Chronology Of The British India MCQ Questions and Answers

Sol. Prior to 1813, the British East India Company followed a policy of trade monopoly, controlling and restricting Indian trade for their benefit. They monopolised raw material trade and compelled Indian artisans to produce goods at fixed terms, exploiting them economically. Indian traders were deliberately sidelined through coercive practices. However, the concept of ‘Free Trade’ was only introduced with the Charter Act of 1813, which ended the East India Company’s monopoly over Indian trade (except tea and trade with China), marking a shift from earlier exploitative monopolistic policies. Hence, it was not adopted prior to 1813.

Sol. The Battle of Wandiwash in 1760 was a significant conflict during the Third Carnatic War, fought between the French and the British in India. This battle decisively ended French colonial ambitions in India, as the British forces under Sir Eyre Coote defeated the French troops led by General Lally. The victory established British supremacy in southern India and weakened French influence, consolidating British territorial and commercial dominance.

Sol. The annexation of Awadh in 1856 under the pretext of misgovernance marked the final major territorial acquisition by the British before the Revolt of 1857. While Punjab and Sind were annexed earlier (in 1849 and 1843 respectively), and the Carnatic was already under British control by the late 18th century, the absorption of Awadh symbolized the completion of British paramountcy in India. It was also a politically sensitive move that fueled widespread resentment leading up to the revolt.

Sol. The modern city of Calcutta (now Kolkata) was formed by the merging of three villages: Sutanuti, Kalikata, and Gobindapur. These villages were located along the eastern bank of the Hooghly River and were gradually developed by the British East India Company in the late 17th century as a center of trade and administration. This amalgamation laid the foundation for what would become the capital of British India until 1911.

Sol. The Carnatic state was annexed by the British East India Company under the administration of Lord Wellesley in 1801. This was part of Wellesley’s policy of Subsidiary Alliances, through which Indian princely states were brought under British control in exchange for military protection. The annexation followed the death of Nawab Azim-ud-Daula, and the territory was absorbed into British possessions, further expanding their influence in southern India.

Sol. The Charter Act of 1833 was a significant step in the centralization of British Indian administration. Clause 87 of the Act stated that no person shall be disqualified from holding any office under the Company by reason of his religion, place of birth, descent, or colour. This opened the door for Indians to compete for positions in the Indian Civil Service based on merit and educational qualifications. However, despite this legal provision, practical barriers remained, and real access for Indians to higher administrative positions was limited for several decades.

Sol. The Charter Act of 1833 was mainly focused on administrative and legislative restructuring, including the centralization of legislative powers and the end of the East India Company’s trade activities. It did not include any provision for the British Government taking over the Company’s debt. The financial aspects of assuming the Company’s liabilities were addressed later, particularly after the Revolt of 1857, when the Government of India Act 1858 transferred control to the British Crown. Therefore, this matching is incorrect.

Sol. Lord Dalhousie, Governor-General of India from 1848 to 1856, is credited with introducing railways in India. He saw the railways as a means to enhance administrative efficiency, ensure quicker troop movement, and promote economic development through trade. The first railway line in India ran from Bombay (Mumbai) to Thane and was inaugurated in 1853 during his tenure. Dalhousie’s Railway Minute of 1853 laid out the framework for future expansion of railways across the subcontinent.

Sol. The “White Mutiny” occurred in 1858–59 during the tenure of Lord Canning, the first Viceroy of India. It involved discontent among European soldiers of the East India Company after their transfer to the British Crown following the Government of India Act 1858. These soldiers protested against changes in terms of service and status, fearing a loss of privileges. The mutiny highlighted the challenges faced by the British in reorganising their military forces post-1857.

Sol. The Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle (1748) ended the War of Austrian Succession in Europe and also resolved conflicts between colonial powers in India. As part of this treaty, Madras, which had been captured by the French under Dupleix in 1746 during the First Carnatic War, was restored to the British. The treaty aimed to return conquered territories to their pre-war status, and Madras was handed back to the English, reinforcing the balance of colonial power in South India.

Sol. The Portuguese were driven out of Hughli in Bengal in 1631 by Qasim Khan, who was the Mughal Subahdar (governor) of Bengal at the time. The Portuguese had established a settlement at Hughli and were involved in illegal trade and piracy, including slave trading. Their increasing arrogance and lawlessness prompted a military response. Under orders from Emperor Shah Jahan, Qasim Khan launched a successful campaign against them, expelling the Portuguese and restoring Mughal control over the area.

Sol. Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, the last Nawab of Awadh, was indeed a patron of the arts and contributed to the cultural flourishing of Lucknow. He had a refined command over Persian and Urdu, wrote poetry, and promoted music and dance, especially Kathak. However, while he supported theatrical performances, calling him the “father of modern Urdu stage” is an overstatement. This title is more accurately attributed to playwrights and dramatists like Agha Hashar Kashmiri, who came later and significantly shaped modern Urdu theatre. Hence, this statement is not correct.

Sol. Saadat Khan was the founder of the autonomous kingdom of Awadh (Oudh). He was appointed the Subahdar of Awadh by the Mughal emperor in 1722 and gradually asserted his autonomy while remaining nominally loyal to the Mughal throne. His rule laid the foundation for a semi-independent Awadh state, and his successors continued to build upon this autonomy, with the region emerging as a significant political and cultural center in North India.

Sol. While Saadat Khan is credited with improving administration, revenue collection, and suppressing rebellious zamindars, there is limited historical evidence to suggest that he took specific or significant steps to improve trade and commerce. His primary focus was on consolidating power, increasing revenue through agrarian reforms, and restoring law and order. Therefore, this statement is not entirely accurate in the context of his administrative priorities.

Sol. Calicoes were a type of cotton textile that originated in Calicut (Kozhikode), India, and were known for their light, printed fabric. These textiles became highly popular in European markets during the early modern period. India, particularly regions like Gujarat and the Coromandel Coast, became major exporters of calico fabrics. The demand for these textiles played a crucial role in shaping colonial trade patterns and contributed to the economic motives behind European colonization.

Sol. The ‘Downward Filtration Theory’ was a British educational policy followed in India until the Wood’s Despatch of 1854. It aimed at educating a small section of the Indian elite in Western knowledge and English language, who would then, in turn, educate the masses. The British believed that by training a class of Indians who were “Indian in blood and colour but English in taste,” they could create intermediaries to assist in administration and spread European values. This policy was meant to justify their minimal investment in mass education.

Sol. The Supreme Court at Calcutta was established in 1774 under the provisions of the Regulating Act of 1773. It was the first Supreme Court in British India and was set up to administer justice in accordance with English law among British subjects in India. The court had jurisdiction over civil, criminal, admiralty, and ecclesiastical matters. This act was a key step in formalizing the British judicial system in India and aimed to curb the excesses of the East India Company’s officials.

Sol. The first article in which the English East India Company started trading on a significant scale in India was Indigo. While they traded in other commodities like cotton and spices early on, indigo became a crucial commodity for them, particularly for the textile industry in Europe. Its cultivation and trade were systematically expanded by the English, often with significant consequences for local farmers.

Sol. Robert Clive, a key figure in establishing British political control in India, returned to Britain after his final tenure in India and faced severe criticism over alleged corruption and his role in the Bengal Famine. In 1774, he died by suicide, though some historical accounts describe the circumstances as ambiguous. Nonetheless, most credible sources accept that he took his own life, likely due to a combination of health issues and political pressure.

Sol. The correct chronological order of the annexations is as follows: Annexation of Punjab (1849) Annexation of Udaipur (1852; through Subsidiary Alliance, though it was later reversed) Annexation of Jhansi (1853, using the Doctrine of Lapse) Annexation of Oudh (1856, citing misgovernance) Hence, the sequence 3-1-2-4 represents the correct timeline of these events.

Sol. Bombay (now Mumbai) was handed over to the British by the Portuguese in 1661 as part of the marriage treaty between King Charles II of England and Catherine of Braganza, the Portuguese princess. The transfer of Bombay was part of Catherine’s dowry. Although initially under the Crown, Bombay was later leased to the East India Company in 1668, which developed it into a major trading and administrative center.

Sol. Francisco de Almeida was the first Portuguese Viceroy in India, appointed in 1505. He was tasked with consolidating Portuguese interests in the Indian Ocean and establishing naval supremacy. His strategic policy, known as the “Blue Water Policy,” emphasized naval power to protect trade routes and ensure Portuguese dominance over maritime trade, especially against Arab and local rivals.

Sol. The Cape of Good Hope was discovered in 1488 by the Portuguese navigator Bartholomew Dias. This discovery was a significant milestone in the Age of Exploration, as it opened the sea route to Asia around the southern tip of Africa. It laid the groundwork for subsequent voyages, including Vasco da Gama’s expedition to India in 1498.

Sol. The title of ‘Viceroy’ was officially conferred upon the Governor-General of India in 1858 following the Government of India Act, which marked the end of East India Company rule after the Revolt of 1857. The term ‘Viceroy’ symbolized the British monarch’s direct sovereignty over India, and Lord Canning became the first to hold this title, signifying the beginning of Crown rule in India.

Sol. These words reflect the maritime-centric policy of Francisco de Almeida, the first Portuguese Viceroy in India. He believed that Portuguese strength in the Indian Ocean depended on naval dominance rather than territorial conquests. His quote encapsulates the essence of the “Blue Water Policy,” which prioritized sea power to control trade and deter rivals, asserting that naval superiority was key to sustaining Portuguese influence in the region.

Sol. The commercial rivalry between the Dutch and the English in India culminated in the Battle of Bedara (also spelled Biderra) in 1759, where the Dutch were decisively defeated by the British near Bengal. This battle marked the end of Dutch ambitions in India, leading them to focus more on the East Indies (present-day Indonesia). The British East India Company emerged as the dominant European trading power in India thereafter.

Sol. Prince Henry of Portugal, commonly referred to as “Henry the Navigator,” earned this title due to his significant contributions to early maritime exploration. Though he did not personally undertake voyages, he sponsored many expeditions along the west coast of Africa and established a navigation school at Sagres. His efforts laid the foundation for the Age of Discovery, eventually leading to the Portuguese reaching India.

Sol. The Portuguese established their first business center in India at Cochin in 1501, after Vasco da Gama’s successful voyage. They later built a fort and signed a treaty with the local ruler, making Cochin their early stronghold in India. It served as their commercial and military base before the capture of Goa in 1510, which later became their capital in India.

Sol. Bombay was transferred to British control in 1661 as part of the dowry of Catherine of Braganza, the Portuguese princess who married King Charles II of England. This political marriage established closer ties between England and Portugal and was instrumental in expanding British territorial and commercial presence in India. The British East India Company later leased Bombay from the Crown.

Sol. The Portuguese were the first European power to establish direct trade links with India. Vasco da Gama’s arrival at Calicut in 1498 opened sea-based trade routes between Europe and India, marking the beginning of European colonial and commercial activity in the subcontinent. They established several trading posts along the western coast, setting the stage for later European competitors.

Sol. Lord Dalhousie introduced the first experimental electric telegraph line in India in 1853, which ran between Calcutta (now Kolkata) and Agra. The introduction of the telegraph system was part of Dalhousie’s broader efforts to modernize communication and infrastructure in British India. This system significantly improved administrative efficiency, especially in the relay of military and political information.

Sol. The statement that the Dutch “took no part in politics or cultural contacts” is incorrect. While the Dutch primarily focused on trade, they did engage in regional politics to protect their commercial interests, particularly in coastal areas where they had factories or forts. They also interacted with local rulers and sometimes involved themselves in power struggles to maintain control over trade routes. Thus, it is inaccurate to say they had no political or cultural engagements.

Sol. Lord Hastings, Governor-General of India from 1813 to 1823, recognized the strategic importance of gaining the support of Rajput states. He entered into treaties with several Rajput rulers, bringing them under British influence through Subsidiary Alliances. This move helped secure British control over central and western India and strengthened the Company’s position against the Marathas.

Sol. The Amboyna Massacre occurred in 1623 on the island of Ambon (in present-day Indonesia), where Dutch authorities executed ten Englishmen and others on charges of conspiracy. This incident was a result of intense commercial rivalry between the Dutch and the British over the spice trade. Although it occurred outside India, it had repercussions on Anglo-Dutch relations and intensified competition in the Indian Ocean.

Sol. Factories (trading posts) were first opened by the British in Orissa in 1632 after obtaining permission from the Mughal authorities. This expansion was part of the East India Company’s strategy to strengthen its commercial base along the eastern coast of India, particularly to support trade in textiles and other goods.

Sol. After 1880, railways in India were built through a combination of private enterprise and investment from Indian merchants or money-lenders. While the British government initially relied heavily on private British companies, financial contributions and local investment also became significant. The construction of railways became a joint effort to meet the expanding demands of commerce and administration.

Sol. Mughal Emperor Farrukh-siyar granted significant trading privileges to the British East India Company in 1717 through a royal farman. These included the right to trade freely and exemption from customs duties in Bengal, Hyderabad, and Gujarat. These concessions greatly enhanced the Company’s commercial position in India and laid the foundation for future political expansion.

Sol. The Communal Award of 1932 was announced by British Prime Minister Ramsay Macdonald. It proposed separate electorates for various religious and social communities in India, including Muslims, Sikhs, and Dalits. While intended to provide representation, it was controversial and led to opposition from several Indian leaders, most notably Mahatma Gandhi, who saw it as a divisive measure.

Sol. In 1856, three significant Acts were passed:

The Religious Disabilities Act, protecting civil rights regardless of religious conversion.

The General Service Enlistment Act, which required Indian soldiers to serve overseas, creating resentment among sepoys.

The Hindu Widow Remarriage Act, which legalized the remarriage of Hindu widows. The Abolition of Sati (Regulation XVII), however, was enacted earlier in 1829 by Lord William Bentinck.

Sol. Regulation XVII of 1829, which declared the practice of sati illegal and punishable by law, was enacted under the governance of Lord William Bentinck. As Governor-General, he took a strong stance against social evils and, with the support of Indian reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, made the practice of sati a criminal offense, marking a major social reform in colonial India.

Sol. The Danes established their first factory in India at Tranquebar (present-day Tharangambadi in Tamil Nadu) in 1620. This settlement became the base of Danish trade and missionary activities in India. Though their influence remained limited compared to other European powers, the Danish East India Company maintained this coastal outpost until they sold it to the British in 1845.

Sol. The Wood’s Despatch of 1854, issued by Sir Charles Wood, is considered the Magna Carta of Western education in India. It laid the foundation for a structured educational system, advocating for the promotion of English and vernacular education, the establishment of universities, and the development of teacher training institutions. The Despatch emphasized state responsibility in education and led to the creation of a formal system of education in India.

Sol. First Lord Hardinge is credited with taking the initial and significant steps to stop the human sacrifices practiced by the Khonds in Orissa. During his tenure (1844-1848), he actively intervened and appointed officials like Captain Macpherson to suppress this practice, driven by the belief that it would increase land fertility.

Sol. The Government of India Act of 1909, also known as the Morley-Minto Reforms, introduced separate electorates for Muslims, allowing them to elect their representatives separately. This was a major constitutional change that institutionalized communal representation and laid the groundwork for future communal divisions in Indian politics.

Sol. The correct matching is:

A. The Third Carnatic War – 3. Treaty of Paris (1763)

B. The Third Mysore War – 4. Treaty of Srirangapatnam (1792)

C. The First Maratha War – 1. Treaty of Salbai (1782)

D. The First Anglo-Sikh War – 2. Treaty of Lahore (1846)

These treaties concluded the respective wars and were instrumental in shaping British power and territorial control in India.

Sol. The Treaty of Amritsar was concluded in 1809 between Maharaja Ranjit Singh and Lord Minto, the then Governor-General of India. The treaty was a diplomatic agreement to define the boundaries of Sikh and British territories. It restricted Ranjit Singh from expanding south of the Sutlej River, thereby ensuring British influence in the Cis-Sutlej region while recognizing Ranjit Singh’s authority in Punjab north of the river.

Sol. The Public Works Department (PWD) in India was formally established in 1848 by Lord Dalhousie. He aimed to modernize India’s infrastructure by developing roads, canals, railways, and telegraph lines. The PWD played a crucial role in supporting administrative efficiency, military mobility, and economic development during British rule.

Sol. Arthur Wellesley, who later became the Duke of Wellington, was a prominent British military officer. In India, he played a key role in defeating Tipu Sultan during the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War in 1799. Later, in Europe, he led the allied forces against Napoleon Bonaparte and achieved a decisive victory at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, ending Napoleon’s reign.

Sol. The Golden Farman was issued by the ruler of Golkonda in 1632 to the English East India Company, allowing them to trade freely at Golkonda’s ports in return for the payment of a fixed annual duty of 500 pagodas. This farman greatly facilitated English commercial interests in the Deccan and was considered a significant privilege at the time.

Sol. John Mildenhall tried to obtain a farman for trade in Gujarat from Akbar. John Mildenhall was an English adventurer who is believed to have been one of the earliest Englishmen to visit India. He arrived during the reign of Emperor Akbar, seeking trading concessions. While the exact details of his success in obtaining a formal farman are debated by historians, his attempts were made during Akbar’s rule. Jahangir later granted the first official farman to the English East India Company.

Sol. The person referred to is Dadabhai Naoroji, a prominent Indian nationalist leader and economic thinker. During his stay in England, he worked tirelessly to educate the British public and Parliament about the exploitative nature of British rule in India. In 1867, he established the East India Association in London to influence British policies on India and serve as a platform for voicing Indian concerns. As its Honorary Secretary, he played a key role in advocating for Indian rights and was a precursor to the formation of the Indian National Congress.

Sol. While Lord William Bentinck introduced several important social reforms during his tenure (1828–1835), including the abolition of sati (1829), the suppression of thugs, and the removal of civil disabilities related to religious conversion, he did not abolish slavery. The abolition of slavery in British India came later, formally enacted by Act V of 1843 under the governance of Lord Ellenborough.

Sol. The Boston Tea Party was a protest by American colonists against the British-imposed Tea Act of 1773, which granted the British East India Company a monopoly on tea trade in the American colonies. On December 16, 1773, colonists disguised as Native Americans boarded British ships and dumped 342 chests of tea into Boston Harbor. This act of defiance became a key event leading to the American Revolutionary War.

Sol. British colonial rule in India led to the ruin of traditional agriculture, industries, and internal trade systems through exploitative economic policies. However, Indian feudalism was not ruined; rather, it was reinforced through land revenue systems like Zamindari and Ryotwari, which empowered landlords and intermediaries. These systems created a loyal class of landowners who supported British rule, thereby strengthening feudal elements in rural India.

Sol. Lord William Bentinck was the first Governor-General of India under the Charter Act of 1833, which centralized British administration in India. While Warren Hastings was the first Governor-General of Bengal, Bentinck held the unified position for all of British India. His tenure is notable for administrative reforms and social changes, including the abolition of sati and the initiation of modern education policies.

Sol. The Triple Alliance against Tipu Sultan was formed during the tenure of Lord Cornwallis. This alliance, established in the lead-up to the Third Anglo-Mysore War (1790–1792), included the British, the Marathas, and the Nizam of Hyderabad. The aim was to curb Tipu Sultan’s growing power in southern India. Cornwallis personally led British forces in the campaign, which eventually resulted in Tipu’s partial defeat and the Treaty of Srirangapatnam.

 Sol.

• Lytton: Incorrectly matched with Lee Commission, which was actually established in 1923, long after Lytton’s tenure.
• Mayo: While he initiated certain educational measures, the scholarship scheme for Indian students to study abroad is not specifically associated with him.
• Ripon: Correctly associated with the repeal of the Vernacular Press Act in 1882.
• Canning: Correctly associated with the Queen Victoria’s Proclamation of 1858, which he read after the Revolt of 1857.

Hence, statements 1 and 2 are wrongly matched.

Sol. The Downward Filtration Theory was the basis of British educational policy before 1854. It suggested educating a small upper class of Indians in English and Western knowledge, who would then disseminate these ideas to the broader population. This policy was cost-effective for the British and aimed at creating a class of intermediaries to assist in administration. It remained in place until Wood’s Despatch (1854) advocated for broader educational reforms.

Sol. Dupleix was the first European to initiate the policy of intervening in the internal quarrels of Indian princes to gain territory and power. Clive and Hastings later adopted and expanded this strategy. Albuquerque’s approach was more focused on direct conquest.

Sol.

Statement 1 is incorrect: The Madras Council was actually cautious and not in favor of an immediate aggressive campaign.

Statement 2 is correct: Lord Wellesley attempted to revive the Triple Alliance against Tipu Sultan.

Statement 3 is correct: Tipu Sultan did seek help from foreign powers like Arabia, France (Versailles), Mauritius, and Kabul to resist British advances.

Statement 4 is correct: The Fourth Anglo-Mysore War (1799) was short but decisive, resulting in Tipu Sultan’s death and the fall of Srirangapatnam.

Hence, statements 2, 3, and 4 are correct.

Sol. Statement 1: The lodge was built by the 17th viceroy, Earl Dufferin. This statement is correct. The Viceregal Lodge, also known as Rashtrapati Niwas, was indeed built during the tenure of Lord Dufferin, who was the 17th Viceroy of India. Its construction started in 1880 and was completed in 1888. Statement 2: The present shape of the building was given by the Earl of the Marquis of Lansdowne. This statement is incorrect. The architectural design of the Viceregal Lodge was primarily conceived by Henry Irwin. While subsequent Viceroys may have overseen minor additions or modifications, the fundamental shape and structure of the building remained largely as originally designed during Lord Dufferin’s time. Lord Lansdowne was the 21st Viceroy of India (1888-1894), succeeding Lord Dufferin, and the main structure was already complete by then.

Statement 3: It is famous for holding three meetings before independence of India including the cabinet mission. This statement is correct. The Viceregal Lodge was a significant center of political activity during the British Raj and hosted several crucial meetings related to India’s future. The Cabinet Mission plan of 1946, which discussed the transfer of power, was indeed finalized here. While the exact number of “three meetings” being specifically famous might be open to interpretation, it undoubtedly hosted numerous important political discussions and decisions leading up to India’s independence. Therefore, the correct statements are 1 and 3.

Sol. The Vernacular Press Act of 1878 was enacted by Lord Lytton to curb the growing criticism in Indian language newspapers. These papers had been sharply criticizing the British government’s apathy and inhuman treatment of the famine victims during the famine of 1876–77. The Act sought to stifle dissent and prevent vernacular newspapers from influencing public opinion against colonial rule.

Sol. The correct chronological order of events is:

Pitt’s India Act (1784)

Subsidiary Alliance (introduced by Wellesley in 1798) Treaty of Lahore (1846)

Doctrine of Lapse (formally adopted under Dalhousie in the early 1850s)

Thus, the sequence is 4, 2, 3, 1.

Sol. Matching the social reform measures with the respective Governor-Generals:

A. Hindu Widow’s Remarriage – 4. Lord Dalhousie (legislation passed in 1856)

B. Prohibition of Sati – 1. Lord William Bentinck (Regulation XVII, 1829)

C. Age of Consent Act – 2. Lord Lansdowne (passed in 1891)

D. Abolition of Slavery – 3. Lord Ellenborough (Abolished in 1843)

Correct match: A – 4; B – 1; C – 2; D – 3

Sol. Chronological order of wars:

Third Carnatic War – 1756–1763

First Mysore War – 1767–1769

First Burmese War – 1824–1826

Second Afghan War – 1878–1880

So, the correct sequence is: 1, 3, 2, 4

Sol. The Indian National Congress (INC) was formed in 1885, during the tenure of Lord Dufferin, who served as Viceroy of India from 1884 to 1888. Though initially supportive of its moderate objectives, Dufferin later grew wary of the INC’s potential to evolve into a political opposition force.