Foundation of British rule in India - Robert Clive, Warren Hastings, Cornwallis, Wellesley, William Bentinck, Dalhousie - Question Bank
1. Which of the following actions by Lord Dalhousie further exacerbated tensions leading up to the 1857 Uprising, beyond the Doctrine of Lapse and annexation of Awadh?
2. The Second Anglo-Maratha War (1803-1805), which resulted in significant territorial losses for the Marathas, occurred during the Governor-Generalship of:
3. Lord Dalhousie's 'Drain Theory' was a precursor to later economic critiques of British rule, highlighting the:
4. Lord William Bentinck's tenure is often described as an era of 'reform and progress'. Which of the following was NOT a significant reform during his time?
5. Marquess Wellesley's ambition to make the British the paramount power in India led to the:
6. Lord Cornwallis is known for his contribution to the Indian Penal Code. However, his major judicial reform involved:
7. Warren Hastings's administration saw the First Anglo-Maratha War. The Treaty of Salbai, which ended this war, was signed in what year?
8. The Battle of Buxar in 1764, fought after Clive's governorship but largely consolidating the gains made by him, was a victory for the British against a combined force of:
9. Lord Dalhousie's 'Doctrine of Lapse' led to the annexation of several states. Which of these was the first state to be annexed under this policy?
10. The Wood's Despatch of 1854, often called the 'Magna Carta of Indian Education', recommended significant reforms in the education system. This occurred during the tenure of which Governor-General?
11. Lord William Bentinck's efforts to suppress the practice of Thuggee were largely successful due to the work of which officer?
12. Marquess Wellesley faced criticism for his aggressive expansionist policy, which was termed 'the policy of the master'. His actions significantly weakened which of the following powers?
13. The Siege of Seringapatam in 1799, which ended with the death of Tipu Sultan, was a major victory for the British under the command of:
14. Lord Cornwallis reformed the revenue system by fixing the land revenue demand permanently. This system is known as the:
15. The Regulating Act of 1773, during Warren Hastings's governorship, established a Governor-General and Council in Bengal. Who was the first Governor-General appointed under this act?
16. Robert Clive's role in the Battle of Plassey is often described as manipulative, involving a conspiracy with:
17. The introduction of the 'General Service Enlistment Act' by Lord Dalhousie, which required new recruits to serve overseas, was one of the grievances that contributed to the:
18. Lord Dalhousie's railway policy was aimed at facilitating trade and troop movement. The first railway line connected Bombay with:
19. The first Indian to be appointed to an administrative post with some authority, albeit limited, was during the tenure of which Governor-General, reflecting a gradual shift in policy?
20. Lord William Bentinck's administration is noted for social reforms. Besides the abolition of Sati, he also took steps against:
21. Marquess Wellesley's aggressive policy of expansion and the Subsidiary Alliance system led to conflicts with several major Indian powers. Which of the following was NOT a direct target of his expansionist policy?
22. The Treaty of Amritsar, signed in 1846, defined the boundaries of the Sikh kingdom and established British influence in the region. This treaty was a consequence of the First Anglo-Sikh War during the time of which Governor-General?
23. Lord Cornwallis's reforms in the judicial system aimed at making it more efficient and less corrupt. He separated the:
24. The Pindari War (1817-1818), aimed at suppressing the Pindaris, was successfully concluded during the tenure of which Governor-General, whose title was Marquess of Hastings?
25. Warren Hastings is credited with patronizing Oriental studies. He supported the establishment of which institution to promote the study of Indian literature and law?
26. Robert Clive's second term as Governor of Bengal was marked by efforts to consolidate British power and curb corruption. He introduced reforms in:
27. The Second Anglo-Sikh War, which led to the annexation of the Punjab, occurred during the Governor-Generalship of which individual?
28. Lord Dalhousie's administrative reforms included the establishment of the Public Works Department. What was the main objective of this department?
29. The Charter Act of 1833, passed during Lord William Bentinck's tenure, had a significant impact on the East India Company's status. What was a key provision of this act?
30. Which Governor-General is known for his policy of non-intervention in the internal affairs of Indian states, a departure from the aggressive expansionist policies of his predecessors?
31. The Treaty of Bassein, signed in 1802, was a significant agreement that brought the Peshwa under the Subsidiary Alliance. This happened during the administration of which Governor-General?
32. Lord Cornwallis reformed the police system by organizing it into thanas and appointing darogas. This was part of his effort to:
33. The Anglo-Nepalese War (1814-1816) concluded with the Treaty of Sagauli, which resulted in significant territorial concessions by Nepal. This war occurred during the tenure of which Governor-General?
34. Warren Hastings introduced significant judicial reforms. He established civil and criminal courts in districts. What was the name of the highest civil court established by him?
35. The Dual Government system, which created administrative chaos and exploitation in Bengal, was initiated by Robert Clive. This system involved the Company holding both:
36. Robert Clive's victory at the Battle of Plassey was against which Nawab of Bengal?
37. The annexation of Awadh in 1856 by Lord Dalhousie, on the grounds of alleged misgovernance, was a major contributing factor to which historical event?
38. Lord Dalhousie is associated with significant administrative and economic reforms, including the introduction of railways and the telegraph. Which year saw the first railway line being laid in India?
39. Which of the following Indian states was NOT annexed by Lord Dalhousie under the Doctrine of Lapse?
40. The Doctrine of Lapse, a policy of annexation of Indian states, was introduced and extensively used by which Governor-General?
41. Lord William Bentinck is also known for his reforms in education, particularly the introduction of English as the medium of instruction. Which act or resolution supported this?
42. Which Governor-General is credited with abolishing Sati in 1829, a major social reform in British India?
43. Marquess Wellesley established the 'Fort William College' in Calcutta. What was its primary purpose?
44. The Fourth Anglo-Mysore War, which led to the death of Tipu Sultan and the further expansion of British territories, occurred during the tenure of which Governor-General?
45. Which Governor-General implemented the Subsidiary Alliance system, a method to bring Indian states under British influence without direct annexation?
46. Lord Cornwallis is often referred to as the 'Father of Civil Services in India' due to his reforms in the administrative machinery. What was a key aspect of his reforms?
47. The Permanent Settlement of Bengal, a significant land revenue system, was introduced by which Governor-General?
48. Warren Hastings faced impeachment proceedings in Britain for his alleged corrupt practices and administrative actions in India. When did this impeachment occur?
49. Which Governor-General is associated with the Regulating Act of 1773, aimed at regulating the affairs of the East India Company?
50. The Battle of Plassey in 1757, a pivotal moment in British expansion, was won by forces led by which British Governor-General?