NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Social Science History Chapter 2 – From Trade to Territory

Chapter 2 -From Trade to Territory –The Company Establishes Power Class 8 – Textbook History Questions and Answers

Questions and Answers:

1. Match the following:

• Diwani: right to collect land revenue
• Tipu Sultan: “Tiger of Mysore”
• faujdari adalat: criminal court
• Sepoy: sipahi
• Rani Channamma: led an anti-British movement in Kitoor

2. Fill in the blanks:

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

3. State whether true or false:

• (a) The Mughal empire became stronger in the eighteenth century. (False)
  • After Aurangzeb’s death in 1707, the Mughal empire weakened and many regions declared independence.
• (b) The English East India Company was the only European company that traded with India. (False)
  • Other European companies like the Portuguese, the Dutch, and the French were also involved in trade with India.
• (c) Maharaja Ranjit Singh was the ruler of Punjab. (True)
  • He established a strong and secular empire based in Punjab.
• (d) The British did not introduce administrative changes in the territories they conquered. (False)
  • The British made several administrative changes including setting up courts, changing revenue practices, and modifying military organisation.

Also Check – From Trade to Territory: The Company Establishes Power – Class 8 Notes

4. What attracted European trading companies to India?

European trading companies were drawn to India primarily due to its wealth and the variety of goods that were not available in Europe, such as spices, cotton, silk, and precious stones. Here are the detailed reasons:

• Rich Commodities: India was famous for its spices, silk, cotton, and other exquisite products. These goods were in high demand in Europe.
• High Profits: The possibility of buying these goods at a lower price in India and selling them at higher prices in Europe promised substantial profits.
• Established Trade Routes: India had well-established trade routes and a tradition of craftsmanship and trade, which ensured a reliable supply of goods.
• Decline of Local Powers: The decline of the Mughal Empire and the fragmentation into smaller states provided an opportunity for the European powers to insert themselves into Indian trade and politics.

Also Check – The Battle of Plassey – Detailed Notes with Flowchart

5. What were the areas of conflict between the Bengal nawabs and the East India Company?

The conflict between the Bengal nawabs and the East India Company arose from economic pressures, political manoeuvres, and military ambitions. Key areas of conflict included:

• Trade Concessions and Rights: The nawabs resisted the Company’s efforts to expand its trading privileges, which often involved evading taxes and extending their military fortifications.
• Political Interference: The Company’s attempts to influence and manipulate political outcomes in Bengal, including supporting rival claimants to the nawab’s throne, created tensions.
• Fortifications and Military Presence: The nawabs were wary of the Company’s military enhancements and their fort constructions, viewing them as a direct threat to their sovereignty.

Students, if you have any queries, please leave a comment below! I will try my best to answer your queries with more details.

6. How did the assumption of Diwani benefit the East India Company?

The assumption of Diwani, or the right to collect revenue in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa, greatly benefited the East India Company in several ways:

• Financial Control: It provided the Company with enormous revenue resources, reducing the need to export gold and silver from Britain to pay for Indian goods.
• Economic Stability: The revenues helped stabilise the Company’s finances, allowing it to fund its military and administrative expenses in India.
• Increased Political Power: Control over revenue also translated into greater political power, allowing the Company to exert more influence over the Indian states and expand its territorial control.
• Reduced Competition: With financial and political control, the Company could manage competition and set the terms of trade in its favour, effectively monopolising the region’s resources.

Also Check – List of Important Figures mentioned in the Chapter – From Trade to Territory- The Company Establishes Power

7. Explain the system of “subsidiary alliance”.

The “subsidiary alliance” was a strategic system introduced by Lord Wellesley, the Governor-General of the East India Company in the early 19th century. This system played a crucial role in expanding British control over India. Here are the key features of the subsidiary alliance:

• Military Support: Indian states under this system were required to maintain British-led and -trained troops within their territories.
• Sovereignty Restrictions: The rulers of allied states were not allowed to have independent foreign policies or maintain their own military. They had to seek British permission to engage in any political or military activities.
• Financial Obligations: The allied states had to compensate the East India Company financially for maintaining these troops, which often led to heavy debts or the surrender of territory if the states could not pay.
• British Interference: The British had the right to interfere in the internal affairs of the allied states under the pretext of mismanagement or external threat.

This system effectively made many Indian states dependent on the British, significantly reducing their sovereignty and allowing the British to expand their power with minimal military engagement.

Also Check – The Anglo-Maratha Wars – Detailed Notes with Flow Chart

8. In what way was the administration of the Company different from that of Indian rulers?

The administration of the East India Company was marked by a more systematic and bureaucratic approach compared to the traditional Indian rulers. Key differences included:

• Structured Governance: The Company introduced a centralised and bureaucratic form of governance that included positions such as Governor-General, Collectors, and District Magistrates.
• Legal Reforms: The introduction of laws and codes such as the Regulating Act and the establishment of courts like the Supreme Court in Calcutta were part of efforts to create a legalistic framework for governance.
• Revenue Systems: The Company implemented new systems of revenue collection, like the Permanent Settlement, which standardised revenue demands and aimed to increase revenue efficiency.
• Military Organisation: The Company structured its military forces along European lines, emphasising discipline, training, and a hierarchy of command that was different from the often feudal and varied military organisation of Indian states.

Also Check – Events and Key incidents from the Chapter- “From Trade to Territory: The Company Establishes Power”

9. Describe the changes that occurred in the composition of the Company’s army.

The composition of the East India Company’s army underwent significant changes during its rule:

• From Sepoys to a Regular Army: Initially, the Company relied heavily on Indian soldiers known as sepoys, drawn from various Indian communities. Over time, the army was reorganised into a more structured and disciplined force, adopting European military practices.
• Technological Advancements: With advancements in military technology, the Company’s army started using more modern weapons and artillery, which were different from the traditional weaponry used by Indian forces.
• Training and Discipline: The British introduced rigorous training regimens, strict discipline, and a command structure that was influenced by European military standards.
• Expansion of Infantry: As military tactics evolved, the Company decreased its reliance on cavalry and significantly expanded its infantry, which became the backbone of its military might in India.

10. After the British conquest of Bengal, how did Calcutta grow from a small village to a big city, and what was the culture, architecture, and life of Europeans and Indians in the city during the colonial period?

Following the British conquest of Bengal, Calcutta experienced rapid transformation from a small village into a major city, serving as the capital of British India until 1911. Here are detailed notes on the culture, architecture, and life in Calcutta during the colonial period:

Cultural Growth:

• Cultural Fusion: Calcutta became a melting pot of British and Indian cultures. This fusion was evident in the arts, literature, and education, with institutions like the Asiatic Society (founded in 1784) playing a pivotal role in cultural exchanges.
• Literary and Artistic Flourish: The city emerged as a hub for Bengali literature and arts, with figures such as Rabindranath Tagore contributing to its rich literary heritage. European influences enriched local art forms, which began to incorporate new themes and techniques.
• Public Celebrations: Festivals like Durga Puja became grand public events celebrated by both the European and Indian communities, showcasing elaborate artistic displays and performances.

Architectural Development:

• Colonial Architecture: European architectural styles dominated the city’s landscape. Iconic structures such as the Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, and the General Post Office were built, showcasing Indo-Saracenic and Gothic revival styles.
• Planned Urban Layout: The British laid out Calcutta with wide streets, public squares, and garden houses, marking a departure from the densely packed traditional Indian cities. The Maidan became a large open park area, central to the city’s layout.
• Contrasts in Living Spaces: While the Europeans lived in well-planned and opulent areas like Chowringhee and Alipore, the Indian population often resided in overcrowded conditions in North Calcutta.

Life of Europeans and Indians:

• Social Stratification: There was a clear social divide between the Europeans and Indians. Europeans occupied high administrative, commercial, and military positions, living a life of privilege and authority.
• Cultural Institutions: Europeans established clubs, theatres, and racecourses, which became social centres for the colonial elite. These institutions were often exclusive, barring entry to Indians until much later in the colonial period.
• Economic Opportunities and Challenges: While some Indians thrived by engaging in trade, clerical and professional jobs created by the colonial economy, many others faced economic challenges due to the disruption of traditional industries and rural distress caused by colonial policies.

Impact on Indian Society:

• Education and Reform: The establishment of educational institutions like Calcutta University in 1857 opened up opportunities for Indians in higher education, although it was initially more accessible to the upper classes.
• Social Reforms: The city became a centre for social and religious reform movements, such as the Brahmo Samaj, which aimed at abolishing social evils and modernising Indian society through education and women’s emancipation.

Calcutta’s transformation during the colonial period laid the foundations for its status as an important cultural and economic centre in modern India, reflecting both the opportunities and challenges of colonial rule.

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.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh

Background and Rise to Power:

• Early Life: Maharaja Ranjit Singh was born on November 13, 1780, in Gujranwala, now in Pakistan. He belonged to the Sandhawalia Jat family of the Sikh Confederacy.
• Ascension to Power: He came to power at a young age after his father, Maha Singh, passed away. He showed an early talent for leadership and strategy, which helped him consolidate various Sikh factions.

Formation of the Sikh Empire:

• Consolidation of Power: Through a series of military campaigns and diplomatic manoeuvres, Ranjit Singh united the various misls or chiefdoms of Punjab into a strong, centralised state.
• Expansion of Territory: His empire extended from the Khyber Pass in the west to western Tibet, and from Mithankot in the south to Kashmir, securing the borders from external threats and internal rebellions.

Governance and Administration:

• Secular Rule: Ranjit Singh was known for his secular style of governance, employing administrators from different communities, including Sikhs, Muslims, and Hindus.
• Modernization of the Army: He modernised his army with the help of European mercenaries and made significant improvements in artillery, which played a crucial role in his military successes.

Cultural Contributions and Patronage:

• Patron of Arts and Architecture: Maharaja Ranjit Singh contributed to the development of Sikh architecture, commissioning many forts, palaces, and gurudwaras, including the famous Golden Temple in Amritsar, which he had overlaid with gold, giving it its distinctive appearance.
• Support for the Arts: He was a patron of the arts, encouraging the flourishing of painting, literature, and music in his court.

Legacy:

• Death and Succession: Ranjit Singh died in 1839. His death led to a power struggle, and the lack of a strong successor weakened the empire, eventually leading to its annexation by the British East India Company after the Anglo-Sikh Wars.
• Revered Leader: Maharaja Ranjit Singh remains a revered figure in Sikh history and is admired for his strong leadership, vision, and the establishment of a modern, secular state.

Cultural Impact:

• Stories and Legends: Numerous stories and legends about his valour, justice, and generosity continue to be popular in Punjabi folklore and literature.
• Iconic Status: He is often portrayed in Punjabi literature as an ideal ruler who was just, brave, and benevolent.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s leadership exemplifies a blend of military prowess, effective governance, and cultural patronage, making him a significant figure in the history of the Indian subcontinent during the 19th century. His era is often looked upon as a golden age of Punjab before the British annexation.

The Rani of Jhansi, Lakshmibai

Background and Early Life:

• Birth and Origins: Lakshmibai, born as Manikarnika Tambe in 1828 in Varanasi, was the daughter of Moropant Tambe and Bhagirathi Sapre. Her family was Marathi Brahmin, and she was affectionately called Manu in her youth.
• Education and Training: She received a comprehensive education, which included horsemanship, fencing, and shooting, unusual for women of her time.

Marriage and Ascension as Queen:

• Marriage to Gangadhar Rao: She married Raja Gangadhar Rao, the Maharaja of Jhansi, in 1842, and was thereafter known as Lakshmibai.
• Adoption of a Son: After the death of her biological son, she and her husband adopted Damodar Rao. Following her husband’s death in 1853, she was left to rule Jhansi as a regent for her adopted son.

Role in the Indian Rebellion of 1857:

• Resistance Against the British: The British East India Company applied the Doctrine of Lapse, refusing to recognize her adopted son’s claim to the throne, which led Lakshmibai to defend her kingdom during the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
• Leadership in Battle: She was one of the leading figures of the rebellion, known for her bravery and strategic acumen. Her leadership in the Battle of Jhansi in 1858 was particularly noted for her resistance against British forces.

Legacy and Death:

• Heroic Stand and Death: Lakshmibai died on June 18, 1858, during the Battle of Gwalior, fighting the British. Her death is commemorated as an act of valour and resistance against colonial rule.
• Symbol of Resistance: The Rani of Jhansi has become an iconic figure in Indian history, symbolising the fight for independence and resistance against colonial oppression. She is often celebrated as a national heroine and a symbol of women’s strength and bravery.

Cultural Impact:

• Literature and Folklore: Lakshmibai is celebrated in various ballads and songs throughout India, particularly in folk songs of Bundelkhand. She also features prominently in Indian literature and has been the subject of various books, plays, and films.
• Statues and Memorials: Numerous statues and memorials have been erected in her honour across India, commemorating her leadership and bravery.

The Rani of Jhansi’s legacy continues to inspire generations, representing not only the struggle against British colonial rule but also advocating for the empowerment and leadership capabilities of women. Her story is a poignant chapter in the history of India’s fight for freedom.

Mahadji Sindhia

Background and Early Life:

• Birth and Origins: Mahadji Sindhia was born in 1730 into the Sindhia family of the Maratha Empire. His family served as shiledars (cavalrymen) under the Peshwa.
• Rise in Maratha Leadership: Mahadji started his career as a shiledar, supporting the broader Maratha confederacy. He rose to prominence after the Third Battle of Panipat in 1761, where the Marathas suffered a significant defeat against the Afghan ruler Ahmad Shah Durrani.

Political and Military Achievements:

• Recovery after Panipat: Mahadji played a crucial role in re-establishing Maratha power in northern India after the devastation of Panipat. He used both military and diplomatic skills to regain territories and influence.
• Control over Delhi: By 1771, Mahadji had effectively gained control over Delhi, reinstating the Mughal emperor Shah Alam II as a puppet ruler under Maratha protection. This move not only provided the Marathas with substantial legitimacy but also access to the Mughal administrative machinery.
• Diplomacy and Alliances: Known for his diplomatic acumen, Mahadji maintained complex relationships with other Indian powers and the British East India Company. His tactics often involved negotiations interspersed with military action.

Governance and Reforms:

• Administration: Mahadji was instrumental in administering the territories under his control with a focus on efficiency and stability. He improved revenue collection systems and managed a vast network of spies and informants to maintain order.
• Military Innovations: He modernised the Maratha army by incorporating artillery and a more structured infantry, learning from European military tactics, which were introduced by French mercenaries.

Cultural Contributions:

• Patronage of the Arts: Mahadji supported the arts and culture, contributing to the revival of traditions that had been disrupted after Panipat. His court was a centre for literature, music, and a refined lifestyle, which helped in cultivating a sophisticated Maratha identity.

Death and Legacy:

• Death: Mahadji Sindhia died in 1794, and his death marked the end of an era of Maratha ascendancy in northern India. His successors could not maintain the vast political and military network he had established.
• Historical Impact: Mahadji is remembered as a capable leader who navigated the complexities of Indian politics during a time of great turmoil. He is often credited with laying the groundwork for the resurgence of Maratha power in the north, which lasted until the early 19th century.

Cultural Impact:

• Memory and Commemoration: Mahadji Sindhia’s legacy is preserved in Indian history as a symbol of Maratha resilience and strategy. Statues and memorials dedicated to him stand in Gwalior and other parts of India, celebrating his contributions to the Maratha empire.

Mahadji Sindhia’s role in Indian history exemplifies the blend of military might and diplomatic skill, showcasing the intricate balance of power during the 18th century in India. His efforts in rebuilding the Maratha dominance post-Panipat are particularly notable, influencing subsequent historical developments in the region.

Haidar Ali

Background and Early Life:

• Birth and Origins: Haidar Ali was born in 1721 in Budikote, near Kolar, in what is now Karnataka. He was of humble origins, his father serving as a local military commander.
• Military Career: Haidar Ali started his career in the Mysore army as a soldier and quickly rose through the ranks due to his military prowess and leadership skills.

Rise to Power:

• Becoming the De Facto Ruler: In 1761, amidst political instability in the Kingdom of Mysore, Haidar Ali seized power through a coup, becoming the de facto ruler. He never officially took the title of king but ruled as the Sultan.
• Expansion of Mysore: Under his leadership, Mysore expanded significantly. Haidar Ali utilised his military skills to annex neighbouring regions and fend off invasions, notably from the Marathas and the Nizam of Hyderabad.

Military Innovations and Battles:

• Modernization of the Army: Haidar Ali recognized the importance of modern warfare techniques and took significant steps to modernise his army. He incorporated the use of firearms and artillery, often employing French advisors to train his troops.
• Conflict with the British: Haidar Ali is best known for his conflicts with the British East India Company. He and his son Tipu Sultan fought the British in the First and Second Anglo-Mysore Wars. His tactics and strategies during these wars earned him a formidable reputation.

Governance and Administration:

• Reforms in Administration: Haidar Ali implemented several administrative reforms to streamline governance and improve the efficiency of tax collection, which enhanced the state’s revenues and funded his military campaigns.
• Promotion of Agriculture: He also promoted agriculture, understanding its importance in sustaining a strong and stable economy. This included irrigation projects and encouraging the cultivation of cash crops.

Cultural Impact and Legacy:

• Patronage of Arts and Culture: Although more renowned for his military and administrative capabilities, Haidar Ali also supported the arts and culture within his domain, continuing the patronage that was traditional among Indian rulers.
• Legacy: Haidar Ali is remembered as a shrewd ruler and a skilled military commander whose reign marked a significant period in the history of southern India. His efforts to modernise his military and confront colonial powers set the stage for further resistance under his son, Tipu Sultan.

Death and Succession:

• Death: Haidar Ali died of cancer in 1782 during the Second Anglo-Mysore War. His son, Tipu Sultan, succeeded him and continued his policies, especially the confrontation against British expansion in India.

Haidar Ali’s role in Indian history is marked by his transformation of Mysore into a powerful state capable of challenging the major powers of the time, including the British. His legacy continued through Tipu Sultan, making them both central figures in the resistance against British colonialism in India.

Lord Dalhousie

Background and Appointment:

• Early Life: James Andrew Broun-Ramsay, 1st Marquess of Dalhousie, commonly known as Lord Dalhousie, was born on April 22, 1812, in Scotland. He was educated at Christ Church, Oxford.
• Governor-General of India: He became the Governor-General of India in 1848, serving until 1856. His tenure was marked by aggressive expansion and modernization.

Major Policies and Reforms:

• Doctrine of Lapse: Perhaps his most controversial policy, the Doctrine of Lapse allowed the British East India Company to annex princely states where the ruler died without a male heir or the heir was deemed incompetent. This policy led to the annexation of several key states, including Satara, Jhansi, and Nagpur.
• Railways and Telegraphs: Dalhousie introduced the first railway lines in India, starting with the stretch from Bombay to Thane in 1853. He also laid the foundation of the telegraph system, enhancing communications across the vast country.
• Public Works and Infrastructure: He was a proponent of public works and is credited with the initiation of the Ganges Canal and the development of roads and bridges which significantly improved transportation and trade.
• Educational and Administrative Reforms: Dalhousie promoted Western education and science through the establishment of educational institutions. He also reorganised the Indian postal system, making it more efficient and accessible to the public.

Military and Foreign Policy:

• Expansionist Policy: Dalhousie’s tenure is noted for its assertive military and foreign policy. He completed the conquest of the Punjab following the Second Anglo-Sikh War and annexed Lower Burma after the Second Anglo-Burmese War, extending British control in the region.
• Handling of the Crimean War: During his governorship, the Crimean War (1853-1856) occurred, where he had to manage British military commitments and resources effectively.

Controversies and Criticisms:

• Opposition to Social Reforms: Despite his administrative acumen, Dalhousie was cautious about implementing social reforms that might upset the traditional structures of Indian society. This often put him at odds with progressive elements within the British administration.
• Annexation Policies: His aggressive annexation policies not only caused discontent among the rulers of princely states but also among the Indian populace, laying down some of the seeds of discontent that would lead to the Indian Rebellion of 1857.

Legacy and Departure:

• Impact on India: Lord Dalhousie’s policies fundamentally transformed the administrative, military, and infrastructural landscape of India. His tenure significantly expanded British territory but also set the stage for major political upheavals.
• Return to Britain: Health issues and political changes led Dalhousie to return to Britain in 1856, where he spent the remainder of his life, passing away in 1860.

Dalhousie’s legacy is mixed; he is seen as a visionary for the infrastructural leaps he initiated but also as a controversial figure for his heavy-handed policies that disrupted traditional Indian politics and contributed to the conditions leading to the 1857 uprising. His period in India is often studied for its profound and lasting impacts on the subcontinent’s transition into a structured colony within the British Empire.