to the establishment of a powerful Sikh kingdom under Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

These regional powers, while sometimes acknowledging nominal Mughal suzerainty, effectively carved out their own spheres of influence, contributing to the fragmentation of the empire and setting the stage for future political developments in India.

Question 2.
What is the significance of the Third Battle of Panipat?
Answer:
The Third Battle of Panipat (1761) was a devastating Maratha defeat against Ahmad Shah Abdali’s Afghans. It crucially weakened Maratha power, creating a power vacuum in northern India that the British East India Company exploited, ultimately facilitating their rise to dominance and marking the end of significant indigenous efforts to unify India.

Question 3.
What advantage did Murshid Quli Khan take of the decline in the power of the Mughal empire?
Answer:
Murshid Quli Khan, Bengal’s Governor, capitalized on the declining Mughal Empire to assert his de facto independence. While he maintained the practice of paying tribute, he effectively ruled Bengal as a sovereign state.

Question 4.
How did political and economic stability in Awadh impact cultural development in Lucknow?
Answer:
Political and economic stability in Awadh, particularly under its Nawabs, fostered a vibrant cultural efflorescence in Lucknow. The consistent patronage of arts, architecture, music (especially Kathak and Thumri), poetry (Urdu ghazals), and refined etiquette (tehzeeb) flourished, transforming Lucknow into a prominent cultural hub often referred to as the “Shiraz-e-Hind” (Shiraz of India). This stability allowed resources and talent to converge, creating a unique and sophisticated courtly culture.

Question 5.
How did political instability in the Carnatic benefit the European trading companies?
Answer:

• Intervening in local politics: They supported rival claimants to thrones, offering military aid and financial backing in exchange for territorial concessions, trade privileges, and control over revenue collection.
• Building military strength: Their involvement in these conflicts allowed them to maintain and expand their own private armies, gaining battlefield experience and proving their military superiority over local forces.
• Gaining economic advantages: By backing winning factions, they secured exclusive trading rights, monopolies over valuable goods, and direct control over vast resources, which fueled their commercial expansion and enriched their coffers.
• Weakening local rulers: The constant warfare and the dependence of Indian rulers on European military support eroded the authority and resources of native states, making them increasingly subservient to the foreign powers.

In essence, the instability provided a pretext and opportunity for the European companies to transform themselves from mere traders into significant political and military players, laying the groundwork for their eventual colonial dominance.

Question 6.
Name any two principal Rajput states that took advantage of the declining power of the Mughals and asserted their independence.
Answer:
As the Mughal Empire declined in the 18th century, Rajput states like Marwar and Amber seized the opportunity. Marwar’s Rathores expanded their territory, while Amber’s Kachwahas, celebrated for their governance, modernized their state and strategically secured their independence. Both exemplify how regional powers capitalized on Mughal weakness to reassert their sovereignty.

Question 7.
What made the Rajputs vulnerable to the selfish designs of the English East India Company?
Answer:
The Rajputs’ internal divisions and constant infighting significantly weakened them, making them vulnerable. Their inability to form a unified front, coupled with a focus on individual kingdom interests rather than collective Rajput strength, allowed the English East India Company to exploit these rivalries through alliances, subsidies, and military aid, gradually undermining their independence and expanding British influence.

Question 8.
Name the signatories of the Treaty of Amritsar.
Answer:
Though it curbed his southern ambitions, the treaty strategically allowed Ranjit Singh to expand his empire significantly to the north and west. For the British, under Lord Minto’s leadership, the primary aim of the treaty was to mitigate the perceived threat of a French invasion via Afghanistan.

F. Answer the following questions briefly:
Question 1.
The second phase of Maratha history was a period of the dominance of the peshwas. In this context answer the following questions:
(a)State the circumstances that led of the growth of peshwa dominance in the Maratha kingdom

.(b)Discuss the achievements of

1.  Baji Rao I and
2. Balaji Baji Rao.

(c) was the Maratha confederacy established?
Answer:
(a) The growth of Peshwa dominance arose from the weakened authority of Chhatrapatis after Shahu’s reign, internal Maratha conflicts, and the Peshwas’ administrative and military acumen, particularly their success in expanding Maratha territories and revenue collection.

(b) Baji Rao I significantly expanded the Maratha Empire northwards, employing guerilla warfare effectively and establishing Maratha supremacy over much of Central India. Balaji Baji Rao (Nana Saheb) further extended Maratha power across India, reached its zenith, and managed the empire’s finances and administration, although his reign also saw the disastrous Third Battle of Panipat.

(c) The Maratha Confederacy was established gradually during the mid-18th century as the Peshwas consolidated power and granted semi-autonomous control to powerful Maratha chiefs (like Holkars, Scindias, Gaekwads, Bhonsles) over various regions in exchange for military support and tribute. This decentralized structure aimed to manage the vast and expanding Maratha territories.

Question 2.
With reference to the rise and growth of Bengal as a regional power, discuss the following:
(a) achievements of Murshid Quli Khan
(b) The rule of Alivardi Khan
(c) The failures of the nawabs of Bengal
Answer:
(a) Achievements of Murshid Quli Khan: He consolidated Bengal’s administration, making it virtually independent from the declining Mughal Empire. Through fiscal reforms and encouraging trade, he ensured economic prosperity, transforming Bengal into a wealthy province.

(b) The rule of Alivardi Khan: He maintained Bengal’s independence, keeping the Marathas at bay and skillfully managing the European trading companies. His focus on internal stability and economic growth preserved Bengal’s affluence during his reign.

(c) The failures of the Nawabs of Bengal: Subsequent Nawabs, particularly Siraj-ud-Daulah, failed to understand the true threat posed by the British East India Company. Their inability to forge strong alliances, internal court intrigues, military weaknesses, and lack of decisive action against British encroachment ultimately led to their downfall and the Company’s rise to power in Bengal.

Question 3.
The collapse of the Vijayanagar kingdom was followed by the emergence of the powerful kingdom of Mysore. In this context discuss the following:
(a) The collapse of the Vijayanagar empire
(b)The achievements of Hyder Ali
(c)The contribution of Tipu Sultan
Answer:
(a)The collapse of the Vijayanagar empire in the 17th century fragmented the Deccan into numerous warring states. Mysore emerged as a notable exception, skillfully preserving its autonomy amidst the chaos. He forged a prosperous and powerful state, directly challenging the burgeoning influence of the English East India Company. His son, Tipu Sultan, inherited this strength, implementing progressive reforms across administration, military, and economy, fostering growth in agriculture, trade, and industry.

(b)The failure of the resurgent Rajputs to establish an empire in India stemmed from their disunity. Constant internal rivalries among their numerous independent states, coupled with a lack of centralized leadership, prevented them from consolidating power. Additionally, their military tactics, often traditional and less adaptable than those of their adversaries, hindered their ability to forge a widespread dominion.
(c)
Tipu Sultan made significant contributions to the Kingdom of Mysore, particularly in military innovation and administration.

His key contributions include:

• Military Modernization: Tipu was a pioneer in using iron-cased rockets in warfare, significantly enhancing Mysore’s military capabilities. He also modernized his army along European lines.
• Administrative Reforms: He introduced a new calendar, a new coinage system, and a new land revenue system, which boosted the Mysore economy, including the silk industry.
• Economic Development: Mysore’s economy flourished under his rule, with a focus on agriculture and manufacturing. He also established trading houses.

G. Picture study:

This is a picture of the founder of the kingdom that extended from the Khyber Pass in the north to Sindh in the south.

Question 1.
Identify the person in the picture.
Answer:
The person in the picture is Maharaja Ranjit Singh, often referred to as the “Lion of Punjab.” He was the visionary founder and first Maharaja of the Sikh Empire in the early 19th century. His remarkable leadership led to the consolidation of various Sikh misls (confederacies) into a powerful, unified state.

Ranjit Singh’s kingdom, at its zenith, indeed stretched from the strategic Khyber Pass in the north-west, a crucial gateway to Central Asia, down to the province of Sindh in the south. His territorial conquests also extended to include Kashmir in the north and the Sutlej River forming a significant part of his eastern boundary. He achieved this expansive domain through a combination of astute military campaigns, diplomatic prowess, and by modernizing his army with European training and artillery, making it a formidable force in the subcontinent. His reign is remembered for its stability, efficient administration, and remarkable religious tolerance, fostering a period of prosperity in the Punjab region.

Question 2.
Name the kingdom founded by him.
Answer:
The individual depicted is Maharaja Ranjit Singh, who founded the Sikh Empire. He unified the Sikh confederacies, extending his kingdom from the Khyber Pass in the north to Sindh in the south during the early 19th century.

Question 3.
What did he do to expand his kingdom?
Answer:
Ranjit Singh expanded his kingdom by both military means and astute diplomacy. He unified disparate Sikh confederacies and modernized his army with European methods, giving him a powerful advantage. This enabled him to conquer crucial territories like Lahore, Amritsar, Multan, Kashmir, and Peshawar, significantly extending his empire’s reach.

Question 4.
Name the treaty signed between him and the English East India Company.
Answer:
The Treaty of Amritsar, signed on April 25, 1809, by Maharaja Ranjit Singh and the British East India Company, designated the Sutlej River as the boundary between the Sikh Empire and British-protected territories. This agreement curtailed Ranjit Singh’s southern expansion but facilitated his consolidation and expansion westward and northward, establishing a vast Sikh Empire and ensuring peace between the two powers for decades.

Question 5.
What effect did this treaty have on his policy of expansion?
Answer:
The Treaty of Amritsar (1809) fundamentally altered Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s expansionist strategy by establishing the Sutlej River as the boundary with British territories. This agreement curtailed his southern ambitions into the Cis-Sutlej states, preventing the unification of all Sikh misls. As a result, Ranjit Singh shifted his military campaigns westward and northward, successfully conquering regions like Kashmir, Multan, and Peshawar, expanding his empire in new directions while avoiding conflict with the British.