The Bright School, Vadodara

Primary Section
2021-22
Sub: Social Science Std. : VIII
Chapter - 4 How the Traders Became Rulers?
 The Expansion of British Power in India
• The Battle of Plassey and The Battle of Buxar are considered the
turning points in the history of India as the British emerged as a
Political authority after these battles.
• With control over the Country’s richest province and no foreign rivals
the EEIC began a series of conquests all over the subcontinent.
• The Company either directly or indirectly annexed territories or
forced local rulers to accept its authority.
• Through direct wars, pensioning of rulers and new policies like the
Subsidiary Alliance and the Doctrine of Lapse.
 Expansion of
Expansion of British Power
British Power
Subsidiary Treaty Policies of Lord
Direct Wars ∙ Introduced by Lord Dalhousie
Anglo-Mysore Wars Wellesley.

Anglo-Maratha Wars Used to subordinate Doctrine of Lapse –

rulers. annexation of Nagpur,
Jhansi and Satara.
Anglo-Sikh Wars
Ruler had to maintain
War with Nepal British army. Annexation of Awadh.
The Anglo-Mysore Wars

• In the last three decades of the 18th century, the EEIC was
engaged in a series of wars with the rulers of Mysore- Hyder Ali
and his son Tipu Sultan.
• Initially the conflicts resulted in success for Mysore, eventually
Hyder Ali was defeated by the British with the help of the
Nizam of Hyderabad.
• Tipu Sultan waged two wars against the British. In the Battle
of Seringapatam in 1799, Tipu Sultan was defeated and killed.
• The Kingdom of Mysore was placed under a new ruler who was
forced to be loyal to the British.
The Anglo-Maratha wars
• The Marathas and the EEIC fought three wars before the Maratha power finally
crumbled.
• This was due to disunity among the ruling Maratha clans and their power struggles.
• The Peshwa was also involved in factionalism. Some of these factions used British help
to triumph over the others.
• The British interfered in the internal matters of the kingdom to their advantage.
• Under the leadership of Lord Hastings, Peshwa was dethroned. His territories were
annexed while the clans had to sign the Subsidiary Alliance.
 The Anglo-Sikh Wars

• The Sikhs under Maharaja Ranjit Singh had emerged

as a formidable power.
• Ranjit Singh had maintained a cautious yet friendly
attitude towards the British.
• The British took advantage of Ranjit Singh’s death in
1839 by waging two wars against the British.
• The British defeated the Sikh army and absorbed
Punjab into the British empire.
 The Anglo-Nepalese Wars

• These wars were fought due to border tensions; when the

Nepalese expanded their kingdom in the east and west, conflict
was inevitable.
• In the battles that followed, the Nepalese were defeated.
• The British annexed Garhwal and Kumaon.
• A large number of Gorkha soldiers were recruited into the British
army.
 Anglo-Nepalese Wars

• The Anglo-Nepalese War, also known as the Gurkha War, was fought
between the Kingdom of Gorkha and the East India Company. Both sides
had ambitious expansion plans for the mountainous north of the Indian
subcontinent.
 Subsidiary Alliance
• Features :
• Any Indian ruler accepting Subsidiary Alliance had to keep British forces within
his/her territory and had to pay for the upkeep of troops.
• If the ruler couldnot make payments then territory would pass to the British.
• A British official called a resident would stay at the court of the ruler.
• Rulers gave control of their foreign affairs to the EEIC. In return they were given
protection by the Company.
• All non-English foreigners were expelled from the state of the ruler.
• About 1/3rd of the British territories were accounted for by such agreements.
• Cochin, Jaipur,Travancore, Hyderabad, Mysore, Rajputana etc. were annexed
this way.
Doctrine of Lapse: Annexation Policy

• According to this policy, when the ruler of a state died without a natural
heir to the throne, his territory would lapse or pass into British hands.
• Jhansi, Satara and Nagpur were annexed in this way.
• Dalhousie also annexed Awadh on the excuse that it was being misruled
by Nawab Wajid Ali Shah.
• He enforced the Nizam of Hyderabad to give Berar to the British.
• He also abolished the titles of the rulers of Carnatic, Surat and Tanjore.
British Policies…..

• The emergence of British rule saw the introduction of new land revenue
arrangements in India.
• This was after achieving the diwani rights of Bengal.
• Thre main systems introduced were the Permanent Settlement, The
Ryotwari and the Mahalwari system.
• The peasants were oppressed by the administration and exploited by the
landlords and moneylenders.
• Commercialization of agriculture focused on the growth of cash crops.
• Farmers were unable to grow food crops for their own consumption. They
were impoverished by high taxation and low prices of cash crops.
 British Policies…..
• The British policy of ‘one-way free trade’ proved most harmful to Indian crafts people.
• The British goods being imported into India did not have to pay taxes.
• Whereas, Indian exports to Britain had to pay duties as high as 400%.
• Industrial Revolution too had its worst impact.
• Indian crafts were unable to compete with the factory produced goods.
• Hence, there was overdependence on agriculture. It led to deurbanization.
• Indian farmers were compelled to grow raw materials to meet the ever increasing
demand.
• India had now become a supplier of cheap raw-materials and a market for British
manufactured goods.
 British Policies…..
• In order to make the movement of raw materials and finished goods easier, the
British improved the road and canal networks.
• The introduction of Railways forever changed the face of the country.
• By creating this infra structure, the British were able to control their Indian
empire more effectively.
• The British introduced western education to mould a class of Indians who
would assist them in administration.
• Many reforms were also undertaken during the British rule like the abolition os
Sati, banning child- marriage, improvement in the status of widows, women
education…..
• However, the expoitation was far more grave than these reforms and
infrastructural developments.
 From Traders to Rulers……
• The British Empire thus became the biggest political unit in the
subcontinent.
• All the princely states now ruled at the pleasure of the British.
• The British had initially come to India in search of new markets for
their goods and to conduct profitable trade in spices, cotton and
silk. ... Finally, through either annexation or vassalship, the
British became the political rulers of India.
Establishment of British Rule almost all over India
British Administration
• The various British Governor Generals undertook various
measures in order to administer British territories more
effectively.
• Lord Cornwallis introduced the Indian Civil service- permanent
police force and a proper judicial system.
• Lord Wellesley set up the Fort William College in calcutta to train
civil servants.
• The British gradually created a centralised administrative
structure for their territories in India.
 Reforms and Development…
• Following reforms were undertaken by Dalhousie:
• The first railway line was started from Mumbai to Thane in
the year 1853 C.E.
• He introduced the modern postal system in India .
• It was during his tenure that a telegraph system was
started between England and India.
• He passed a law to ban child marriages and advocated
widow remarriages .
• Universities were established in Mumbai, Chennai and
Kolkata in the year 1857 C.E. with Dalhousie’s efforts.
• Thus, these infrastructural and social reforms were made
by Dalhousie.
 Rebellions….
• British policies since the middle of the 18th century had gradually outsted
many ruling groups from power.
• This robbed the political elite of their status and left them being humilliated.
• Harsh land revenue systems, exploitative approach of money lenders and
occurrence of famines led to death and devastation.
• The wealth extracted from India was fuelling Britain’s colonial expansion in
other parts of the world.
• Thus, there were outbursts of anger and resentment among the peasants
and people for the British rule leading to a series of rebellions.
• Indigo rebellion is one such outbreak.
Rebellions….
• Introduction of Railways and Telegraph got different reactions –
• Some felt that the British were out to destroy their culture, others felt that
they were trying to enslave them.
• Thus, there was terrific dissatisfaction in the whole country.
• Wellesley’s ‘Divide and Rule’ and Dalhousie’s ‘Victory, Confiscation and
annexation’ lead to saturation and rebellion.
• Even the introduction of western education and reforms were looked at with
suspicion by the Indians.
 Subsidiary Alliance-slow
Mind Map poison for the princely states.

English education spread From

through three Universities in Railways, Telegraph and various
Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata.
Traders reforms got mixed reactions.
to Rulers

Doctrine of Lapse and Annexation

Policies brought an end to the
native rule.
 Choose the correct option:
• Which plan was like a slow poison?
a. Annexation b. Subsidiary Alliance c. Dual System d. Doctrine of Lapse
• Which policy of the British ruined the native kings of India?
a. Imperialisation b. Trade and Rule c. Divide and rule d. Annexation
• After the death of which Peshwa, was there war among the Maratha states?
a. Nana saheb b. Balaji Bajirao c. Nana Fadnavis d. Narayan Rao
• When did the first railway line start in India?
a. 1848 C. E. b. 1853 C.E. c. 1851 C.E. d. 1858 C.E.
• Who accepted Subsidiary Alliance first?
a. Tipu Sultan b. Hyder Ali c. Ranjit Singh d. Nizam
 Fill in the Blanks.
1. Maharaja Ranjit Singh was the powerful ruler of Punjab.
2. Lord Dalhousie annexed those states whose native kings died without
a son or heir.
3. The first railway line was started from Mumbai to Thane in India
during Lord Dalhousie’s tenure.
4. Lord Dalhousie was the father of Annexation policy.
5. The first three Universities were established in India in Mumbai,
Chennai and Kolkata in 1857 C.E.
 True or False.

1. Subsidiary Alliance was first accepted by the Marathas. False

2. ‘Divide and Rule’ was the policy of the British. True
3. Wellesley became friends with Maharaja Ranjit Singh. True
4. Modern postal system was started during Wellesley’s tenure. False
5. War started among the Maratha states after the death of Peshwa
Nana Fadnavis. True
 Match the columns.

Column A Column B
1. Subsidiary Alliance a. Dalhousie
2. Annexation Policy b. 1857 C.E.
3. Maharaja of Punjab c. 1875 C.E.
4. Establishment of Three Universities d. Wellesley
in India e. Ranjit Singh

Ans. (1- d ) (2- a ) (3- e ) (4- b )

 Think and Answer.

• If foreign companies come for trade in India today, can they

establish their power?
• No, If foreign companies come for trade in India today, they
cannot establish their power because today India is a
Democratic, Sovereign and Republic Nation having a
formulated Constitution which laids down the rules and
regulations for governance and foreign affairs.
 Think and Answer.
• Why did the British establish their rule first in Bengal?
• Owing to differences with the British regarding the
payment of taxes, Siraj-ud-Daulah , the Nawab of Bengal
had pulled down the new building of Fort Wiiliam of
Kolkata which was built by the British.So, there was battle
between Siraj-ud-Daulah and the British army under the
leadership of Robert Clive. The British were victorious. This
was the first time that the British had come in conflict with
any king. Thus, the British after defeating the Nawab of
Bengal established their rule first in Bengal.
Think and Answer.
• Why was it essential for the British to conquer the Sikh and Afghan
territories?
• It was essential for the British to conquer the Sikh and Afghan
territories in South and Central India, so that after this they could
establish their rule in North India. Moreover, the Sikh and Afghan
states were situated to the north-west border of India. If they
could rule these states , they could stop any foreign attack from
this border. So, the British needed to conquer these states by
Subsidiary Alliance and Annexation policy.
Think and Answer.

• How could the British establish their rule all over India despite having a
small army?
• When the British came to India, there were many small and large states
and there was no internal unity among them. British took advantage of
this and started the establishment of their rule in India by supporting
these internal fights. Though the Kings who accepted Subsidiary Alliance
had the British army, they could not make use of it. Moreover, the British
army had modern weapons like guns and cannons. The soldiers were loyal
to their leaders and fought with complete discipline. Thus, despite the
British had a small army, they could establish their rule all over India due
to their wicked expansion policies and efficient administration skills.
 Think and Answer.
• The British established their rule almost all over India in a very short
time period with the policy of ‘Subsidiary Alliance’ and ‘Policy of
annexation’. How did this happen?
• British took advantage of the internal disunity among the states of
India for strengthening their power by supporting the regions in
their internal conflicts. Also, the Kings were so busy with these
conflicts that they lacked the foresight to see the welfare of the
nation. Many kings who accepted the Subsidiary Alliance became
the irresponsible slaves in the hands of the British, as their battle
skills and bravery were ruined. Lord Dalhousie- the father of
Annexation , conquered many states and brought them under the
company rule with the help of his policy. Thus, the Britsh were
successful in establishing their rule almost all over India in a very
short time period.
 Think and Answer.

• You get a book published in England with the details of the victory of the
british in 1857. What will be your feedback or response after reading it?
• The British took advantage of the weakness of Indian Kings and made
them worthless through their expansion policies. Also, the glimpses of
the valour and heroism shown by Rani Laxmibai, Tantia Tope , Nana
saheb, Begum Hazrat Mahal etc. during the uprising of 1857 are not
mentioned in this book. This mutiny or the revolt of 1857 was India’s first
fight for freedem against the British and though being unsuccessful it
managed to shatter the aims of the British. The British had adopted
shrewd politics for this victory. Thus, this book gives one-sided view of
the Revolt of 1857 which is considered as a turning point in the freedom
struggle from India’s point of view.
Exercise
• Q.2 How did the British benefit by Subsidiary Alliance and Annexation
Policies?
• British took advantage of the disunity among the native rulers of India to
establish their rule with various ‘Divide and rule’ policies. Many native
kings became slaves of the British by accepting Lord Wellesley’s
Subsidiary Alliance. The kings who accepted Subsidiary Alliance felt safe
and became irresponsible. Consequently, there was absolute
mismanagement. As a result , in a span of seven years Wellesley
expanded the company and made British rule supreme in India.
• Dalhousie annexed many states by Annexation policy. He defeated some
states in battles and did not allow childless king to adopt heir to their
throne. Their states were also annexed and British rule was established.
• Thus, The British benefitted by establishing their power almost all over
India through these poliices.
Q.3 Why were the British not successful in establishing their
rule in Punjab during the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh?

• Ranjit Singh ’The Lion of Punjab’ was a very powerful king. He

has set up a strong army with the help of European officers to
protect his state. He was brave and emerged victorious after
defeating the nearby states. Thus, he was able to consolidate
a strong and powerful kingdom. Hence, the British were not
successful in establishin their rule in Punjab during the
powerful reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
 Q.4 What reforms were made by Dalhousie in
India?
• Following reforms were undertaken by Dalhousie:
• The first railway line was started from Mumbai to Thane in the year 1853 C.E.
• He introduced the modern postal system in India .
• It was during his tenure that a telegraph system was started between England
and India.
• He passed a law to ban child marriages and advocated widow remarriages .
• Universities were established in Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata in the year 1857
C.E. with Dalhousie’s efforts.
• Thus, these infrastructural and social reforms were made by Dalhousie.
 Q.5 Discuss about the special features of Subsidiary Alliance and
Annexation Policy.
• Subsidiary Alliance:
• Lord Wellesley introduced the “Subsidiary Alliance” , to stop the French from
becoming strongest power and to make British rule the supreme power in the
native states of India.
• The princely states that accepted this policy had to keep and maintain the
British army as well as have a British representative in the Royal Court.
• This is how the British maintained their army without spending money. At the
same time they started enslaving and threatening the princely states.
• Kings who had accepted the Subsidiary Alliance thought that the British were
their friends and would protect them. So they become irresponsible and their
administration started deteriorating.
 Ans 5 Contd….
• Annexation Policy:
• Lord Dalhousie started this policy of Annexation which meant
bringing an end to the rule of native kings and bringing their states
under the British rule directly.
• Absolute mismanagement and internal disunity enabled Dalhousie
to annex many states.
• Under the Doctrine of Lapse , if a king died without a natural
heir(son), his state was annexed. Feg. Jhansi, Nagpur, Arkat,
Tanjore, Satara etc were annexed under this policy.
• States llike Punjab and Myanmar were annexed by defeating them
in battles.
• Thus, Lord Dalhousie established British Supremacy and made
British rule free from rivals with the help of “Vivtory, Confiscation
and Annexation’ .
 Exercise
Map Work -1
• Q.1 On an outline map of India, mark Satara, Nagpur and Jhansi that
were annexed by Lord Dalhousie.
Map work- States under Subsidiary Alliance
 Worksheet

• Which policy was like a slow poison?

• By enforcing which policy did Wellesley make British rule supreme in India?
• Who did not allow childless king to adopt a son?
• Which states were declared heirless and annexed?
• Within how many years did Wellesley expand the British company?
• Which Governor General brought the Sihk kingdom under British rule?
• In whose tenure were railway, telegraph and postal system started?
• Define Subsidiary Alliance and Annexation Policy.
Answers.
• Subsidiary Alliance was like a slow poison.
• By enforcing ‘Divide and Rule ‘ pollicy, Wellesley made British rule supreme.
• Lord Dalhousie did not allow childless kings to adopt a son.
• The states that were declared heirless were Jhansi, Satara, Tanjore , Arkat , Nagpur etc.
• Wellesley establihed the supremaby of company rule within a period of seven years.
• Sir Henry Hardinge brought the Sikh kingdom uner British rule.
• Railway, telegraph and postal system were started in Dalhousie’s tenure.
• Subsidiary Alliance: The kings who accepted this policy had to keep and maintain
British army and have a British Official in their court.
• Annexation Policy: An end to the rule of native kings and bringing the state under the
British rule directly.
 References.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoUIVtm6mXY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4_3csJiWpo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vT4Vd8jh2NU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvvCVUkw1Is

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_5guJ5EOJg&t=78s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81IPw-nZ1cs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYNGZHatOHI