AS

ABHISHEK SINGH· 2023

Question Q 14Comment on the colonial view of British Conquest in IndiaGS2GS1

The English were unwillingly drawn into the political turmoil created by Indians themselves & were almost completely forced to acquire India's territories. Comment on the colonial view of British Conquest in India.

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AnswerStrengthsGapsKeywords

Introduction

English came into India in 1600 AD as traders and made it their home till 1947. Debate goes on how could British rule over Indians. let us explore.

28 words

Main Body

English came into India in 1600 AD as traders and made it their home till 1947. Debate goes on how could British rule over Indians. let us explore.

Conditions Created by Indians Themselves:

1Fragmented polity & Decline of mughal state & Rise of regional kingdoms were easy to exploit by English.
2No focus on Navy & Except few like Tipu Sultan, other rulers did not enhanced naval strength.
3No sense of Nationalism & Regional leaders cared for egional issues & got into fight with each other. while British fought for glory of Britain.
4Declining Agriculture & no focus on innovation by rulers or mughals.
5Melting pot of all cultures: In past also India absorbed Sungas, kushans, Greeks & muslims but none had an effect like Britishers.
6Socio-economic issues like Caste discrimination, exploitation of women etc made society work.

Deliberate attempts by British to rule India

1Interference in internal

Matters of rulers for Personal gain:

2Used Divide & Rule policy: pitted one state against another, Caste & religion against other country, to rule effectively.
3Policy of 'Subsidiary alliance' & 'Doctrine of lapse' => Intention is to forcefully acquire territories
4Revenue policies created to maximise profit & fulfill coffers.
5One way trade policy destroyed Indian Handicraft & artisans.

So, finally one can say that it was mix of both Weakness in Indian society & deliberate attempt of Britishers to expand their empire. They Saw an opportunity and fully exploited it.

249 words4 paragraphs

Conclusion

So, finally one can say that it was mix of both Weakness in Indian society & deliberate attempt of Britishers to expand their empire. They Saw an opportunity and fully exploited it.

32 words

  • Balanced view addressing both Indian weaknesses and British strategy
  • Clear categorization of factors
  • Good understanding of administrative policies like Doctrine of lapse

Open original scan

Page 34

Topper

ABHISHEK SINGH

2023

Subject & Paper

GS2GS1

Topic

Modern Indian History from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues

British Conquest and Colonial rule in India

Writing Stats

309

Total words

4

Paragraphs