History summer exam - British rulers in India

What was the East India Company?

A British trading company that became involved in ruling India, taking on military and administrative roles

What was the Battle of Plassey (1757)?

A key battle that gave the British control of Bengal and started their dominance in India

What was the British Raj?

The period of direct British rule in India from 1858 to 1947 after the East India Company ended

Who was Robert Clive?

A British leader who won the Battle of Plassey and helped establish British control in India

Who was Tipu Sultan?

The ruler of Mysore who resisted British expansion but was defeated in 1799

Who was Lord Bentinck?

Governor General who introduced reforms and banned the practice of sati

Who was the Earl of Dalhousie?

Governor General who improved infrastructure and created the doctrine of lapse

Who was Lord Curzon?

Viceroy who strengthened British power and infrastructure but was criticised for poor famine response

What happened at the Battle of Plassey (1757)?

The British gained control of Bengal and access to wealth

What was the Indian Rebellion (1857 to 59)?

A major uprising against British rule caused by cultural and military tensions

What happened in 1858 in India?

The East India Company was abolished and Britain took direct control

What is meant by economic exploitation in India?

The British took resources and taxed heavily to make profit

What is meant by cultural imposition?

The British tried to force their culture and values onto Indian society

What is meant by resistance and rebellion?

Indians opposed British rule, leading to uprisings like the 1857 rebellion

What was the Doctrine of Lapse?

A policy allowing Britain to take over states without a male heir

What was the abolition of sati?

The banning of widow burning by the British as part of reform efforts

Who led the Battle of Plassey?

Robert Clive in 1757

When did the East India Company gain Bengal?

In 1757 after the Battle of Plassey

What happened in 1765?

The Mughal emperor gave tax collection rights to the East India Company

When was the Indian Rebellion?

From 1857 to 1859

When did Queen Victoria become Empress of India?

In 1877

What was the effect of the British winning the Battle of Plassey?

They gained control of Bengal and began exploiting its wealth

What was the effect of imposing British culture?

It caused resentment among Indians and contributed to rebellion

What was the effect of abolishing sati?

It had mixed reactions, seen as progress by some and interference by others

What was the effect of the Doctrine of Lapse?

It increased anger among Indian rulers and led to resistance

What was the effect of the British response to the rebellion?

Harsh punishments increased hatred of British rule

What was Company Rule (1757 to 1803)?

India was controlled by the East India Company for profit

What was the British Raj (1858 to 1905)?

India was ruled directly by the British government with more structure

How did Company Rule view Indians?

Some British adopted Indian culture (White Mughals)

How did the British Raj view Indians?

They believed in racial superiority and limited Indian involvement

What were economic policies under Company Rule?

Focused on profit, resource exploitation, and high taxes

What were economic policies under the British Raj?

Continued exploitation but added railways and infrastructure

What were social changes under Company Rule?

Some cultural exchange but also corruption

What were social changes under the British Raj?

British values imposed and Indian customs often ignored