18th Century India, Advent of Europeans & British Expansion
Q1. Which of the following was the first European trading company to arrive in India?
(1) English
(2) Portuguese
(3) Dutch
(4) French
Correct Answer: (2) Portuguese
Explanation:
The Portuguese were the earliest Europeans to reach India for trade. Vasco da Gama arrived at Calicut in 1498, establishing early maritime dominance.
Q2. The Battle of Plassey (1757) was fought between:
(1) British and French
(2) British and Marathas
(3) British and Siraj-ud-Daulah
(4) British and Hyder Ali
Correct Answer: (3) British and Siraj-ud-Daulah
Explanation:
Robert Clive defeated Siraj-ud-Daulah, establishing political control in Bengal and laying the foundation of British rule.
Q3. The Dual Government in Bengal was introduced by:
(1) Robert Clive
(2) Warren Hastings
(3) Lord Cornwallis
(4) William Bentinck
Correct Answer: (1) Robert Clive
Explanation:
Clive created a system where the company controlled revenue while the Nawab retained nominal authority. It led to administrative confusion and famine.
Q4. The Treaty of Allahabad (1765) granted the Diwani rights of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa to the British by:
(1) Siraj-ud-Daulah
(2) Shah Alam II
(3) Shuja-ud-Daula
(4) Mir Jafar
Correct Answer: (2) Shah Alam II
Explanation:
After the Battle of Buxar (1764), the Mughal emperor granted revenue rights to the East India Company, resulting in full economic authority in eastern India.
Q5. Which of the following battles consolidated British supremacy in India?
(1) Battle of Plassey
(2) Battle of Buxar
(3) Battle of Wandiwash
(4) Third Battle of Panipat
Correct Answer: (2) Battle of Buxar
Explanation:
Buxar (1764) was fought against the combined forces of Mir Qasim, Shuja-ud-Daula, and Shah Alam II. The Company gained political authority and revenue.
Q6. The system of Subsidiary Alliance was introduced by:
(1) Lord Dalhousie
(2) Lord Wellesley
(3) Lord Hastings
(4) Lord Cornwallis
Correct Answer: (2) Lord Wellesley
Explanation:
The Indian rulers were forced to accept British troops and dismiss their own forces. It made the states dependent and facilitated territorial expansion.
Q7. Which act introduced a centralized administrative structure and laid foundation for modern governance?
(1) Regulating Act, 1773
(2) Pitt’s India Act, 1784
(3) Charter Act, 1813
(4) Indian Councils Act, 1861
Correct Answer: (1) Regulating Act, 1773
Explanation:
It was the first step to regulate Company’s rule and created the Governor-General’s office.
Q8. The doctrine of lapse was applied first to annex:
(1) Satara
(2) Jhansi
(3) Nagpur
(4) Awadh
Correct Answer: (1) Satara
Explanation:
Dalhousie refused to accept adopted heirs, beginning with Satara (1848), later followed by Jhansi and Nagpur.
Q9. Who among the following was defeated in the Third Anglo-Mysore War?
(1) Tipu Sultan
(2) Hyder Ali
(3) Peshwa Baji Rao II
(4) Shuja-ud-Daula
Correct Answer: (1) Tipu Sultan
Explanation:
In 1792, the Treaty of Seringapatam forced Tipu Sultan to cede half of his territory and give two sons as hostages.
Q10. Which European power established trading posts at Masulipatnam, Pulicat and Nagapattinam?
(1) Portuguese
(2) Dutch
(3) British
(4) French
Correct Answer: (2) Dutch
Explanation:
The Dutch East India Company established major trading centers on the Coromandel Coast and dominated spice trade before being defeated by the English.
UNIT 8 RECAP
Topics covered:
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Decline of Mughal power & rise of regional states
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Entry of European trading companies
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Carnatic wars, Plassey & Buxar
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British territorial & administrative expansion
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Policies: Subsidiary Alliance & Doctrine of Lapse
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Anglo-Mysore & Anglo-Maratha wars