GSEB Class 8 Social Science Solutions Chapter 4 How the Traders Became Rulers

GSEB Class 8 Social Science How the Traders Became Rulers Textbook Questions and Answers

Answer the Following Questions:

 

Question 1. On an outline map of India, mark Satara, Nagpur and Jhansi which were annexed by Lord Dalhousie.
Answer: To answer this question, you need to find an outline map of India. Then, locate and mark the cities of Satara, Nagpur, and Jhansi on it. These locations represent areas that Lord Dalhousie took over as part of the British annexation policy.
In simple words: Get a blank map of India. Find Satara, Nagpur, and Jhansi on the map, and draw a mark on each one. These are places Lord Dalhousie added to British rule.

Exam Tip: When asked to mark places on a map, always use clear, small dots or crosses and label them neatly. Be sure to use an accurate political map of India for reference.

 

Question 2. How did the British benefit by Subsidiary Alliance and Annexation Policy?
Answer: India had many small and large states without much unity among them. As a result, British policy, 'Divide and Rule', caused the ruin of Indian states. Many native kings became subjects of the British when they accepted Lord Wellesley's Subsidiary Alliance. Over a period of seven years, Wellesley expanded the company through the Subsidiary Alliance and made British rule supreme in India. Kings who accepted the Subsidiary Alliance thought they were safe and grew irresponsible. This led to complete mismanagement in their states. Dalhousie then took over many states using the Annexation policy and established British control over them. He defeated some states in battle and prevented childless kings from adopting an heir, thus taking over their states as well. In this way, Dalhousie established British rule across all of India. This is how the British gained significantly from the Subsidiary Alliance and Annexation policies.
In simple words: The British used 'Divide and Rule' to weaken Indian states. Subsidiary Alliance made many kings dependent on them and mismanagement followed. Dalhousie then took over states by war or if kings had no sons. This helped the British expand their rule and gain a lot.

Exam Tip: Clearly explain both the Subsidiary Alliance and the Annexation Policy, detailing how each contributed to British expansion and financial gain in India.

 

Question 3. Why were the British not successful in establishing their rule in Punjab during the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh?
Answer: Maharaja Ranjit Singh, known as 'the Lion of Punjab,' was a very mighty king of Punjab. He had built a strong army with the assistance of European officers to defend his state. He overcame the rulers of neighboring states in Punjab, making him a powerful and victorious leader. Therefore, the British could not establish their power in Punjab during Maharaja Ranjit Singh's reign.
In simple words: Maharaja Ranjit Singh was a very strong and victorious king with a powerful army built with European help. He defended his state well, so the British could not conquer Punjab while he ruled.

Exam Tip: Emphasize Maharaja Ranjit Singh's strong military and his success against other rulers as key reasons for British failure to establish control in Punjab during his time.

 

Question 4. What reforms were made by Dalhousie in India ?
Answer: The changes Lord Dalhousie brought to India included:
(1) He started the railway, the telegraph, and the postal system. The first railway line began from Mumbai to Thane in 1853 C.E. He also introduced the modern postal system in India. During his time, a telegraph system was set up between England and India.
(2) He passed a rule to ban child marriages and supported widow remarriages.
(3) Universities were set up in Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata in 1857 C.E., thanks to Dalhousie's efforts.
In simple words: Dalhousie brought several important changes. He started railways, telegraphs, and a modern postal system. He also helped ban child marriages, allowed widow remarriages, and established universities in major cities.

Exam Tip: List Dalhousie's reforms clearly, categorizing them into infrastructure (railways, telegraph, postal) and social reforms (child marriage, widow remarriage, education) for a complete answer.

 

Question 5. Discuss about the special features of Subsidiary Alliance and Annexation Policy.
Answer:
Subsidiary Alliance:

• Lord Wellesley introduced a new plan, called 'Subsidiary Alliance,' to stop the French from becoming the strongest power in India and to make British rule the supreme power in India's native states.
• The princely states that agreed to this policy had to keep and maintain the British army, and also have a British representative in their Royal Court.
• This allowed the British to maintain their army without spending any money. At the same time, they started dominating and threatening the princely states.

Kings who accepted the Subsidiary Alliance believed the British were their allies and would protect them. So, they became careless, and their administration started getting worse.
Annexation Policy:
Dalhousie introduced the Annexation policy, which meant ending the rule of native kings and bringing their states under direct British rule.

• Poor management in states, caused by irresponsible kings, allowed Dalhousie to take over many of them.
• If a king passed away without a male heir, his state was taken over. For example, Satara, Jaitpur, Jhansi, Sambalpur, Nagpur, Arkat, Tanjore, and Karnataka were annexed.
• Other states were taken over by defeating them in battle. For example, he took over Punjab by defeating the Sikhs. Myanmar is another instance. Thus, Lord Dalhousie made British rule free from rivals through 'Victory, Confiscation and Annexation.'

In simple words: Subsidiary Alliance made Indian states keep British armies at their own cost, making the British powerful without spending money. Kings became careless, leading to misrule. The Annexation Policy let the British take over states when rulers died without an heir or by winning battles, like with Punjab. These policies helped the British expand their control easily.

Exam Tip: For this question, define each policy separately and then list their key characteristics and consequences, using examples where appropriate to illustrate their impact.

 

Question 1. (Activities) Write five-six sentences in your notebook about the British who came to India.
(Activities) 2. On an outline map of India, mark Avadh (Ayodhya), Satara, Punjab, Nagpur and Jhansi which were annexed by Dalhousie.
(Activities) 3. Project: After learning the unit write your views about the British.
Answer:
(1) The British were skilled and cunning traders. Although they were deceivers, they were also intelligent and clever politicians. They possessed advanced weapons like guns, rifles, and cannons, which they wanted to use to expand their rule in India. They were opportunists and autocratic, introducing the 'Divide and Rule' policy to create instability among Indian kings.
(2) For this activity, you need an outline map of India. On it, locate and mark Avadh (Ayodhya), Satara, Punjab, Nagpur, and Jhansi. These were key regions that Dalhousie annexed. Students should refer to a historical map for precise locations.
(3) The British used clever tactics to establish their rule. They exploited divisions among Indian rulers and used their superior military technology. They were manipulative, using policies like 'Divide and Rule' to destabilize kingdoms. While they brought some infrastructure like railways, their primary goal was economic and political control, which caused great suffering and exploitation in India.
In simple words: (1) The British were smart but tricky traders and politicians. They used better weapons and a 'Divide and Rule' strategy to grow their power and cause trouble among Indian kings. (2) On a map of India, mark Avadh, Satara, Punjab, Nagpur, and Jhansi, which were taken by Dalhousie. (3) My view is that the British were cunning, exploiting India's weaknesses to gain power, causing much harm despite some development.

Exam Tip: For descriptive questions, ensure your answer covers various aspects (economic, political, social) of the British impact. For map-marking, accuracy in location and clear labeling are crucial.

GSEB Class 8 Social Science How the Traders Became Rulers Intext Questions and Answers

 

Question 1. If foreign companies come for trade in India today, can they establish their power?
Answer: No. If foreign companies come to trade in India today, they cannot establish their power because India is currently a democratic, sovereign, republic nation.
In simple words: No, foreign companies cannot establish power in India today because India is a strong, independent democracy.

Exam Tip: When answering questions about modern India's sovereignty, mention its democratic, sovereign, and republic status to demonstrate understanding of its political system.

 

Question 2. Why did the British establish their rule first in Bengal?
Answer: Siraj-ud-Daulah, the Nawab of Bengal, demolished the new building of Fort William in Kolkata that the British had constructed. This led to a battle between Siraj-ud-Daulah and the British army, led by Robert Clive, at Plassey in 1757 C.E. The British won that battle. As a result, the British acquired estates of 24 native states. Before this, the British had not clashed with any Indian king. For the very first time, they fought with the Nawab of Bengal and emerged victorious. Thus, the British first established their rule in Bengal.
In simple words: The British first ruled Bengal after defeating Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah in the Battle of Plassey in 1757 C.E. They won because the Nawab had destroyed their fort, leading to a fight, and this was their first big victory against an Indian king.

Exam Tip: Remember to name the key figures (Siraj-ud-Daulah, Robert Clive) and the battle (Plassey) with its year (1757 C.E.) to explain why Bengal was the first British stronghold.

 

Question 3. Why was it essential for the British to conquer the Sikh and Afghan territories ?
Answer: The British needed to conquer the Sikh and Afghan territories in South and Central India using the Subsidiary Alliance and Annexation policies. After that, the British wanted to establish their rule in North India. If they wished to establish their rule in North India, they would have to establish their control over the Sikh empire and Afghan states. Furthermore, the Sikh empire and Afghan states were located on the north-west border of India. If they could govern these states, they could prevent any foreign attack from this border. So, the British had to establish their rule over the Sikh empire and Afghan states.
In simple words: The British needed to conquer Sikh and Afghan lands to expand their rule into North India. These territories were also important because they were on India's northwest border, and controlling them would protect against foreign invasions.

Exam Tip: Focus on two main reasons: expanding British rule northwards, and securing the north-west border against potential foreign threats, highlighting the strategic importance of these regions.

 

Question 4. How could the British establish their rule all over India despite having a small army ?
Answer: When the British first came to India, there were many small and large states, but they lacked internal unity. Sometimes, a king would ask the British army for help to defeat another ruler. Even though kings who accepted the Subsidiary Alliance had a British army, they could not really use it for their own benefit. Moreover, the British army possessed modern weapons like guns and cannons. The soldiers, who were loyal to their commanders, fought with discipline. Thus, despite having a smaller army, the British were able to establish their rule across all of India.
In simple words: The British established rule across India despite a small army because Indian states were disunited. Kings often sought British help against rivals. The British army had better weapons like guns and cannons and was very disciplined.

Exam Tip: Key points to include are the lack of unity among Indian states, the British army's superior weaponry, and their disciplined soldiers.

 

Question 5. The British established their rule almost all over India in a very short time period with the policy of 'Subsidiary Alliance' and 'Policy of Annexation'. How did this happen?
Answer: When the British came to India, there were many small and large states in our country. There was no internal unity among them. Sometimes a king helped the British army to defeat another king. No king could foresee the good of the entire nation. Many kings who accepted Subsidiary Alliance became slaves of the British and also became careless, lazy, and self-indulgent. Their fighting skill and courage were destroyed. Consequently, Lord Dalhousie conquered many states and brought them under company rule with the help of his Annexation policy. In a short time, he established British rule all over India.
In simple words: The British quickly took over India by using 'Subsidiary Alliance' and 'Annexation Policy'. Indian states were disunited, and kings often fought each other or became lazy under British protection. This allowed the British, especially Dalhousie, to easily conquer and unite many states under their rule.

Exam Tip: Connect the lack of unity among Indian rulers with the British policies, showing how internal weaknesses facilitated rapid British expansion through cunning strategies.

 

Question 6. You get a book published in England with details of the Victory of the British in 1857. What will be your feedback or response after reading it?
Answer: The British took advantage of the weaknesses of Indian rulers. Many kings became ineffective due to the Subsidiary Alliance and Annexation policies and accepted British rule. Glimpses of bravery shown by Rani Laxmibai of Jhansi, Nana Saheb Peshwa, Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah, Begam Hajarat Mahal of Ayodhya, Kunwarsingh the Jagirdar of Jagdishpur, Tatya Tope, and others during the 1857 uprising are not mentioned in this book. The revolt of 1857 was India's first freedom struggle, but it is not referred to anywhere in the book. The British used dishonest tactics in 1857 to win. The entire book is written based on false information and with biased feelings.
In simple words: After reading such a book, I would feel it's biased. It would ignore the bravery of Indian leaders like Rani Laxmibai during the 1857 uprising, which was India's first fight for freedom. It would only focus on British victories, using false information and partiality.

Exam Tip: Your feedback should highlight the historical inaccuracies or biases, specifically mentioning the omission of Indian heroes and the true nature of the 1857 revolt as a freedom struggle.

GSEB Class 8 Social Science How the Traders Became Rulers Additional Important Questions and Answers

Choose the Correct Alternative From Those Given Below Each Question:

 

Question 1. Which plan was like a slow poison ?
(a) Annexation Policy
(b) Subsidiary Alliance
(c) Dual System Policy
(d) The rule of Nawab Policy
Answer: (b) Subsidiary Alliance
In simple words: The Subsidiary Alliance policy was like a slow poison because it gradually weakened Indian rulers, making them dependent on the British and losing their power over time.

Exam Tip: Remember that the Subsidiary Alliance, by making native rulers dependent and eroding their authority, subtly led to their downfall, much like a slow poison.

 

Question 2. Who started Subsidiary Alliance ?
(a) Lord Wellesley
(b) Lord Hastings
(c) Lord Dalhousie
(d) Lord William Bentinck
Answer: (a) Lord Wellesley
In simple words: Lord Wellesley was the Governor-General who introduced the Subsidiary Alliance policy.

Exam Tip: Associate Lord Wellesley directly with the introduction of the Subsidiary Alliance to avoid confusion with other Governor-Generals and their policies.

 

Question 3. Who accepted Subsidiary Alliance first ?
(a) Tipu Sultan
(b) Hyder Ali
(c) Ranjit Singh
(d) Nizam
Answer: (d) Nizam
In simple words: The Nizam of Hyderabad was the first Indian ruler to accept the terms of the Subsidiary Alliance.

Exam Tip: It is crucial to remember the Nizam of Hyderabad as the first ruler to agree to the Subsidiary Alliance, as this is a common factual question.

 

Question 4. After the death of which Peshwa, was there war among Maratha States ?
(a) Nana Saheb
(b) Balaji Bajirao
(c) Nana Fadanvis
(d) Narayan Rao
Answer: (c) Nana Fadanvis
In simple words: After Peshwa Nana Fadanvis died, the Maratha states began fighting among themselves.

Exam Tip: Knowing the sequence of events and key figures, like the death of Nana Fadanvis leading to internal strife among Marathas, is important for historical context.

 

Question 5. Within how many years did Wellesley expand the British company and make British rule supreme in India ?
(a) Seven
(b) Five
(c) Six
(d) Four
Answer: (a) Seven
In simple words: Lord Wellesley greatly expanded British power and made it supreme in India in just seven years.

Exam Tip: Remember the duration of seven years for Wellesley's aggressive expansion, as this highlights the rapid pace of British territorial growth.

 

Question 6. Between which cities was the first railway line started in India ?
(a) Between Mumbai and Satara
(b) Between Mumbai and Thane
(c) Between Mumbai and Surat
(d) Between Mumbai and Pune
Answer: (b) Between Mumbai and Thane
In simple words: India's first railway line connected the cities of Mumbai and Thane.

Exam Tip: This is a factual detail; commit the first railway route (Mumbai to Thane) to memory.

 

Question 7. When did the first railway line start in India ?
(a) 1848 C.E.
(b) 1853 C.E.
(c) 1851 C.E.
(d) 1858 C.E.
Answer: (b) 1853 C.E.
In simple words: The first railway line in India began operations in the year 1853.

Exam Tip: Remember the year 1853 C.E. as the start of India's railway system, often linked to Lord Dalhousie's administration.

 

Question 8. In which cities were universities established first in India ?
(a) In Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata
(b) In Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru
(c) In Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Delhi
(d) In Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata
Answer: (d) In Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata
In simple words: The first universities in India were set up in the cities of Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata.

Exam Tip: Recall the three major presidency cities-Mumbai, Chennai (Madras), and Kolkata (Calcutta)-as the initial sites for university establishment in India.

 

Question 9. In which year were the three universities established in India ?
(a) In 1857 C.E.
(b) In 1858 C.E.
(c) In 1864 C.E.
(d) In 1860 C.E.
Answer: (a) In 1857 C.E.
In simple words: The three main universities in India were established in the year 1857.

Exam Tip: Link the year 1857 not only with the sepoy mutiny but also with the establishment of the first modern universities in India.

 

Question 10. Which Policy of the British ruined the native kings of India ?
(a) Imperialistic Policy
(b) Trade and Rule Policy
(c) Annexation Policy
(d) Divide and Rule Policy
Answer: (d) Divide and Rule Policy
In simple words: The 'Divide and Rule' policy used by the British was the one that ultimately destroyed the power of India's native kings.

Exam Tip: The 'Divide and Rule' policy is crucial because it exploited existing divisions among Indian rulers, weakening them from within and making them vulnerable to British takeover.

Fill in the Blanks in the Following Statements With Proper Words or Numbers:

 

Question 1. Lord Wellesley introduced the ............... Policy in India.
Answer: Subsidiary Alliance
In simple words: Lord Wellesley brought the Subsidiary Alliance policy to India.

Exam Tip: Remember Lord Wellesley as the Governor-General associated with the introduction of the Subsidiary Alliance.

 

Question 2. Subsidiary Alliance was like ............... for native states.
Answer: slow poison
In simple words: The Subsidiary Alliance acted like a slow poison for Indian states, gradually taking away their power.

Exam Tip: The term "slow poison" aptly describes how the Subsidiary Alliance gradually eroded the sovereignty and power of native states without immediate overt conflict.

 

Question 3. ............... accepted the Subsidiary Alliance first.
Answer: Nizam
In simple words: The Nizam was the first to agree to the Subsidiary Alliance.

Exam Tip: Recall that the Nizam of Hyderabad was the initial Indian ruler to accept the terms of the Subsidiary Alliance.

 

Question 4. Lord Wellesley made British rule supreme in India by ................
Answer: Subsidiary Alliance
In simple words: Lord Wellesley used the Subsidiary Alliance to make British rule the most powerful in India.

Exam Tip: The Subsidiary Alliance was Wellesley's main tool for establishing British supremacy over various Indian states.

 

Question 5. ............... was the powerful ruler of Punjab.
Answer: Maharaja Ranjit Singh
In simple words: Maharaja Ranjit Singh was the very strong ruler of Punjab.

Exam Tip: Remember Maharaja Ranjit Singh as the powerful Sikh ruler who successfully resisted British expansion into Punjab for a significant period.

 

Question 6. Governor General ............... brought the Sikh kingdom under British rule.
Answer: Sir Henry Hardinge
In simple words: Governor General Sir Henry Hardinge was the one who brought the Sikh kingdom under British rule.

Exam Tip: Link Sir Henry Hardinge with the annexation of the Sikh kingdom, following the Anglo-Sikh Wars.

 

Question 7. Lord ............... annexed states of those native kings who died without a son.
Answer: Dalhousie
In simple words: Lord Dalhousie took over states if their native kings passed away without having a male heir.

Exam Tip: The Doctrine of Lapse, implemented by Lord Dalhousie, allowed the British to annex states where rulers died without a natural male heir, is a key concept here.

 

Question 8. The first railway line was started from Mumbai to Thane in India during Lord ............... 's tenure.
Answer: Dalhousie
In simple words: The first railway line in India, running from Mumbai to Thane, began during Lord Dalhousie's time as Governor-General.

Exam Tip: Remember Lord Dalhousie as the Governor-General under whom the first railway line in India was opened.

 

Question 9. The first railway line was started from ............... to ............... India during Lord Dalhousie's tenure.
Answer: Mumbai to Thane
In simple words: The first railway line in India, during Lord Dalhousie's time, ran between Mumbai and Thane.

Exam Tip: It's important to know both the starting and ending points of India's first railway line: Mumbai and Thane.

 

Question 10. Railway, telegraph and post system were started in India during Lord ............... 's tenure.
Answer: Dalhousie
In simple words: The railway, telegraph, and postal systems all began in India when Lord Dalhousie was Governor-General.

Exam Tip: Lord Dalhousie is recognized for significant infrastructure developments, including railways, telegraphs, and postal services.

 

Question 11. The first three universities were established in India in the year ............... C.E.
Answer: 1857
In simple words: The first three universities in India were set up in the year 1857.

Exam Tip: The year 1857 is a significant historical marker, not only for the Great Revolt but also for the establishment of modern universities.

 

Question 12. Lord ............... was the father of Annexation policy.
Answer: Dalhousie
In simple words: Lord Dalhousie is considered the main person behind the Annexation Policy.

Exam Tip: Clearly associate Lord Dalhousie with the Annexation Policy, which involved taking over native states, particularly through the Doctrine of Lapse.

 

Question 13. Lord ............... made the British company the supreme power in India.
Answer: Dalhousie
In simple words: Lord Dalhousie was instrumental in making the British East India Company the ultimate power in India.

Exam Tip: Recognize Dalhousie's role in solidifying British supremacy through his aggressive annexation policies and administrative reforms.

 

Question 14. War started among Maratha states after the death of Peshwa ...............
Answer: Nana Fadanvis
In simple words: After Peshwa Nana Fadanvis passed away, conflicts began among the Maratha states.

Exam Tip: Understanding that internal conflicts often followed the death of strong leaders, like Nana Fadanvis, is key to comprehending the decline of regional powers.

State Whether the Following Statements Are True or False:

 

Question 1. 'Divide and Rule' was the policy of the British.
Answer: True
In simple words: Yes, the British strategy was to 'Divide and Rule,' meaning they exploited divisions to control India.

Exam Tip: The 'Divide and Rule' policy is a fundamental concept in understanding British colonial strategy in India, so confirming its truth is essential.

 

Question 2. When Wellesley came to India as the Governor General there was cut-throat competition between England and Portugal.
Answer: False
In simple words: This statement is false; when Wellesley arrived, the main rivalry was between England and France, not Portugal.

Exam Tip: For true/false questions about colonial rivalries, correctly identify the main competing powers (England and France) during key periods.

 

Question 3. Many native states became victims of Lord Wellesley's Annexation Policy.
Answer: False
In simple words: This is false because Lord Dalhousie, not Wellesley, was responsible for the Annexation Policy.

Exam Tip: Distinguish between the policies of different Governor-Generals; Wellesley implemented the Subsidiary Alliance, while Dalhousie was known for the Annexation Policy.

 

Question 4. Subsidiary Alliance was accepted first by Marathas.
Answer: False
In simple words: This is false; the Nizam of Hyderabad accepted the Subsidiary Alliance first, not the Marathas.

Exam Tip: Remembering the first acceptor of key policies, like the Nizam for Subsidiary Alliance, is a common test point.

 

Question 5. War started among the Maratha states after the death of Peshwa Nana Fadanvis.
Answer: True
In simple words: Yes, it is true that after Nana Fadanvis died, the Maratha states began fighting among themselves.

Exam Tip: The power vacuum after Nana Fadanvis's death indeed led to internal conflicts within the Maratha Confederacy, weakening it significantly.

 

Question 6. Wellesley became friends with Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Answer: True
In simple words: Yes, Wellesley and Maharaja Ranjit Singh maintained friendly relations.

Exam Tip: While Wellesley was aggressive, he often formed strategic alliances or avoided conflict with powerful rulers like Ranjit Singh to secure British interests elsewhere.

 

Question 7. Proper administration was established in the states of native kings who accepted Wellesley's Subsidiary Alliance Policy.
Answer: False
In simple words: This is false; states that accepted the Subsidiary Alliance often suffered from poor management and instability.

Exam Tip: The Subsidiary Alliance led to the deterioration of native administration as rulers became irresponsible, relying on British protection rather than effective governance.

 

Question 8. Modern postal system was started during Wellesley's tenure.
Answer: False
In simple words: This is false; the modern postal system was introduced during Lord Dalhousie's time, not Wellesley's.

Exam Tip: Correctly attribute key administrative reforms, such as the postal system, to the correct Governor-General, which is Dalhousie in this case.

Match the Pairs Correctly:

 

Answer: (1 - 4), (2 - 1), (3 - 5), (4 - 2)
In simple words: The correct matches are: Subsidiary Alliance with Wellesley, Annexation Policy with Dalhousie, Maharaja of Punjab with Ranjit Singh, and the establishment of three universities in India with the year 1857 C.E.

Exam Tip: When matching pairs, ensure you accurately associate each policy/event with its corresponding historical figure or date to score full marks.

Answer the Following Questions in One or Two Sentences:

 

Question 1. Who introduced the Subsidiary Alliance policy in India? Who accepted this plan first?
Answer: Governor General Wellesley introduced the Subsidiary Alliance policy in India. The Nizam of Hyderabad accepted this plan first.
In simple words: Lord Wellesley brought the Subsidiary Alliance to India, and the Nizam of Hyderabad was the first to accept it.

Exam Tip: This is a direct factual recall question; ensure you name both the introducer (Wellesley) and the first acceptor (Nizam of Hyderabad) correctly.

 

Question 2. Which policy was like a slow poison ?
Answer: The Subsidiary Alliance policy was like a slow poison.
In simple words: The Subsidiary Alliance policy acted like a slow poison.

Exam Tip: Use the metaphor "slow poison" when describing the Subsidiary Alliance to convey its insidious and destructive nature for native states.

 

Question 3. By enforcing which policy did Wellesley make British rule supreme in India?
Answer: By enforcing the 'Divide and Rule' policy, Wellesley made British rule supreme in India.
In simple words: Wellesley used the 'Divide and Rule' policy to establish British supremacy in India.

Exam Tip: Recognize that while Wellesley is known for Subsidiary Alliance, the overarching strategy that consolidated British power, especially through weakening internal opposition, was 'Divide and Rule'.

 

Question 4. When did the British interfere in the administration of Punjab ?
Answer: After Ranjit Singh, the powerful Maharaja of Punjab, passed away, the Sikhs started quarrelling over the succession. Taking advantage of this, the British intervened in the administration of Punjab.
In simple words: The British interfered in Punjab's affairs after Maharaja Ranjit Singh died and the Sikhs started fighting over who would rule next.

Exam Tip: The death of a strong leader (Ranjit Singh) and subsequent internal disputes often created opportunities for British intervention; highlight this sequence of events.

 

Question 5. Who did not allow childless kings to adopt a son?
Answer: Governor General Dalhousie did not allow childless kings to adopt a son.
In simple words: Lord Dalhousie stopped childless kings from adopting a son.

Exam Tip: This refers to Dalhousie's Doctrine of Lapse, a key policy used for annexation, so connect his name with this specific action.

 

Question 6. Which states were declared heirless and annexed by Dalhousie ?
Answer: The states declared heirless and annexed by Dalhousie included Satara, Jaitpur, Jhansi, Sambalpur, Nagpur, Arkat, Tanjore, and Karnataka.
In simple words: Dalhousie took over states like Satara, Jhansi, Nagpur, and others, claiming they had no proper heir.

Exam Tip: List a few key states (e.g., Satara, Jhansi, Nagpur) to demonstrate knowledge of the regions affected by Dalhousie's annexation policy.

 

Question 7. When and where was the first railway line started in India?
Answer: The first railway line was started from Mumbai to Thane in the year 1853 C.E.
In simple words: India's first railway line ran between Mumbai and Thane, starting in 1853 C.E.

Exam Tip: Remember both the cities (Mumbai and Thane) and the exact year (1853 C.E.) for the first Indian railway line.

 

Question 8. In whose time did railway, telegraph and postal system start in India?
Answer: The railway, telegraph, and postal systems began in India during the tenure of Governor General Dalhousie.
In simple words: Lord Dalhousie was Governor General when India got its first railway, telegraph, and postal systems.

Exam Tip: Lord Dalhousie is strongly associated with modernizing Indian infrastructure; linking these three systems to his time is crucial.

 

Question 9. In which cities were Universities established during 1857 C.E. ?
Answer: In 1857 C.E., universities were established in Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata.
In simple words: In 1857, universities were set up in Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata.

Exam Tip: Remember the three major presidency cities as the locations where the first universities were founded in 1857 C.E.

Define the Following Words:

 

Question 1. Subsidiary Alliance
Answer: To make sure the French did not become too powerful in India, Governor General Wellesley introduced the 'Subsidiary Alliance' policy to expand British rule in native states. The princely states that accepted this policy had to keep and maintain the British army, and also have a British representative in their Royal Court.
In simple words: Subsidiary Alliance was a policy by Lord Wellesley. It made Indian states keep a British army and a British representative, making them lose control and helping the British expand.

Exam Tip: When defining Subsidiary Alliance, mention Lord Wellesley, its purpose (checking French power, expanding British rule), and its core requirements (British army, resident).

 

Question 2. Annexation Policy
Answer: Dalhousie implemented the Policy of Annexation, which involved ending the rule of native kings and directly bringing their states under British governance.
In simple words: Annexation Policy was Lord Dalhousie's plan to take over Indian states, either by war or if rulers died without an heir, bringing them directly under British control.

Exam Tip: Define Annexation Policy by identifying Lord Dalhousie as its architect and explaining its method: dissolving native rule and establishing direct British administration.