Lesson 7 From Traders to Rulers (History)

Flashcards based on Grade 8 Social Studies notes for Lesson 7: From Traders to Rulers.

Who was the last powerful Mughal ruler and when did he die?

Aurangzeb was the last powerful Mughal Ruler and he died in the year 1707.

Which Mughal emperor granted the Diwani rights to the East India Company?

Shah Alam II granted the Diwani rights to the East India Company.

Which governor-general is known for implementing the Subsidiary Alliance system?

Lord Wellesley implemented the Subsidiary Alliance system.

What was the capital of Tipu Sultan's kingdom?

The capital of Tipu Sultan's kingdom was Seringapatam.

Who was the ruler of Punjab at the time of its annexation by the British?

Dalip Singh ruled Punjab when it was annexed by the British.

What were the main reasons for the English East India Company to establish trading settlements in India?

The Company sought new lands to purchase goods like cotton, silk, and spices (pepper, cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon) at low prices to sell them back in Europe at higher prices.

What role did the Battle of Plassey play in the English East India Company's control over Bengal?

It laid the foundation for the English conquest of Bengal, transforming the Company from a trading entity into a significant political power with access to vast revenues to finance further conquests.

What were the terms of Wellesley's Subsidiary Alliance?

The allied ruler had to station British troops in their territory, pay a subsidy for their maintenance, post a British Resident at their court, and could not employ other Europeans or negotiate with other rulers without British approval.

How did the Subsidiary Alliance help the British East India Company in expanding its control over India?

It effectively stripped Indian states of their independence, making them militarily and politically dependent on the British while allowing the Company to intervene in their internal affairs through Residents.

What were the main reasons for the British conquest of Sindh?

It was driven by Anglo-Russian rivalry; the British feared a Russian invasion through Afghanistan and believed they needed control of Sindh to counter this threat.

What were the policies of Lord Dalhousie and their impact on the expansion of the English East India Company's territories in India?

Dalhousie used the Doctrine of Lapse to annex states where a ruler died without a natural heir (e.g., Satara, Jhansi) and annexed Oudh by claiming "misgovernment". These policies significantly expanded direct British rule but caused widespread resentment.

What was the significance of Mir Jafar's betrayal during the Battle of Plassey?

Mir Jafar, the commander-in-chief, betrayed Siraj-ud-Daulah by not engaging his forces in the battle in exchange for the throne. This personal ambition allowed the British to gain a foothold, demonstrating how a leader's failure in duty can lead to the loss of national sovereignty.

What were the reasons for and consequences of the Marathas' defeat in the Anglo-Maratha Wars?

The Marathas failed to unite due to internal conflicts among the five chiefs. Consequently, the British defeated them piece-meal, resulting in the Marathas becoming subsidiary allies, losing territory, and eventually seeing the office of the Peshwa abolished.

What is a brief overview of the four Anglo-Mysore Wars?

1st & 2nd: Haider Ali and Tipu Sultan were largely successful or reached a stalemate. 3rd: Tipu lost half his kingdom after the French withdrew support. 4th: Tipu was killed defending Seringapatam, and Mysore became a British dependency under a Subsidiary Alliance.