From Trade to Territory: Key Historical Events

Aug 4, 2024

Review flashcards

Class 8 History: From Trade to Territory (Part 2)

Teacher: Ankita

Introduction

  • Welcome to the class!
  • Today’s focus: Chapter 2 of History for Class 8 - From Trade to Territory
  • Importance of the chapter highlighted.
  • Encouragement to like, subscribe, and stay till the end of the session.

Recap of Previous Class

  • Key topics covered:
    • Arrival of the East India Company in India (1600)
    • Beginning of trade in Bengal and conflicts with Bengal Nawabs
  • Dutch and Portuguese also interested in Indian goods (cotton, spices).
  • The East India Company received a charter to trade tax-free, impacting Indian prices and local Nawabs.

Key Figures in Bengal

  • After Aurangzeb's death (1704), the Nawab of Bengal resisted British interference.
  • Surajah Dowlah: Became Nawab and opposed British policies.
  • Robert Clive: Key British figure who intervened.
  • Battle of Plassey (1757): Key victory for the British, leading to control over Bengal.
  • Subsequent conflicts: Battle of Buxar (1764), leading to further British dominance.

Expansion of East India Company Rule

  • Map Analysis: Significant territorial changes from 1797 to 1857.
  • Methods of Expansion:
    • Political, diplomatic, and economic strategies rather than outright warfare initially.
    • Use of Subsidiary Alliance: Indian rulers required to pay the British for protection without maintaining their own armies.

Tipu Sultan of Mysore

  • Tipu Sultan (1782-1799): Resisted British control, had strong military strategies.
  • Halted trade with the British; allied with the French for modern weapons.
  • Four significant wars fought against the British:
    • 1767-69, 1780-84, 1790-92, and the final loss in 1799.
    • Remember the name Srirangapatna (capital).

Conflict with the Marathas

  • Marathas were organized under various leaders (Peshwa, Sardars).
  • Series of Anglo-Maratha Wars:
    • First War (1782): Treaty of Salbai; no clear victor.
    • Second War (1803-1805): British gained control over significant territories.
    • Third War (1817-1819): Crushed Maratha power.

British Administrative Reforms

  • Warren Hastings (1773-1785): First Governor-General, established presidencies in Bengal, Madras, and Bombay.
  • Justice System: Criminal and Civil Courts set up; relied on local judges (Kazi and Hindu Pandits) for understanding laws.
  • Collector's Role: Responsible for revenue collection and local administration.

Military Reforms

  • Introduction of modern military training and technology.
  • Indian soldiers trained in British military tactics.
  • Transition from traditional armies to modernized forces under British command.

Conclusion

  • Review of key concepts from today’s class.
  • Homework questions:
    1. Explain the Doctrine of Lapse.
    2. What actions did Tipu Sultan take that led to wars with the British?
  • Importance of reading the textbook for deeper understanding.
  • Encouragement to engage and ask questions.

Final Notes

  • Reminder to like and subscribe to the channel.
  • Notes will be shared soon.
  • Thank you for participating!