Daily Quiz: UPSC Prelims Marathon – June 11, 2018

Ranjit Singh maintained a friendly relation with British. He died in 1839. It was in 1845 that First Anglo Sikh War was fought. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh organized the Sikh Empire, the first coins that were minted under him were dedicated to the first guru, Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The coins minted under him always bore the inscription of leaf of Banyan, a symbol of his empire. During his rule, the coins were minted at eight locations, Amritsar, Anandgarh, Lahore, Peshawar, Multan, Jammu and Kashmir. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Ranjit Singh’s army included a few Europeans like Jean-François Allard. Through employment contracts, he inculcated strict discipline like that they should not eat beef, not smoke, not cut their hair, and asked them to marry and settle down with Indian women. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

The recurring famines of 19th century were the inevitable consequences of the British policies and exposed the real character of the British administration for Indian peasantry. In the aftermath of great famine of 1866 Government appointed George Campbell Commission to investigate the causes of famine and to recommend measures to prevent recurrences in future.

The Committee held government system responsible for creating the famine like conditions and suggested that the government during famine times must organize the relief measures. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

British conquest led to the de-industrialisation of the country and increased dependence of the people on agriculture. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

The policy of commercialization of agriculture by the British encouraged market oriented production of cash crops. Indian peasants were forced to grow these cash crops that spoiled the fertility of the land and no other crop could be grown on it. The growth of minimum of subsistence crops led to the deterioration and impoverishment of the Indian agriculture and the cultivators. The extraction of exorbitant rents by the government oppressed the peasants heavily. In order to meet the high demand of revenue, the peasants perpetually remained indebted to the local money-lenders. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

1. Mysore: Hyder ali
2. Hyderabad: Nizam Ul mulk
3. Bengal: Aliwardi Khan, Siraj Ud Daulah was the last independent Nawab of Bengal
4. Awadh: Saadat khan

In 1761 Third battle of Panipat was fought betwen Ahmad Shah Abdali and Maratha. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.

The Marathas had gained control of considerable part of India in the intervening period (1707–1757). In 1758 they occupied Delhi, captured Lahore and drove out Timur Shah Durrani, the son and viceroy of the Afghan ruler, Ahmad Shah Abdali. This was a high-water mark of the Maratha expansion and ultimately became the reason for Third battle of Panipat. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Ahmad Shah Abdali, was supported by two Indian allies—the Rohilla Afghans of the Doab, and Shuja-ud-Daula, the Nawab of Awadh. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

During Mughal rule Khud-kasht (riyayati) were those residential peasants living in their own village, having ownership of lands and implements, paying the land-revenue at a concessional rate, formed the governing body of the village community. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

During Mughal Rule, the merchants in order to ensure supply, advanced loan to weavers to enable them to buy yarn. This system was known as Dadani. Hence, statement 2 iscorrect.

Gomustah– Indian Agent of East India Company

Source: Plassey to Partition: Sekhara Bandopadhyaya: Glossary

In the aftermath of Revolt of 1857:

1. The proportion of Indian soldiers in the army was reduced.
2. It was considered that Muslims were majorily responsible for the rebellion. Hence their land and property was confiscated.
3. In the post-Revolt period, to maintain supremacy in India, British followed the policy of communal disharmony.
4. The British adopted a policy of opposing the educated middle class and supporting the landlords and the native princes

It can be concluded from the above points that racial bitterness actually increased. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.

Control of India was snatched from East India Company and passed on to the Crown.

The supreme executive and legislative authority in India henceforth came to be known as the Viceroy and Lord Canning so far known as the Governor General of Bengal also became first Viceroy of India. Also, a Post of ‘Secretary of State for India’ was created who was responsible to British Parliament. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Britishers came to know that it is hard to rule India without their support. Government of India act 1858, Indian councils acts of 1861, 1892, 1909 etc. were passed in British parliament. With this decentralised governance started in India. Demand for development of representative institutions also happened from Indian side with initiation of many associations finally culminating into formation of Congress in 1885. Hence, statement 3 is correct.