The Conquest & Annexation of Territories Till 1857 marked a pivotal period in India’s history, laying the groundwork for British colonial dominance. This phase involved key battles and diplomatic maneuvers by the British East India Company. These Conquest & Annexation of Territories Till 1857 GK MCQs with answers and explanations will enhance your understanding of this critical era.
1. Which treaty was signed after the Battle of Buxar?
- Treaty of Allahabad
- Treaty of Carnatic
- Treaty of Alinagar
- Treaty of Kanpur
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Answer: Treaty of Allahabad
The Treaty of Allahabad, signed on 16th August 1765, was a pivotal agreement between the British East India Company and the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II. This treaty followed the Battle of Buxar, and it granted the British East India Company significant rights and authority over certain regions in India. Under the terms of the treaty, the East India Company was given the right to administer and collect taxes in the territories of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa. In return, the Company paid an annual tribute of 26 lakh rupees to the Mughals. Additionally, the districts of Kora and Allahabad were restored to the Mughal Emperor, while Awadh was returned to Shuja-ud-Daulah, though Allahabad and Kora were retained by the British. The Nawab of Awadh also paid 53 lakh rupees as war indemnity to the British.
2. Which Governor of Madras Presidency made the Treaty of Mangalore with Tipu Sultan?
- Eyre Coote
- Stephenson
- George Macartney
- Wellesley
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Answer: George Macartney
The Treaty of Mangalore, signed on 11th March 1784, marked the conclusion of the Second Anglo-Mysore War. This treaty was an agreement between Tipu Sultan and the British East India Company. The British were represented by George Macartney, who was the Governor of Madras Presidency at the time. The treaty brought an end to the conflict between the British and Tipu Sultan, ensuring a period of peace and stability.
3. During the tenure of which Governor did the annexation of Coorg take place?
- Lord William Bentinck
- The Lord Auckland
- The Lord Ellenborough
- The Lord Cornwallis
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Answer: Lord William Bentinck
Coorg, also known as Kodagu, was annexed to the British Empire during the tenure of Lord William Bentinck in 1834. This annexation followed a brief but violent conflict with the Raja of Coorg. The capture of Coorg added to the territorial expansion of British India in the early 19th century.
4. Who planted the ‘Tree of Liberty’ at Srirangapatnam?
- Hyder Ali
- Tipu Sultan
- Chin Quilich Khan
- Murshid Quli Khan
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Answer: Tipu Sultan
Tipu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore, planted the ‘Tree of Liberty’ at Srirangapatnam around 1794. This act signified his support for the Jacobin Club of Mysore, which was the first Revolutionary Republican organization formed in India. It was named after the French Jacobin Club, reflecting the influence of revolutionary ideals from the French Revolution.
5.
Consider the following statements:
- The War of Austrian Succession in Europe was a direct cause of the First Carnatic War.
- The loss of French supremacy in Carnatic was a direct consequence of the First Carnatic War.
Which statement(s) is/are correct?
- Only 1
- Only 2
- Both 1 & 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
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Answer: Both 1 & 2
The First Carnatic War between the English and the French in India was not directly caused by the War of Austrian Succession in Europe. However, the rivalry between the British and the French in India was intensified by the larger conflict in Europe. The loss of French supremacy in the Carnatic region of India was one of the consequences of the First Carnatic War.
6.
Why did the English East India Company succeed so spectacularly in India when others, European and Indian, did not?
- Britain was better than all rivals on the front of controlling the seas.
- The East India Company had gained control of India’s richest province after the Battle of Plassey.
- The East India Company was devoid of corruption.
Choose the correct code
- Only 1
- 1 & 2
- 1, 2 & 3
- None
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Answer: 1 & 2
The success of the English East India Company in India can be attributed to several key factors. One crucial advantage was Britain’s naval control, which gave them a significant edge over their European rivals. The acquisition of Bengal, India’s wealthiest province, following the Battle of Plassey, provided the British with substantial resources and revenue. Additionally, the Company’s efficient administrative structure and its ability to subdue other players in the region contributed to its success.
7. Which state was annexed to the British Empire on the pretext of maladministration?
- Awadh
- Satna
- Jhansi
- Satara
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Answer: Awadh
Awadh was annexed to the British Empire on 7th February 1856 under the pretext of maladministration. The reigning monarch, Wajid Ali Shah, refused to sign a treaty transferring administrative control to the East India Company, leading to its annexation.
8. JJ McLeod’s comment, “The most unqualified blunder committed in the whole history of the British India,” refers to which war?
- First Anglo-Afghan War
- Second Anglo-Afghan War
- Third Anglo-Afghan War
- First Anglo-Sikh War
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Answer: First Anglo-Afghan War
JJ McLeod’s comment is related to the First Anglo-Afghan War (1839 to 1842), also known as “Auckland’s Folly.” This war resulted in significant losses for the British Indian forces and marked a significant failure of British foreign policy in the region.
9. With reference to the Subsidiary Alliance system of the British, consider the following statements:
1. It was an English invention.
2. It took away the rights of Indian rulers in matters of foreign affairs.
3. It had no say in the internal matters of the Indian state.
Which among the above statements is/are correct?
- Only 2 & 3
- Only 1 & 2
- Only 2
- Only 1 & 3
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Answer: Only 2 & 3
The Subsidiary Alliance system was not an English invention; it was first deployed by the French. However, the statements 2 and 3 are correct. The system took away the rights of Indian rulers in matters of foreign affairs and did not interfere in the internal matters of the Indian state.
10. Consider the following Maratha Powers with treaties they had with the British:
- Peshwa – Treaty of Bassein
- Bhonsle – Treaty of Deogaon
- Sindhia – Treaty of Surji Anjangaon
Which of the above is/are correct?
- 1 & 2
- Only 3
- Only 2 & 3
- Only 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Answer: 1 & 2 Only
“Explanation: The correct combinations of Maratha Powers and their treaties with the British are:
Peshwa – Treaty of Bassein
Bhonsle – Treaty of Deogaon”
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