British Expansion policy MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for British Expansion policy - Download Free PDF

The correct answer is Regulating Act, 1773.

Key Points

• The Regulating Act of 1773 was the first attempt by the British Parliament to regulate the affairs of the East India Company in India.
• It designated the Governor of Bengal as the Governor-General of Bengal, and gave him authority over the Governors of Bombay and Madras.
• The act introduced a centralised system of governance in British India, laying the foundation for subsequent legislative reforms.
• Warren Hastings became the first Governor-General of Bengal under this act.
• The act also established a Supreme Court at Calcutta in 1774, marking the beginning of a judicial system in India.

Additional Information

• Charter Act, 1793:
  • This act renewed the East India Company's charter for another 20 years.
  • It further consolidated the power of the Governor-General and improved the administrative machinery.
• Charter Act, 1813:
  • It ended the monopoly of the East India Company over trade in India, except for trade in tea and trade with China.
  • The act provided for the propagation of education and the spread of Christianity in India.
• Government of India Act, 1935:
  • This was the last pre-independence act that laid the foundation for federal governance in India.
  • It introduced provincial autonomy and bicameral legislatures in Indian provinces.
• Supreme Court of Calcutta:
  • Established in 1774 under the Regulating Act of 1773, it was the first Supreme Court in India.
  • It was responsible for administering justice in civil, criminal, and ecclesiastical matters.

The correct answer is Madras.Key Points

• India was introduced to the rail transport industry in the early 18th century by the British Government.

1832-1852: The Period of Industrial Railways

• India's first railway was proposed in 1832 at Madras by the British Government.
• The country's first train, Red Hill Railways, began in Madras in 1837.
• Lord Dalhousie, the Governor General of India from 1848 to 1856, is known as the "father of railways" for initiating the introduction of railways in India.

• The Great India Peningar Railway was incorporated in 1849, and the Solani Aqueduct Railway was built in Roorkee in 1851.

Therefore the correct answer will be Madras.Additional Information 

• The history of the Railways in India can be classified into different periods, including:
  • 1832-1852: The Period of Industrial Railways
  • 1853-1924: The Expansion and Introduction of Passenger Railways
  • 1925-1924 Electrification and further Expansion of Railways
  • 1947-1950: The Aftermath of Partition
  • 1951-1983: Zonal re-organization and Development of Railways
  • 1984-Present: Rapid transit and Later Development of Railways

1853-1924: The Expansion and Introduction of Passenger Railways

• The first railway line in India, spanning 34 km between Boribandar (Bombay) to Thane, was opened to passenger trains in 1853.
• The first train in Eastern India started in 1854 between Howrah to Hooghly.
• The first railway in South India started in 1856 between Royapuram-Vyasarpadi (Madras) to Wallajah Road (Arcot).
• The first railway workshop was built in Jamalpur, Bihar, in 1862.
• Delhi Junction became the first station in the north in 1864.
• Bhor Track was constructed in 1854 to connect Bombay to Poona (now Pune).

The correct answer is: 'A) The import of British industrial goods that replaced Indian handmade products'.

Key Points

• The import of British industrial goods that replaced Indian handmade products
  • This statement is correct.
  • De-industrialization in India during the colonial period was primarily due to the large-scale import of British industrial goods. The products manufactured in Britain, such as textiles, were mass-produced using advanced machinery, making them much cheaper compared to Indian handmade goods.
  • These cheap imports flooded the Indian markets, leading to the decline of traditional Indian industries, particularly the textile industry, which had previously been a significant source of employment and export revenue. Indian artisans and weavers could not compete with the prices of machine-made goods, resulting in widespread unemployment and the collapse of many traditional sectors.

Incorrect Statements

• The expansion of cottage industries encouraged by British policies
  • This statement is incorrect.
  • The British policies did not encourage the expansion of cottage industries. In fact, the colonial policies were geared towards supporting the British industrial revolution by securing raw materials from India and creating a market for British manufactured goods in India. This effectively suppressed Indian cottage and small-scale industries rather than encouraging their expansion.
• The rise of Indian industrial capitalists who outcompeted foreign goods
  • This statement is incorrect.
  • During the colonial period, there was no significant rise of Indian industrial capitalists who could outcompete foreign goods. Indian industries faced numerous challenges, including lack of capital, lack of technological advancement, and British-imposed trade restrictions that favored British manufacturers. The Indian industrial base was relatively underdeveloped and could not compete with British industrial goods.
• The spread of new technologies and manufacturing techniques by British companies
  • This statement is incorrect.
  • While the British introduced new technologies and manufacturing techniques, they primarily did so to benefit their own industries. The spread of such technologies in India was limited, and they were not aimed at fostering Indian industrial growth but rather at improving the extraction of resources for export and ensuring the dominance of British-manufactured goods in the Indian market.

Hence, the correct option is: B) The import of British industrial goods that replaced Indian handmade products.

Additional Information

• Impact of De-industrialization on India:
  • The decline of traditional industries like textiles, handicrafts, and metalwork resulted in widespread unemployment and economic hardship for artisans and craftsmen who had relied on these industries for their livelihood.
  • De-industrialization also led to the increased dependence of the Indian economy on agriculture, which became the primary source of employment. This, in turn, contributed to the rise of rural poverty as agricultural productivity did not keep pace with population growth, and there were fewer opportunities for diversification.
• Colonial Policies and Economic Impact:
  • British policies were primarily designed to serve their own economic interests. India was seen as a supplier of raw materials for British industries and a market for British finished goods. This led to a distortion of the Indian economy, where the traditional balance between agriculture and industry was disrupted.
  • Import duties on Indian goods were kept high in Britain, while Indian markets were opened up to duty-free British imports, effectively stifling any competitive advantage that Indian manufacturers might have had.

The Discovery of Synthetic Dyes was the main reason for the collapse of indigo production in Bengal after the revolt. Key Points

• The discovery of synthetic dyes was a major factor in the collapse of the indigo industry in Bengal after the Blue Rebellion of 1859.
• Before the discovery of synthetic dyes, indigo was the only natural dye that could produce a deep blue colour.
• This made it a very valuable commodity, and the indigo industry in Bengal was highly profitable.
• However, the discovery of synthetic dyes in the late 19th century changed the market for indigo.
• Synthetic dyes were cheaper to produce than natural indigo, and they were also more consistent in quality.
• This made them a more attractive option for manufacturers, and the demand for natural indigo began to decline.
• The Blue Rebellion further damaged the indigo industry in Bengal.
• The rebellion was a protest against the forced cultivation of indigo by ryots (tenant farmers).
• The rebellion was successful in forcing the British government to abolish the forced cultivation of indigo, but it also damaged the reputation of the indigo industry.
• Many manufacturers were reluctant to invest in the indigo industry after the rebellion, and this further contributed to the decline of the industry.
• By the early 20th century, the indigo industry in Bengal had collapsed.
• The discovery of synthetic dyes and the Blue Rebellion were the two main factors that led to this collapse.
• In addition to the discovery of synthetic dyes and the Blue Rebellion, there were other factors that contributed to the collapse of the indigo industry in Bengal.
• These factors included:
  • ​The increasing competition from other natural dyes, such as cochineal and madder.
  • The rising cost of labour in Bengal.
  • The decline of the British textile industry, which was the main market for indigo.
• The collapse of the indigo industry in Bengal had a significant impact on the economy of the region.
• The industry employed millions of people, and its collapse led to widespread unemployment and poverty.
• The collapse of the indigo industry also contributed to the decline of the British Raj in India.

The Correct answer is Battle of Wandiwash.

Key Points

• The Battle of Wandiwash was fought in 1760 between the British and French forces in India.
• This battle was a major event in the Third Carnatic War, which was a conflict between the two colonial powers for dominance in South India.
• The British forces were led by Sir Eyre Coote, while the French were commanded by General Thomas Arthur Lally.
• The victory at Wandiwash marked the end of the French aspirations to establish their dominance in India.
• After this battle, the British became the main colonial power in India, consolidating their position further through subsequent events like the Battle of Plassey and the Battle of Buxar.
• The Battle of Wandiwash was significant in paving the way for the establishment of the British East India Company's supremacy in India.
• The defeat weakened French influence and marked the decline of their imperial ambitions in the Indian subcontinent.

Additional Information

• First Carnatic War
  • The First Carnatic War was fought between the French and British forces between 1746 and 1748.
  • This war was part of a larger conflict in Europe known as the War of Austrian Succession.
  • The war did not result in any territorial gains for either side in India, but it marked the beginning of the Anglo-French rivalry in the region.
• Battle of Plassey
  • The Battle of Plassey was fought in 1757 between the forces of the British East India Company led by Robert Clive and the army of Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah.
  • This battle marked the start of British colonial rule in India, particularly in Bengal.
  • The victory was achieved through a combination of military strategy and political manipulation.
• Battle of Buxar
  • The Battle of Buxar was fought in 1764 between the British and the combined forces of the Nawab of Bengal, Nawab of Awadh, and Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II.
  • This battle solidified British control over Bengal and marked the beginning of their dominance in northern India.
  • It also led to the signing of the Allahabad Treaty, granting the British the Diwani rights (right to collect revenue) in Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha.

The correct answer is Thomas Munro.

Important Points 

• The Ryotwari system was a land revenue system introduced during the British raj.
• The Ryotwari System was introduced by Thomas Munro.
  • Thomas Munro served as the governor of Madras from 1820 to 1827.
• Thomas Munro introduced the Ryotwari System in Bombay and Madras in 1820.
• A direct settlement was made between the government and the cultivators under the Ryotwari System.
• The Ryotwari System was first recommended by Charles Reed.
• The revenue was fixed for a period of time on the basis of the quality of soil and the nature of the crop.

Additional Information

• Warren Hastings served as the governor-general of Bengal from 1772 to 1785.
  • He is the only British governor-general who was impeached by the British government.
• Lord Cornwallis is known as the 'father of civil service in India'.
  • The Permanent Settlement in Bengal and Bihar was introduced by Lord Cornwallis.
• Lord Ripon is known as the 'father of local self-government' in India.
  • He repealed the vernacular press act in 1882.

The correct answer is A-II, B - I, C - III.

Key Points

Anglo - Maratha wars

• First Anglo - Maratha war (1775-82): treaty of Surat, the treaty of Purandhar, the treaty of Salbai (1782).
• Second Anglo - Maratha war (1802-05): Peshwa Bajirao-2 signed a treaty with the English on Dec 11-1802 (treaty of Bassein) and accepted the subsidiary alliance.
• Third Anglo - Maratha war (1817-19):
  • Peshwa Bajirao-2 was defeated at Kharki and forced to sign the treaty of Poona.
  • Maratha chiefs Yashvant Rao Holkar, Appa sahib Bhosale and Scindhia were defeated in different battles. 

The correct answer is 1765.

Important Points

• Treaty of Allahabad was signed in 1765 by Shuja-ud-Daulah and Shah Alam II with Robert Clive marking the beginning of British Rule in India.
• Through this treaty, East India Company was granted to collect taxes from the eastern province of Bengal-Bihar-Orrisa in return for which Shah Alam II was given Kora and Allahabad.
• The company promised to support Shuja-ud-Daulah, Nawab of Awadh against attacks which made him dependent on the company for which he had paid Rs. 53 lakhs.
• This treaty followed the Battle of Buxar in which Mughal emperors were lost to the Company.
• This treaty made the company richer and now they didn’t require any money from England.
• Treaty of Allahabad was written by I’tisam-ud-Din who was a diplomat to the Mughal Empire.

Additional Information

• Treaties signed in 1766: Treaty of Batticaloa (Dutch Imperial possession in Sri Lanka)

• Nawab of Bengal was having only judicial powers but the power to collect revenue and taxed was vested in the company. 

The correct answer is 1845-46.

• The First Anglo-Sikh war takes place in 1845 and 1846.
• The First Anglo-Sikh War was fought between the British East India Company and the Sikh Empire.
• It consists of a series of Five battles namely:
  1. Battle of Mudki.
  2. Battle of Aliwal.
  3. Battle of Ferozshah.
  4. Battle of Sobraon.
  5. Battle of Baddowal.
• Sikhs were defeated in all four battles against the British East India Company.
• The war ended with the treaty of Lahore in 1846.
• The treaty of Lahore was signed on 9^th March 1846.
• The Second Anglo-Sikh war takes place in 1848 and 1849.

The correct answer is Wood's Dispatch on Education,1854.

Key Points

• The Wood's Despatch is considered as 'Magna-Carta' of English Education in India.
• Charles Wood was the President of the Board of Control of East India Company.
• Objectives of the Wood's Despatch:
  • To impart Western knowledge, information about the western culture to the Indians.
  • To educate the natives of India so that a class of public servants could be created.
  • It promoted women's education at all levels.
  • To promote intellectual development and also raise the moral character of the young generation.
  • Grants-in-aid to encourage private enterprise.
• The wood's dispatch recommended the five provinces of Bengal, Bombay, Madras, Punjab, and the North-Western provinces.
• It recommended the establishment of universities at Calcutta, Bombay, and Madras.
  • Bethune School was started for women's education.

Additional Information

• Hunter Education Commission was a landmark commission appointed by Viceroy Lord Ripon.
  • This commission, headed by Sir William Wilson Hunter, had submitted its report in 1882.
  • The objectives are to look into the complaints of the non-implementation of the Wood’s Despatch of 1854, the contemporary status of elementary education in the British territories, and suggest means by which this can be extended and improved.
• On February 2, 1835, British politician Thomas Babington Macaulay circulated Minute on Education.
  • A treatise that offered definitive reasons for why the East India Company and the British government should spend money on the provision of English language education, as well as the promotion of European learning, especially the sciences, in India.

The correct answer is 1856.

Key Points

• Annexed states and year of annexation are as follows -​

• From the above table, hence the correct answer is option 4.

Important Points

• Doctrine Of Lapse -Princely States Annexed
  • The Doctrine of Lapse was an annexation policy adopted by the Britishers in India to expand their control.
  • The doctrine of Lapse was based on Hindu law and Indian customs, but Hindu law seemed to be somewhat inconclusive on this point
  • Lord Dalhousie annexed eight princely states under the Doctrine of Lapse Policy during his service.
  • He is said to have annexed about a quarter-million square miles of the Indian territory.
  • The first princely state to be annexed under the Doctrine of Lapse was Satara.
  • Awadh was under the rule of Wajid Ali Shah when Lord Dalhousie announced annexing Awadh based on the allegation of ‘Internal Misrule”.

The correct answer is Charter act  - 1833.

Key Points

The correct answer is Awadh.

Key Points

• The exile of the ruler of Awadh kingdom was termed as "The life has gone out of the body".
• Awadh, known in British historical texts as Avadh or Oudh.
• Awadh is a region of Uttar Pradesh
• The traditional capital of Awadh was Lucknow, also the station of the British Resident, which now is the capital of Uttar Pradesh.

Important Points Why it was termed as "The life has gone out of the body"?

• Awadh was annexed by the British on the plea that the region was being misgoverned
• The British thought that the Nawab was not popular but on the contrary, he was very popular.
• People considered it as “the life has gone out of the body”.
• The removal led to an emotional upheaval among the people of Awadh.

• The first subsidiary treaty was signed by the Nizam of Hydrabad in 1798.
• The Subsidiary Alliance System was “Non-Intervention Policy” used by Lord Wellesley who was the Governor-General (1798-1805) to establish British Empire in India.
• The Nizam of Hyderabad’ was the first to sign this policy in 1798 AD.
• The Second state to sign this policy was Mysore in1799 AD.

The correct answer is Battle of Buxar.

• The Battle of Buxar was fought between Mir Qasim and East India Company in 1764 where Mir Qasim was defeated at Buxar.

Key Points

Outcome of Buxar

• A treaty was signed in 1765 known as the 'Treaty of Allahabad' between the Governor-General, Robert Clive, and Mughal emperor, Shah Alam II.
• In this treaty Mughal emperor, Shah Alam II appointed the company as the Diwani of Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha where the company was granted rights to collect taxes from the provinces.
• Through this the company got the power to exercise over the Indian provinces of Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha.

Thus, we can conclude that after the Battle of Buxar the British acquire the Diwani of Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha.

Additional Information

• The Battle of Plassey was fought between Robert Clive and the Nawab of Bengal, Sirajuddaulah in 1757 at Plassey.
• The Regulating Act was an act of the British Government to control and define the rules of the East India Company in India passed in 1773.
• Pitt's India Act was passed to remove the shortcomings of the Regulating Act.