Q1. What was the primary reason behind the British East India Company’s conflict with the Nawabs of Bengal?
- Religious differences
- Control over trade and taxes
- Territorial expansion
- Rivalry with the French in Bengal
Correct Option: 2. Control over trade and taxes.
Explanation: The East India Company’s conflict with the Nawabs of Bengal stemmed from its desire to maintain privileged trade rights, as granted by the Mughal Emperor’s farman of 1717. This led to tensions over tax exemptions and the misuse of powers like issuing dastaks, which angered the Nawabs as they were losing revenue.
Q2. Who was the Nawab of Bengal when the British East India Company’s forces first clashed with the local government?
- Murshid Quli Khan
- Alivardi Khan
- Siraj-ud-Daulah
- Mir Jafar
Correct Option: 3. Siraj-ud-Daulah.
Explanation: Siraj-ud-Daulah succeeded his grandfather, Alivardi Khan, as the Nawab of Bengal in 1756. His refusal to allow the British to operate without paying taxes led to a direct confrontation with the East India Company.
Q3. What was the immediate cause of Siraj-ud-Daulah’s actions against the British East India Company in 1756?
- Fortification of Calcutta without his permission
- Religious conflicts
- British interference in French territories
- Loss of revenue to the Mughal Empire
Correct Option: 1. Fortification of Calcutta without his permission.
Explanation: The British East India Company began fortifying Calcutta in 1756 without seeking the Nawab’s permission. This was interpreted as a direct challenge to his sovereignty, which led to Siraj-ud-Daulah’s military action against them.
Q4. What significant mistake did Siraj-ud-Daulah make after capturing Calcutta?
- Underestimating the strength of the British forces
- Allowing the British to escape without fighting
- Not seeking the support of his allies
- Failing to fortify Calcutta
Correct Option: 2. Allowing the British to escape without fighting.
Explanation: After capturing Calcutta, Siraj-ud-Daulah made the mistake of allowing the British to escape, underestimating the strength and resilience of the East India Company, which would later regroup and retaliate.
Q5. Where did the British East India Company officials take refuge after losing Calcutta to Siraj-ud-Daulah?
- Murshidabad
- Madras
- Chandernagore
- Fulta
Correct Option: 4. Fulta.
Explanation: After being forced out of Calcutta, the British officials took refuge at Fulta, near the sea, where they used their naval superiority to wait for reinforcements from Madras.