How successful was Indian resistance to British attempts

to take control of lands in the subcontinent? Explain your

answer. [14] (Past paper, June 2002: Q1/c.
Battle of Plassy, 1757
Siraj-ud-Daula defeated and killed, Mir Jafar, Bengal went under British control --->Failure
Battle of Buxar, 1764
Joint forces of Mir Qasim, Shah Alam II and the Nawab of Oudh defeated ---->Failure
First Anglo-Maysore War, 1766
Haider Ali defended his territories ----> Success
Second Anglo-Maysore War (1779-84)
Crushing defeats to Britishh troops by Haider Ali and Tipu Sultan in a number of encounters. Indian
territories expanded. ----> Prestigious success
Third Anglo-Maysore War, 1789
Tipu Sultan lost half of his territories, humiliating treaty ---->Failure
Fourth Anglo-Maysore War, 1798-99
Tipu killed by joint forces of British and the Nizam of Hyderabad ---->Failure
Anglo-Marathan Wars
The first Marathan war lasted for about 7 years (1775-82); defeats to British in some encounters,
Marathas defeated in the third Anglo-Marathan war decisively in 1818 annexing their territories with the
British Empire. ---->Resisted the early invasions but failed in the third war.
Anglo-Sikh Wars
Sikhs fought 2 wars against the British EIC in Punjab in 1840s and lost both. ---->Failure
War of Independence 1857
Uprising in several cities, suppressed within a few months ----->Failure
[Conclusion] Indian resistance to defend their lands was not successful due to their disunity and lack of
modern military equipment.

Explain why Britain was so successful in extending its

control of the sub-continent between 1750 and 1850. [7]
(Past Paper, June 2011: Q1/b)
[Military Superiority] The British were successful in gaining control over India because of
their military superiority. They fought a series of bloody wars and defeated a number of
strong local rulers like Siraj-ud-Daulah in the battle of Plassy, Tipu Sultan in the battle of
Maysure, the Marathas and the Sikhs. They had latest warfare tools, efficient communication
for quick deployment of troops and sound financial resources for fighting costly wars in the
far-flung areas. They had well-trained army and good planners of war strategies. They were
also expert in bribing and conspiring with the key persons like Mir Jafar and Mir Sadiq with
the help of whom they defeated their strong rivals in the battlefields.
[Dealing Skills] The British were very skilled diplomatic experts. They gained the support
of a number of local rulers. They were shrewd in purchasing the loyalties of influential
Indians. They signed subsidiary alliances with local rulers under which the rulers were

granted protection by the British troops. In return, they paid the salaries of the soldiers and
provided residence to a British advisor. These were lucrative deals and control on the affairs!
[Indian Disunity] Indians were not united as a single nation. They were divided along
religious, linguistic and ethnic lines. Local rulers were interested only to their own territories.
Some princely states even supplied troops to the British when they were fighting against
their countrymen. It was very easy for the strong British army to conquer them one after the
other. Majority of the well-off Indians stayed away from the wars. They were making profits
by trading with the English merchants. They were also happy with the infrastructure the
British were developing including schools, hospitals, roads, railway networks and irrigation
systems.
[Doctrine of Lapse] The doctrine of lapse, introduced in 1852, was a land-grabbing law. If
the ruler of a princely state would pass away without having a direct heir, his kingdom would
become property of the British. A number of states were seized under this law.

Why did the East India Company become involved in the

subcontinent? [7] (Past Paper, June 2001: Q1/b)
[Economic Reasons] There was enormous wealth in the subcontinent. Trade, profit and power were the
real motives that East India Company (EIC) was looking at. Indian goods including spices, silk, yarn,
cloth, cotton and goods of metalworkers were very demanding in the European markets. British factories
needed raw materials while British merchants needed big markets like India to sell their industrial
products. Cotton was the main raw material for the textile industries in Britain. EIC made huge profits and
the company flourished very rapidly. By 1620, the company operated about 40 ships for trade with India.
The company was having a very profitable future in trade with India. Indian soldiers at very cheap wages
were available to protect their trade and profits.
[Political Reasons] East India Company had no political motives at first. It came to India primarily for
trade. But the decline of Mughal Empire and the demolition of Maratha Power in 1761 by Ahmad Shah
Abdali prepared the gateway for the British to take over India. Lack of a strong central government
attracted the British attention for interfering with Indian political affairs. By that time, they had already got
the skills of dealing with Indian rulers and merchants. Now they started thinking about establishing British
Raj in the subcontinent.
[Regional Influence] India had strategic position on the globe. It would give regional supremacy to the
British and Royal Navy. They would control the sea routes and hence trade with the East. The company
also wanted to westernize the Indians. The British believed that western culture is superior and must be
spread in the world. They thought themselves the most civilized nation of the world.

Why were the British able to replace the Mughals as the

dominant force in the sub-continent by 1850? [7]
The most important reason is that Indians were not united as a nation against the invaders.
India was a collection of disunited states with religious and cultural differences. The rulers
plotted against each other and fought among themselves. Many of them were seeking
protection from the British who had come there for establishing their own empire. A number
of local rulers and princely states provided support to the British when they were fighting
against the Mughals or other provincial nawabs.
The British were good planners of war strategies, they were equipped with latest warfare

tools and naval equipment and had well-trained armies. They had enough financial
resources and could afford fighting long costly wars. They used efficient means of
communications e.g. railways for quick deployment of their troops. So they were
technologically much more advanced than Indians. Furthermore, they were highly
committed in expanding the British Empire.
Thirdly, many Indians gained benefits by trading with the British. They appreciated the
development of infrastructure facilities like roads, schools, hospitals and thousands of miles
of railway network. The British irrigated millions of acres of land and provided jobs to a great
number of Indians. So businessmen, traders and moderate Indians were convenient with the
British rule and cooperated accordingly.

Explain why the successors of Auragzeb failed to prevent

the decline of Mughal Empire? [7]
Firstly, Aurangzeb's successors fought for succession to the throne which seriously undermined the
military and financial strengths of the empire. Many important personalities who were capable of running
the affairs of the state lost their lives in these wars.
The successors of Aurangzeb were pleasure-loving and did not take serious interests in the affairs of the
empire. They gave all the powers to their ministers and nawabs who governed the state according to their
own interests and wishes. They were extravagant in spite of poor economical conditions. They spent a lot
of money on finest dresses, jewelry and foods. They used to serve a number of dishes in official
invitations.
They gave no attention to the development of modern warfare tools, military training and naval
technology. Due to their weak military position, they could not defend the empire against external
invasions and internal rebellions.

How far was Aurangzeb responsible for the decline of

Mughal Empire? [7]
Aurangzeb was ambitious to be the ruler of entire India. He built up a massive army and launched several
military campaigns to expand his empire. He went north-west into Afghanistan, and drove southwards to
conquer Bijapur and Golconda states. Though he succeeded in expanding the empire, but it was at
enormous cost in lives and treasury.
Instead of political solution through negotiation, he always tried to suppress the rebellions by using
military force. A number of revolts rose against him throughout the empire - Rajputs, Jats, Sikhs,
Satnamis, Marathas and Pathan tribes. These far-flung campaigns were extremely costly and almost
drained the Mughal treasury.
To sustain long costly wars, Aurangzeb obviously needed money for his armies and so he levied heavy
taxes on the people including the Jizya tax on non-Muslims. This caused immense displeasure in the
people and resulted in political instability in the empire.
According to some historians, his religious policies were intolerant towards non-Muslims. A number of
temples were destroyed and construction of new ones was forbidden, and he tried to impose Islamic laws
on non-Muslims which caused an angry reaction in them.

However, the kingdom survived for 150 years after Aurangzeb's death. There were a number of other
reasons that lead to the disintegration of the empire including weak successors, foreign invasions,
vastness of the empire, fratricidal wars and final blow from the British. So Aurangzeb solely cannot be
held responsible for the collapse of the Mughal Empire.

Robert Clive started his career in the East India Company as clerk but soon
he felt that he was more suitable for army rather than working as clerk. He
was very successful in his army expeditions. In 1751, he won the battle of
Arcot against the French. In 1757, he had the biggest achievement of his
life when he conquered Bengal in the battle of Plassey defeating Nawab
Siraj-ud-Daula. He won the battle of Pondecherry in 1761. He was made
the Governor of Bengal after Plassey. However he had to face corruption
charges and he went back to England. The corruption charges were not
proven but the disgrace and addiction to opium made him commit suicide in
1773.

EAST INDIA COMPANY:

The Queen Elizabeth granted charter to the East India Company in 1600 as
a trading company for all trade east of Africa. After failing in Indonesia, the
company tried their luck in India. In 1608, Emperor Jahangir refused their
request to trade but his son Shah Jahan granted this permission in 1612.
Within hundred years, the company founded the cities of Bombay and
Calcutta.
Immense wealth and luxurious life of Indian princes was the main cause of
attraction for the Europeans and also the British. It is a country of fertile land and

agricultural produce, mineral wealth and other natural resources. Since early history, it was attractive
to invaders. Europe on the other hand has cold climate and lesser natural resources. Since twelfth
century, scientific development started in Europe which led to the development of weaponry. Gun
powder started modern guns and cannons. These factors encouraged Europeans to invade and
capture other fertile lands where the rulers were divided and disintegrated. The Europeans came
to Indiafor wealth but due to their lesser number and a strong system of kings in India, they could not
gain political power. The stories of the luxurious life of Indian Nawabs and Rajas were known to
Europeans. Their clothes, jewelry, immense wealth and luxury always attracted Europeans and they
saw golden opportunities of business in India. The Portuguese, the Dutch,the French and finally the
British tried their luck in India. Until the death of Aurangzeb, Mughals had become very weak and the
EIC decided to take advantage of this weakness. Until, 1750, Mughals had lost their wealth as well

as their prestige. Soon the British got involved in practical politics and captured India within hundred
years.

East India Company also involved due to the competition and political
rivalry with the other European nations. European nations were almost equal in

technological development and they had captured the wealth-producing regions of the world. For this
reason, when East India Company went to Indonesia, they were expelled by the Dutch. Even
in India, the Emperor Jahangir did not permit them to trade but they were lucky that they were
granted permission by the Prince Shah Jahan. There was a rivalry between the Europeans and they
wanted to supersede each other. Besides that, the British had a strong government of
Queen Victoria. They were rich, organized and advanced in technology but in India, they had
competition with Portuguese, Dutch and later with the French. However they could not imagine in
1608 that they would become the rulers of India in hundred years.

Why was Britain so successful in expanding its control of the sub-continent between 1750
and 1850?

[7.N.06][7.J.11]

One important reason was the weaknesses of the Indians and the
Mughals. Since 1750 to 1850, the British conquered India completely. After the death of
Aurangzeb in 1707, the decline became faster due to succession wars, independence of provinces
and lazy and greedy characteristics of Mughals. By 1718, more than twelve people were claiming as
kings. They were spending wealth ruthlessly on succession wars. They had become lazy, greedy
and luxurious. There was no concept of using better strategy of war or improving weapons. Food,
clothes, jewelry and non-Islamic, immoral practices had become a part of life. Nothing was different
in provinces. Seeing a weak centre, provinces stopped paying tax to the centre and gradually
became independent. They did not realize the dangers around them. Sikhs in Punjab had become
very strong and Marathas were attacking Delhi. In 1738, Nadir Shah and in 1747, Ahmed Shah
captured Delhi and made the Mughals bankrupt. Mughals lost finance, morals, prestige and it was a
good chance for the British to take advantage of this weakness.

Another reason was the strengths of the British . On the other hand the British were a
team of devoted loyal officers guided by a strong government. In hundred years they understood the
weaknesses of Indians very well. Their army was highly organized, disciplined and loaded with
modern weapons in huge quantity due to industrial revolution. They had the national spirit and the
concept of the superiority of whites over blacks. These factors made them very strong.

Due to these reasons, the British were able to capture India in hundred
years. The conquest ofBengal in 1757 made the British very rich. Soon the

fertile land of Oudh also came in their control. In 1764, the Mughal king, 9the Nawab of Oudh and
the Nawab of Bengal lost the battle of Buxar which broke Indian power. In 1799, Sultan Tipu of
Maisur was defeated. In 1803, Delhi came under the British control. By 1849, Sind and Punjab also

came under their domination. In 1784, the British government took powers from the East India
Company. Professional officers were sent to run the government, law and order was controlled,
communications like roads and railways were built and irrigation and postal system was developed.
All these factors not only made the British rule strong but it also benefited Indians.

Why did the British Government take control of the affairs of the East
India Company in the early nineteenth century?
[7.J.04]
In 1784, the India Act was passed by which the British government took
direct control of Indian possessions and the Governor-General took control
of three presidencies. Provincial governors and a Commander-in-chief were
appointed.
One important reason of this control was the corruption of the East India
Company. The officials of the Company were taking bribes from local
merchants, local people lost employment opportunities and the Company
did not spend any money for the welfare of locals. In four major famines,
fifteen million people died. Sir Robert Clive had to face a court trial on
corruption. Even the appointments of the British citizens in the company's
jobs had to give bribes. All this corruption came to the extent that even the
British felt embarrassment. It was a scene of anarchy, confusion, bribery
and corruption. The British House of Commons called the Company's
government most corrupt on the face of the earth. This was making the
British nation unpopular and cause of being called a bad nation. Therefore,
the British government took control in their hand.
The British did not want to lose income from India. Since the British control
over Indian lands was increasing day by day, it was not possible for a group
of company directors to control a huge population. Political problems
needed political solutions and for this purpose trained diplomats were
needed. The British never wanted to lose a huge wealth coming from India.
In order to save their interests, the government took control in their hand.
Another reason was a possible Russian invasion. Russia was not far away
from India. The Russians had to cross Afghanistan in order to attack India. The

Russians were equally advanced in weapons and war techniques. The British could
not leave India to that risk and to prevent Russia, a trained team of diplomats was
needed and for this purpose, they took control from the East India Company

REASONS FOR THE DECLINE

OF THE MUGHAL EMPIRE
The Mughal Empire which had reached its zenith, began to decline
after the reign of Aurangzeb. There were many causes for the
downfall of the Mughal Empire.
Aurangzebs responsibility: Aurangzeb was largely responsible
for the downfall of the Mughal Empire. His predecessors did a lot
to win over the loyalty of his subjects, but Aurangzeb being a
Fanatic could not tolerate the non-Muslims. He imposed jaziya and
forbade the celebrations of Hindu Festivals. He thus lost friendship
and loyalty with the Rajputs. His execution of the Sikh guru and
his enmity with the Marathas forced them to raise forces against
him. His excessive obsession with the Deccan destroyed Mughal
army, treasure and also affected his health. Aurangzeb being a
Fanatic Sunni Muslim, could not even tolerate the Shias. He laid
too much of stress on simplicity and was against singing, dancing
and drinking which were common habits of the Muslim nobles.
Aurangzeb, thus himself gave a green signal to the forces of
decay. After the death of Aurangzeb, the mighty empire
disintegrated into smaller states.
Weak successors: The successors of Aurangzeb were both
weak and incompetent. They spent more time on their harems
and pleasure and soon lost control of the state,
No Definite Law of Succession: There was no definite law of
succession during the Mughal Empire. After the death of every
Emperor, there ensued a bloody war of succession amongst his
sons. Each one, used nobles and members of the royal household
to get the throne. This created anarchy. This made the Mughal
power weak and vulnerable.

Poor Economy: The Economic condition of the Mughal Empire

was ruined because of constant wars. They spent money lavishly
on buildings and monuments. Finally the foreign invasions
completely shattered the economy.
Moral Degradation of Soldiers: The Mughal soldiers had
wealth and luxury, which made them lazy, corrupt and inefficient.
They were pleasure-giving and easygoing. Often they were also
disloyal. They sometimes fought only for money and easily got
succumbed to bribes.
Rise of New Powers: New Powers such as the Sikhs, the Jhats
and the Marathas came onto the scene. They broke off from the
Mughal domination and established their independent states.
Coming of Europeans: The Europeans, especially British played
a major role in putting an end to the Mughal Empire. They
obtained a firman to trade with India. Gradually, the started
interfering with Indian politics, gradually the established a British
Empire in India which lasted for about 200 years.
Foreign Invasions: The invasions of Nadir Shah and Ahmad
Shah Abdali proved fatal to the Mughal Empire. India also became
an easy prey for foreign rulers.