The Revolt of 1857
The Revolt of 1857, also known as the First War of Indian Independence, was a significant and landmark event in the history of India. British historians often referred to it as the “Sepoy Mutiny.” The revolt marked the beginning of a strong nationalistic movement against British colonial rule.
Immediate Cause
The immediate spark for the revolt was the introduction of the Enfield P-53 rifle. The cartridges for this rifle were rumored to be greased with beef and pork fat, which was deeply offensive to both Hindu and Muslim soldiers. Hindus consider cows sacred, while Muslims consider pigs unclean. This led to widespread anger and unrest among the Indian soldiers (sepoys).
Course of Events
- March 29, 1857: The first significant act of rebellion occurred when Mangal Pandey, a sepoy in the 34th Native Infantry, attacked British officers Hugeson and Baugh at Barrackpore (near Calcutta). This incident is often cited as the beginning of the revolt.
- May 10, 1857: The revolt escalated in Meerut, where the 3rd Native Infantry rose in rebellion. The immediate cause was the punishment of sepoys who refused to use the greased cartridges. The sepoys, along with civilian supporters, went on a rampage, killing Europeans, breaking open jails, and burning houses. They then marched to Delhi, shouting “Maro Firangi ko” (Kill the foreigners).
- May 11, 1857: Upon reaching Delhi, the sepoys’ arrival acted as a signal for the local soldiers to revolt. They seized the city and declared the 82-year-old Bahadur Shah Zafar as Shahenshah-i-Hindustan (Emperor of India). This was a significant moment, symbolizing the unity of the rebellion under a common leader.
British Allies During the Revolt
Despite the widespread support for the revolt, some Indian rulers remained loyal to the British. Notable among them were:
- Sindhia of Gwalior
- The Nizam of Hyderabad
- The Begum of Bhopal
These alliances helped the British in suppressing the revolt.
Significance
The Revolt of 1857 was a crucial event in Indian history. It demonstrated the widespread discontent against British rule and sowed the seeds for future nationalist movements. Although the revolt was ultimately suppressed, it led to significant changes in British policies and governance in India, including the end of the East India Company’s rule and the direct administration of India by the British Crown.
MCQ
1.What was the Revolt of 1857 also known as?
A. The Great Indian Mutiny
B. The First War of Indian Independence
C. The Sepoy Rebellion
D. The Indian Mutiny
Answer: B. The First War of Indian Independence
2.What immediate cause sparked the Revolt of 1857?
A. The introduction of new taxes
B. The Enfield P-53 rifle cartridges greased with beef and pork fat
C. The annexation of Indian states
D. The imposition of British laws
Answer: B. The Enfield P-53 rifle cartridges greased with beef and pork fat
3.What religious groups were offended by the greased cartridges?
A. Hindus and Christians
B. Muslims and Sikhs
C. Hindus and Muslims
D. Sikhs and Buddhists
Answer: C. Hindus and Muslims
4.Who was the sepoy that attacked British officers at Barrackpore, marking the beginning of the revolt?
A. Rani Lakshmibai
B. Bahadur Shah Zafar
C. Mangal Pandey
D. Nana Sahib
Answer: C. Mangal Pandey
5.On what date did the revolt escalate in Meerut?
A. March 29, 1857
B. May 10, 1857
C. June 15, 1857
D. July 4, 1857
Answer: B. May 10, 1857
6.What did the British introduce to replace the rule of the East India Company?
A. Direct rule by the British Crown
B. A new trading company
C. A joint governance with Indian rulers
D. Military rule
Answer: A. Direct rule by the British Crown
7.What was the rallying cry of the sepoys as they marched to Delhi?
A. “Vande Mataram”
B. “Inquilab Zindabad”
C. “Maro Firangi ko”
D. “Bharat Mata ki Jai”
Answer: C. “Maro Firangi ko”
8.Who was declared the Emperor of India by the rebels in Delhi?
A. Rani Lakshmibai
B. Nana Sahib
C. Tantia Tope
D. Bahadur Shah Zafar
Answer: D. Bahadur Shah Zafar
9.Which Indian ruler remained loyal to the British during the revolt?
A. Rani Lakshmibai
B. Nana Sahib
C. Sindhia of Gwalior
D. Tantia Tope
Answer: C. Sindhia of Gwalior
10.Which of the following was NOT a British ally during the revolt?
A. Sindhia of Gwalior
B. The Nizam of Hyderabad
C. The Begum of Bhopal
D. Bahadur Shah Zafar
Answer: D. Bahadur Shah Zafar
11.What significant change occurred after the suppression of the revolt?
A. India gained independence
B. The East India Company was abolished
C. The British Crown took direct control of India
D. Both B and C
Answer: D. Both B and C
12.What event is often cited as the beginning of the Revolt of 1857?
A. The annexation of Awadh
B. The attack by Mangal Pandey at Barrackpore
C. The capture of Delhi
D. The revolt in Meerut
Answer: B. The attack by Mangal Pandey at Barrackpore
13.What happened on May 11, 1857, in Delhi?
A. The British recaptured Delhi
B. The sepoys seized Delhi and declared Bahadur Shah Zafar as Emperor
C. The sepoys surrendered
D. The British reinforced their troops in Delhi
Answer: B. The sepoys seized Delhi and declared Bahadur Shah Zafar as Emperor
14.What was the response of the British to the Revolt of 1857?
A. They negotiated peace
B. They launched a brutal suppression campaign
C. They granted independence to India
D. They ignored the revolt
Answer: B. They launched a brutal suppression campaign
15.What did the Revolt of 1857 demonstrate about British rule in India?
A. The efficiency of British administration
B. The widespread discontent against British rule
C. The loyalty of Indian soldiers
D. The technological superiority of the British
Answer: B. The widespread discontent against British rule
16.What role did the civilian population play in the Revolt of 1857?
A. They remained neutral
B. They supported the British
C. They actively supported the sepoys
D. They fled to rural areas
Answer: C. They actively supported the sepoys
17.Which Indian queen led the rebellion in Jhansi?
A. Rani Lakshmibai
B. Begum Hazrat Mahal
C. Kittur Chennamma
D. Ahilyabai Holkar
Answer: A. Rani Lakshmibai
18.Who was the prominent leader of the revolt in Kanpur?
A. Bahadur Shah Zafar
B. Mangal Pandey
C. Nana Sahib
D. Tantia Tope
Answer: C. Nana Sahib
19.What was the main reason for the failure of the Revolt of 1857?
A. Lack of leadership
B. Poor coordination among rebels
C. Superior British military power
D. All of the above
Answer: D. All of the above
20.How did the Revolt of 1857 impact future Indian nationalist movements?
A. It discouraged future rebellions
B. It inspired future generations to fight for independence
C. It led to immediate independence
D. It had no impact
Answer: B. It inspired future generations to fight for independence
Leaders of the Revolt of 1857 in India
The Revolt of 1857 was a watershed moment in Indian history, involving numerous leaders from various regions who played pivotal roles in the uprising against British rule. Here are some key leaders and their contributions:
Mangal Pandey
Background: Mangal Pandey joined the sepoy force of the British East India Company in 1849 at the age of 22.
Role in Revolt: He was part of the 34th Bengal Native Infantry and is primarily known for attacking his senior British officers on March 29, 1857, at Barrackpore. This incident is often cited as the opening stage of the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857.
Rani Lakshmibai
Background: Born as Manikarnika, she married Raja Gangadhar Rao Newalkar, the Maharaja of Jhansi, in 1842 and became the queen of Jhansi. She gave birth to a son, Damodar Rao, in 1851.
Role in Revolt: Rani Lakshmibai became a leading figure in the rebellion, known for her bravery and leadership in defending Jhansi against British forces.
Tatya Tope
Background: Tatya Tope was a close associate and general of Nana Sahib.
Role in Revolt: He played a significant role during the Siege of Cawnpore (Kanpur) in June 1857, where Nana Sahib’s forces attacked the British entrenchment.
Kunwar Singh
Background: Kunwar Singh was the king of Jagdispur, now part of the Bhojpur district in Bihar.
Role in Revolt: As one of the prominent leaders, he led the rebellion in Bihar and fought against the British with great determination.
Shah Mal
Background: Shah Mal resided in a large village in pargana Barout, Uttar Pradesh.
Role in Revolt: He mobilized the headmen and cultivators of the region, moving from village to village at night, urging people to rebel against the British.
Maulvi Ahmadullah Shah
Background: Educated in Hyderabad, Maulvi Ahmadullah Shah became a preacher and was known for his fervent anti-British sentiments.
Role in Revolt: In 1856, he preached jihad (religious war) against the British and urged people to rebel. He was imprisoned in Faizabad in 1857 for his activities.
Leaders of the Revolt in Various Places
Delhi: The symbolic leader was the Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar, but the real command lay with Bakht Khan, from the Bareilly unit of the army.
Kanpur: Nana Sahib led the rebellion here, with support from Tatya Tope and Azimullah.
Lucknow: Begum Hazrat Mahal of Awadh declared her son, Birjis Qadr, as the Nawab of Awadh and led the revolt in Lucknow.
Bareilly: Khan Bahadur Khan led the uprising in Bareilly.
Bihar (Arrah): Kunwar Singh, the Zamindar of Jagdishpur, led the revolt in this region.
Jhansi: Rani Lakshmibai defended Jhansi with remarkable valor.
Allahabad: Liaquat Ali was a prominent leader in the revolt here.
MCQ
Leaders of the Revolt of 1857
1.Who is known for attacking British officers at Barrackpore, marking the beginning of the Revolt of 1857?
A) Rani Lakshmibai
B) Kunwar Singh
C) Mangal Pandey
D) Tatya Tope
Answer: C) Mangal Pandey
2.Which leader of the Revolt of 1857 was the queen of Jhansi and known for her bravery in defending her kingdom against the British?
A) Rani Lakshmibai
B) Begum Hazrat Mahal
C) Queen Victoria
D) Jhalkari Bai
Answer: A) Rani Lakshmibai
3.Who was a close associate of Nana Sahib and played a significant role in the Siege of Cawnpore during the revolt?
A) Tatya Tope
B) Mangal Pandey
C) Shah Mal
D) Kunwar Singh
Answer: A) Tatya Tope
4.Which leader of the Revolt of 1857 mobilized people in pargana Barout, Uttar Pradesh, urging them to rebel against the British?
A) Kunwar Singh
B) Shah Mal
C) Maulvi Ahmadullah Shah
D) Bakht Khan
Answer: B) Shah Mal
5.Who preached jihad against the British and was imprisoned in Faizabad during the revolt?
A) Rani Lakshmibai
B) Begum Hazrat Mahal
C) Maulvi Ahmadullah Shah
D) Tatya Tope
Answer: C) Maulvi Ahmadullah Shah
6.Who was the symbolic leader of the revolt in Delhi, though the real command lay with Bakht Khan?
A) Bahadur Shah Zafar
B) Tatya Tope
C) Nana Sahib
D) Kunwar Singh
Answer: A) Bahadur Shah Zafar
7.Who led the rebellion in Kanpur during the Revolt of 1857?
A) Rani Lakshmibai
B) Begum Hazrat Mahal
C) Nana Sahib
D) Tatya Tope
Answer: C) Nana Sahib
8.Who declared her son as the Nawab of Awadh and led the revolt in Lucknow?
A) Rani Lakshmibai
B) Begum Hazrat Mahal
C) Jhalkari Bai
D) Mangal Pandey
Answer: B) Begum Hazrat Mahal
9.Who led the uprising in Bareilly during the Revolt of 1857?
A) Tatya Tope
B) Khan Bahadur Khan
C) Bakht Khan
D) Mangal Pandey
Answer: B) Khan Bahadur Khan
10.Who was the leader of the revolt in Bihar, particularly in Arrah?
A) Kunwar Singh
B) Shah Mal
C) Tatya Tope
D) Bahadur Shah Zafar
Answer: A) Kunwar Singh
11.Who defended Jhansi against the British with remarkable valor during the revolt?
A) Begum Hazrat Mahal
B) Rani Lakshmibai
C) Jhalkari Bai
D) Mangal Pandey
Answer: B) Rani Lakshmibai
12.Who was a prominent leader in Allahabad during the Revolt of 1857?
A) Khan Bahadur Khan
B) Liaquat Ali
C) Mangal Pandey
D) Shah Mal
Answer: B) Liaquat Ali
13.Who among the following leaders was known for her role in the revolt as well as for dressing as Rani Lakshmibai to deceive the British?
A) Begum Hazrat Mahal
B) Jhalkari Bai
C) Rani Lakshmibai
D) Mangal Pandey
Answer: B) Jhalkari Bai
14.Who was associated with the title “Begum of Awadh” and led the revolt in Lucknow?
A) Rani Lakshmibai
B) Begum Hazrat Mahal
C) Jhalkari Bai
D) Nana Sahib
Answer: B) Begum Hazrat Mahal
15.Who was the commander of the Bareilly unit of the army and took command in Delhi during the revolt?
A) Bahadur Shah Zafar
B) Bakht Khan
C) Nana Sahib
D) Kunwar Singh
Answer: B) Bakht Khan
16.Who among the following leaders was known for his association with Rani Lakshmibai and played a significant role in the rebellion?
A) Tatya Tope
B) Mangal Pandey
C) Kunwar Singh
D) Shah Mal
Answer: A) Tatya Tope
17.Who was known as the “Heroine of Jhansi” for her fearless leadership during the revolt?
A) Jhalkari Bai
B) Begum Hazrat Mahal
C) Rani Lakshmibai
D) Mangal Pandey
Answer: C) Rani Lakshmibai
18.Who led the revolt in Bihar and fought with great determination against the British?
A) Mangal Pandey
B) Shah Mal
C) Kunwar Singh
D) Tatya Tope
Answer: C) Kunwar Singh
19.Who was known for his role in mobilizing people in pargana Barout against the British?
A) Mangal Pandey
B) Shah Mal
C) Kunwar Singh
D) Maulvi Ahmadullah Shah
Answer: B) Shah Mal
20.Who was the leader of the revolt in Kanpur and known for his association with Tatya Tope?
A) Nana Sahib
B) Kunwar Singh
C) Shah Mal
D) Mangal Pandey
Answer: A) Nana Sahib
These questions cover various aspects of the leaders involved in the Revolt of 1857, highlighting their roles and contributions during this significant period in Indian history.
Important Governor Generals of India
Robert Clive (1757-60 & 1765-67)
1.Governor of Bengal: Robert Clive served as the Governor of Bengal during two separate periods, first from 1757 to 1760 and then from 1765 to 1767.
2.Dual Government in Bengal: Clive introduced the dual system of government in Bengal in 1765, whereby the East India Company had control over revenue collection while the Nawab retained administrative authority.
3.Military and Political Supremacy: Clive was a British officer who played a crucial role in establishing the military and political dominance of the East India Company in Bengal.
4.Foundations of the British Empire: Clive is often credited with laying the foundations of the British Empire in India, earning him the title “conqueror of India” from his admirers.
5.Battle of Plassey: Clive defeated the Nawab of Bengal, Siraj-ud-Daulah, in the Battle of Plassey in 1757, a decisive victory that marked the beginning of British control over Bengal.
6.Early Career: Clive first came to India in 1743 as a civil servant of the East India Company. He later joined the Company’s military service and returned to England in 1753.
7.Death: On November 22, 1774, Clive committed suicide at the age of forty-nine at his home in Berkeley Square, London.
Warren Hastings (1772-74)
1.Abolished Dual Government: In 1772, Warren Hastings abolished the dual government system introduced by Robert Clive.
2.Land Revenue Settlement: He introduced a system of land revenue collection known as the ‘quintessential settlement’ in 1772.
3.Asiatic Society of Bengal: Hastings was instrumental in the foundation of the Asiatic Society of Bengal with the help of William Jones in 1784, promoting the study of Indian culture and history.
4.Impeachment Proceedings: After returning to England in 1785, impeachment proceedings were initiated against Hastings in the House of Lords, primarily on charges of corruption and mismanagement.
5.First Governor-General of Bengal: Hastings was appointed as the first Governor-General of Bengal, a position he held from 1772 to 1785.
6.Military Campaigns:
Rohilla War (1774): A campaign against the Rohillas in the region of Rohilkhand.
First Anglo-Maratha War (1776-82): A conflict between the British East India Company and the Maratha Empire.
Second Anglo-Mysore War (1780-84): A war against the Kingdom of Mysore under Sultan Tipu and his father, Hyder Ali.
Summary
Robert Clive and Warren Hastings were two prominent British officials who played crucial roles in the establishment and consolidation of British rule in India. Clive is best known for his victory in the Battle of Plassey, which marked the beginning of British dominance in Bengal, while Hastings is noted for his administrative reforms and the establishment of the Asiatic Society of Bengal. Both faced significant challenges during and after their tenure, including Hastings’ impeachment trial, reflecting the complexities of British colonial governance in India.
MCQ
Robert Clive (1757-60 & 1765-67)
1.What position did Robert Clive hold during his time in India?
A) Governor-General of India
B) Governor of Bengal
C) Viceroy of India
D) Prime Minister of Britain
Answer: B) Governor of Bengal
2.What significant administrative system did Robert Clive introduce in Bengal in 1765?
A) Permanent Settlement
B) Dual Government
C) Ryotwari System
D) Mahalwari System
Answer: B) Dual Government
3.Which battle marked the beginning of British control over Bengal under Clive’s leadership?
A) Battle of Buxar
B) Battle of Wandiwash
C) Battle of Plassey
D) Battle of Seringapatam
Answer: C) Battle of Plassey
4.In what year did Robert Clive first come to India?
A) 1730
B) 1743
C) 1757
D) 1765
Answer: B) 1743
5.What title is often attributed to Robert Clive for his role in India?
A) Liberator of India
B) Conqueror of India
C) Father of the Indian Navy
D) Architect of Modern India
Answer: B) Conqueror of India
6.When did Robert Clive die, and how?
A) 1770, Natural causes
B) 1774, In battle
C) 1774, Suicide
D) 1780, Assassination
Answer: C) 1774, Suicide
7.What was Clive’s initial role when he first came to India?
A) Military officer
B) Diplomat
C) Civil servant of the East India Company
D) Trader
Answer: C) Civil servant of the East India Company
8.Which Nawab of Bengal did Clive defeat in the Battle of Plassey?
A) Mir Jafar
B) Siraj-ud-Daulah
C) Shuja-ud-Daula
D) Hyder Ali
Answer: B) Siraj-ud-Daulah
9.During which years did Clive serve his second term as Governor of Bengal?
A) 1757-1760
B) 1760-1763
C) 1765-1767
D) 1767-1770
Answer: C) 1765-1767
10.What was the primary focus of Clive’s dual system of government in Bengal?
A) Administrative efficiency
B) Revenue collection and military control
C) Agricultural reform
D) Trade enhancement
Answer: B) Revenue collection and military control
Warren Hastings (1772-74)
11.What major administrative change did Warren Hastings implement in 1772?
A) Introduced the Ryotwari system
B) Abolished the dual government system
C) Established the Permanent Settlement
D) Created the Indian Civil Service
Answer: B) Abolished the dual government system
12.Which society did Warren Hastings help to establish in 1784?
A) The Indian National Congress
B) The Asiatic Society of Bengal
C) The Royal Society
D) The Archaeological Survey of India
Answer: B) The Asiatic Society of Bengal
13.Which notable military conflict was NOT associated with Warren Hastings?
A) Rohilla War
B) First Anglo-Maratha War
C) Second Anglo-Mysore War
D) Third Anglo-Mysore War
Answer: D) Third Anglo-Mysore War
14.What was the outcome of the impeachment proceedings against Warren Hastings?
A) Convicted and imprisoned
B) Acquitted of all charges
C) Fined and exiled
D) Sentenced to death
Answer: B) Acquitted of all charges
15.When was Warren Hastings appointed as the first Governor-General of Bengal?
A) 1765
B) 1772
C) 1784
D) 1793
Answer: B) 1772
16.What land revenue system did Hastings introduce in 1772?
A) Ryotwari Settlement
B) Permanent Settlement
C) Quintessential Settlement
D) Mahalwari Settlement
Answer: C) Quintessential Settlement
17.Which war during Hastings’ tenure involved a conflict with the Maratha Empire?
A) First Anglo-Maratha War
B) Second Anglo-Maratha War
C) Third Anglo-Maratha War
D) Fourth Anglo-Maratha War
Answer: A) First Anglo-Maratha War
18.In which year did Warren Hastings return to England?
A) 1780
B) 1785
C) 1790
D) 1795
Answer: B) 1785
19.Which British officer was instrumental in establishing the military and political dominance of the East India Company in Bengal?
A) Lord Cornwallis
B) Lord Wellesley
C) Robert Clive
D) Warren Hastings
Answer: C) Robert Clive
20.Which Indian region was involved in the Rohilla War during Hastings’ tenure?
A) Bengal
B) Rohilkhand
C) Hyderabad
D) Awadh
Answer: B) Rohilkhand
Lord Cornwallis (1786-93)
1.Codification of Laws (1793): Lord Cornwallis was the first person to codify laws in India in 1793. His code separated revenue administration from the administration of justice and created the post of District Judge, laying the foundation for the modern judicial system in India.
2.Permanent Settlement (1793): Cornwallis introduced the Permanent Settlement in 1793, which fixed the land revenue that landlords had to pay to the British government. This system aimed to create a stable revenue source for the British and secure property rights for landlords.
3.Father of Civil Service in India: Cornwallis is often called the “Father of Civil Service in India” for his efforts to establish a professional and merit-based administrative system. He introduced several reforms to eliminate corruption and improve efficiency within the civil service.
4.Third Anglo-Mysore War: Cornwallis led British forces in the Third Anglo-Mysore War and defeated Tipu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore. This victory significantly expanded British control in southern India.
5.Return to England and Death: In 1793, Cornwallis returned to England and was awarded the title of Marquess. He was granted a seat in the Privy Council. Lord Cornwallis later returned to India in 1805 but died shortly after his arrival.
Lord Wellesley (1798-1805)
1.Bengal Tiger: Lord Wellesley described himself as the “Bengal Tiger,” reflecting his aggressive and expansionist policies.
2.Subsidiary Alliance: Wellesley introduced the Subsidiary Alliance system, which required Indian states to accept British forces within their territories and pay for their upkeep. This policy effectively reduced these states to British protectorates.
3.Madras Presidency: The Madras Presidency was established during Wellesley’s tenure, expanding British administrative control in southern India.
4.Treaty of Bassein and Second Anglo-Maratha War: Wellesley signed the Treaty of Bassein with the Maratha Empire, which led to the Second Anglo-Maratha War. This conflict further extended British influence in India.
Lord Hastings (1813-1823)
1.Ryotwari Settlement: The Ryotwari settlement was introduced in the Madras Presidency by Governor Thomas Munro in 1820. This system involved direct settlement with the cultivators (ryots), bypassing landlords.
2.Policy of Intervention and War: Lord Hastings adopted a policy of intervention and war to expand British control in India, engaging in several military campaigns against Indian states.
3.Mahalwari System: The Mahalwari system of land revenue was introduced in the North-Western Provinces by James Thomson. This system assessed land revenue based on the collective ownership of village communities.
Lord William Bentinck (1828-1835)
1’First Governor-General of India: Appointed as the first Governor-General of India under the Government of India Act 1833, Bentinck’s tenure marked the centralization of British administration in India.
2.Liberal and Enlightened Reforms: Bentinck is regarded as the “Father of Modern Western Education in India” for his educational reforms and support for English education.
3.Abolition of Sati and Female Infanticide: Bentinck banned the practice of Sati (the burning of widows) in 1829 and took measures to curb female infanticide.
4.Language Reforms: He made English the court language in higher courts, though Persian continued in lower courts, facilitating the spread of English education and administration.
5.Judicial Reforms: Bentinck abolished the Court of Appeals and Circuit set up by Cornwallis, streamlining the judicial system.
6.Liberator of the Press: Sir Charles Metcalfe, who served as Governor-General briefly in 1835-36, was known as the “Liberator of the Press” for his efforts to lift restrictions on the press in India.
These governors-general were instrumental in shaping the administrative, judicial, and political landscape of British India through various reforms and policies. Their legacies had lasting impacts on the governance and development of the Indian subcontinent.
Here are 20 important multiple-choice questions (MCQs) with answers based on the contributions and actions of Lord Cornwallis, Lord Wellesley, Lord Hastings, and Lord William Bentinck in shaping British India:
Lord Cornwallis (1786-93)
1.In which year did Lord Cornwallis codify laws in India?
A) 1790
B) 1793
C) 1796
D) 1798
Answer: B) 1793
2.What major land revenue system did Cornwallis introduce in 1793?
A) Ryotwari Settlement
B) Mahalwari System
C) Permanent Settlement
D) Zamindari System
Answer: C) Permanent Settlement
3.Who is often called the “Father of Civil Service in India”?
A) Warren Hastings
B) Lord Cornwallis
C) Lord Wellesley
D) Lord William Bentinck
Answer: B) Lord Cornwallis
4.Which war did Cornwallis lead British forces in and defeat Tipu Sultan?
A) First Anglo-Mysore War
B) Second Anglo-Mysore War
C) Third Anglo-Mysore War
D) Fourth Anglo-Mysore War
Answer: C) Third Anglo-Mysore War
5.When did Lord Cornwallis return to England and receive the title of Marquess?
A) 1786
B) 1793
C) 1805
D) 1810
Answer: B) 1793
Lord Wellesley (1798-1805)
6.What self-descriptive title did Lord Wellesley use to reflect his aggressive policies?
A) Bengal Tiger
B) Lion of Punjab
C) Conqueror of India
D) British Eagle
Answer: A) Bengal Tiger
7.What system did Wellesley introduce that required Indian states to accept British forces?
A) Doctrine of Lapse
B) Subsidiary Alliance
C) Permanent Settlement
D) Ryotwari System
Answer: B) Subsidiary Alliance
8.Which presidency was established during Wellesley’s tenure?
A) Bombay Presidency
B) Madras Presidency
C) Bengal Presidency
D) Punjab Presidency
Answer: B) Madras Presidency
9.The Treaty of Bassein led to which conflict?
A) First Anglo-Sikh War
B) First Anglo-Maratha War
C) Second Anglo-Maratha War
D) Second Anglo-Mysore War
Answer: C) Second Anglo-Maratha War
Lord Hastings (1813-1823)
10.Which land revenue system was introduced in the Madras Presidency by Governor Thomas Munro in 1820?
A) Permanent Settlement
B) Mahalwari System
C) Ryotwari Settlement
D) Zamindari System
Answer: C) Ryotwari Settlement
11.What policy did Lord Hastings adopt to expand British control in India?
A) Subsidiary Alliance
B) Doctrine of Lapse
C) Policy of Intervention and War
D) Permanent Settlement
Answer: C) Policy of Intervention and War
12.Which system of land revenue was introduced in the North-Western Provinces by James Thomson?
A) Ryotwari Settlement
B) Mahalwari System
C) Permanent Settlement
D) Subsidiary Alliance
Answer: B) Mahalwari System
Lord William Bentinck (1828-1835)
13.Who was the first Governor-General of India under the Government of India Act 1833?
A) Lord Cornwallis
B) Lord Wellesley
C) Lord Hastings
D) Lord William Bentinck
Answer: D) Lord William Bentinck
14.What title is Lord William Bentinck often given for his educational reforms?
A) Father of Civil Service in India
B) Father of Modern Western Education in India
C) Liberator of the Press
D) Conqueror of India
Answer: B) Father of Modern Western Education in India
15.In which year did Bentinck ban the practice of Sati?
A) 1825
B) 1827
C) 1829
D) 1831
Answer: C) 1829
16.What was the court language in higher courts during Bentinck’s tenure?
A) Persian
B) Urdu
C) English
D) Hindi
Answer: C) English
17.Who abolished the Court of Appeals and Circuit set up by Cornwallis?
A) Lord Wellesley
B) Lord Hastings
C) Lord William Bentinck
D) Lord Cornwallis
Answer: C) Lord William Bentinck
18.Who is known as the “Liberator of the Press” for his efforts to lift restrictions on the press in India?
A) Lord Wellesley
B) Lord Hastings
C) Sir Charles Metcalfe
D) Lord William Bentinck
Answer: C) Sir Charles Metcalfe
19.What system did Bentinck support to facilitate the spread of English education and administration?
A) Ryotwari System
B) Subsidiary Alliance
C) English as the court language
D) Permanent Settlement
Answer: C) English as the court language
20.Which Governor-General is associated with liberal and enlightened reforms, including educational and social reforms?
A) Lord Cornwallis
B) Lord Wellesley
C) Lord Hastings
D) Lord William Bentinck
Answer: D) Lord William Bentinck
Lord Dalhousie (1849-1856)
1.Doctrine of Lapse: Lord Dalhousie introduced the Doctrine of Lapse, a policy aimed at annexing Indian states without a direct male heir. Under this policy, several states were annexed:
Satara (1848)
Jaitpur and Sambalpur (1849)
Baghat (1850)
Udaipur (1852)
Jhansi (1853)
Nagpur (1854)
1.Wood’s Dispatch (1854): Known as the Magna Carta of English education in India, Wood’s Dispatch was prepared by Charles Wood. It recommended a scheme of education from primary to university level, emphasizing the establishment of a network of schools, colleges, and universities.
2.Railway Development: Lord Dalhousie laid the foundation for India’s railway system:
The first railway line from Bombay to Thane (1853).
The second line from Calcutta to Raniganj.
3.Post and Telegraph: He significantly improved postal and telegraph services:
Established telegraph lines from Calcutta to Agra.
Passed the Post Office Act in 1854, standardizing postal services and issuing postage stamps for the first time.
4.Hindu Marriage Act (1856): This act legalized the remarriage of Hindu widows, marking a significant social reform.
5.Engineering College at Roorkee: Established the first engineering college in India at Roorkee, which later became the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT Roorkee).
6.Public Works Department: Set up the first separate Public Works Department, initiating significant infrastructure projects:
Started work on the Grand Trunk Road.
Developed harbors at Karachi, Bombay, and Calcutta.
7.Youngest Governor-General: Dalhousie was the youngest Governor-General of India, assuming charge at the age of 36.
Lord Canning (1856-62)
1.Revolt of 1857: The Indian Rebellion of 1857, also known as the First War of Indian Independence, occurred during Canning’s tenure. It marked a significant uprising against British rule.
2.Queen Victoria’s Proclamation (1858): This proclamation ended the rule of the East India Company and transferred the administration of India directly to the British Crown. The Indian Councils Act of 1858 was passed, formalizing this change.
3.Doctrine of Lapse Withdrawal (1859): The controversial Doctrine of Lapse, introduced by Lord Dalhousie, was officially withdrawn under Canning’s administration.
4.Foundation of Universities (1857): Established universities in Calcutta, Bombay, and Madras, laying the groundwork for higher education in India.
5.Indigo Revolt (1859-60): The Indigo Revolt in Bengal saw indigo farmers protesting against oppressive conditions imposed by British planters.
6.Exile of Bahadur Shah II: The last Mughal Emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar, was captured and sent into exile in Rangoon (modern-day Yangon, Myanmar).
7.Legal Reforms: The Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) were enacted, providing a comprehensive legal framework for India.
8.Income Tax Introduction (1858): Income tax was introduced for the first time in India, marking a significant fiscal policy change.
9.Indian High Courts Act (1861): This act led to the establishment of High Courts in various provinces, streamlining the judicial system.
These reforms and policies implemented by Lord Dalhousie and Lord Canning had far-reaching impacts on the administrative, legal, and social landscape of India, contributing significantly to the modernization of the country under British rule.
MCQ
Lord Dalhousie (1849-1856)
1.What policy did Lord Dalhousie introduce to annex Indian states without a direct male heir?
A) Doctrine of Subsidiary Alliance
B) Doctrine of Lapse
C) Doctrine of Paramountcy
D) Doctrine of Precedence
Answer: B) Doctrine of Lapse
2.Which state was the first to be annexed under the Doctrine of Lapse?
A) Jhansi
B) Satara
C) Nagpur
D) Udaipur
Answer: B) Satara
3.What year did Lord Dalhousie annex Jhansi under the Doctrine of Lapse?
A) 1848
B) 1849
C) 1853
D) 1854
Answer: C) 1853
4.Which document, known as the Magna Carta of English education in India, was prepared by Charles Wood?
A) Hunter Commission
B) Wood’s Dispatch
C) Macaulay’s Minutes
D) Indian Education Commission
Answer: B) Wood’s Dispatch
5.When was the first railway line in India inaugurated, and between which two places?
A) 1850, Bombay to Thane
B) 1851, Calcutta to Raniganj
C) 1853, Bombay to Thane
D) 1854, Calcutta to Raniganj
Answer: C) 1853, Bombay to Thane
6.What act did Lord Dalhousie pass to standardize postal services and issue postage stamps for the first time?
A) Indian Postal Act
B) Postal Reform Act
C) Post Office Act
D) Communication Act
Answer: C) Post Office Act
7.Which significant social reform did the Hindu Marriage Act of 1856 introduce?
A) Prohibition of child marriage
B) Legalization of Hindu widow remarriage
C) Introduction of monogamy
D) Abolition of caste-based discrimination
Answer: B) Legalization of Hindu widow remarriage
8.Which engineering institution did Lord Dalhousie establish that later became IIT Roorkee?
A) Roorkee College
B) Engineering College at Roorkee
C) Thomason College of Civil Engineering
D) Indian Institute of Engineering
Answer: C) Thomason College of Civil Engineering
9.Which department did Lord Dalhousie set up to initiate significant infrastructure projects?
A) Ministry of Infrastructure
B) Public Works Department
C) Department of Development
D) Infrastructure Planning Committee
Answer: B) Public Works Department
10.At what age did Lord Dalhousie become the youngest Governor-General of India?
A) 32
B) 34
C) 36
D) 38
Answer: C) 36
Lord Canning (1856-62)
11.During whose tenure did the Indian Rebellion of 1857 occur?
A) Lord Dalhousie
B) Lord Hastings
C) Lord Canning
D) Lord William Bentinck
Answer: C) Lord Canning
12.What significant proclamation did Queen Victoria issue in 1858?
A) Proclamation of Annexation
B) Proclamation of Independence
C) Queen Victoria’s Proclamation
D) Proclamation of Emancipation
Answer: C) Queen Victoria’s Proclamation
13.What significant policy was officially withdrawn under Canning’s administration in 1859?
A) Subsidiary Alliance
B) Doctrine of Lapse
C) Permanent Settlement
D) Mahalwari System
Answer: B) Doctrine of Lapse
14.Which universities were established in 1857 under Lord Canning’s tenure?
A) Delhi, Bombay, and Calcutta
B) Calcutta, Madras, and Bombay
C) Bombay, Delhi, and Madras
D) Madras, Calcutta, and Delhi
Answer: B) Calcutta, Madras, and Bombay
15.What revolt in Bengal saw indigo farmers protesting against oppressive conditions imposed by British planters?
A) Sepoy Mutiny
B) Indigo Revolt
C) Deccan Riots
D) Bengal Peasant Revolt
Answer: B) Indigo Revolt
16.Where was the last Mughal Emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar, sent into exile?
A) Calcutta
B) Rangoon
C) Madras
D) Delhi
Answer: B) Rangoon
17.Which comprehensive legal framework was enacted under Lord Canning’s tenure?
A) Indian Penal Code (IPC)
B) Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC)
C) Civil Procedure Code (CPC)
D) Both A and B
Answer: D) Both A and B
18.When was income tax introduced for the first time in India?
A) 1856
B) 1857
C) 1858
D) 1859
Answer: C) 1858
19.Which act led to the establishment of High Courts in various provinces?
A) Indian Councils Act
B) Indian High Courts Act
C) Government of India Act
D) Judiciary Act
Answer: B) Indian High Courts Act
20.Which Governor-General’s tenure is associated with the Revolt of 1857?
A) Lord Dalhousie
B) Lord Wellesley
C) Lord Hastings
D) Lord Canning
Answer: D) Lord Canning
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