Q1. What was the main reason behind the East India Company’s increasing control over Bengal?
- To promote trade and economic development
- To prevent any local rebellion in Bengal
- To extract wealth from Bengal and expand British influence
- To support the Nawab of Bengal in his administration
Correct Option: 3. To extract wealth from Bengal and expand British influence.
Explanation: The passage clearly mentions that the East India Company sought to drain Bengal’s wealth and strengthen its control over the region, believing that Bengal’s wealth was inexhaustible. The Company took steps to control Bengal’s revenues and make it a direct source of profit.
Q2. Who was forced to abdicate the throne in favor of Mir Qasim in October 1760?
- Mir Jafar
- Shuja-ud-Daulah
- Shah Alam II
- Nawab Nizam-ud-Daulah
Correct Option: 1. Mir Jafar.
Explanation: The East India Company forced Mir Jafar to abdicate in favor of his son-in-law, Mir Qasim, in 1760. Mir Qasim was appointed as the new Nawab and was expected to cater to the Company’s demands.
Q3. What did Mir Qasim do after being made Nawab in 1760?
- He tried to modernize Bengal’s administration and raise a disciplined army
- He accepted all of the East India Company’s demands
- He expanded the British influence in Bengal
- He increased taxes on local Indian merchants
Correct Option: 1. He tried to modernize Bengal’s administration and raise a disciplined army.
Explanation: Mir Qasim sought to free himself from the British control by modernizing Bengal’s administration, removing corruption, and raising a European-style army. His goal was to strengthen Bengal’s independence.
Q4. What was the primary reason for Mir Qasim’s conflict with the East India Company?
- His desire to ally with the Marathas
- His opposition to the misuse of the farman of 1717 by Company officials
- His refusal to pay the annual tribute to the British government
- His desire to introduce internal customs duties
Correct Option: 2. His opposition to the misuse of the farman of 1717 by Company officials.
Explanation: Mir Qasim opposed the misuse of the farman, which allowed Company servants to be exempt from customs duties, thus harming local Indian merchants. He wanted to end these abuses to improve Bengal’s revenue and economy.
Q5. How did the British authorities respond to Mir Qasim’s reforms?
- They supported his policies and reforms
- They imposed economic sanctions on Bengal
- They started military operations against him
- They offered him more territory in return for loyalty
Correct Option: 3. They started military operations against him.
Explanation: The British did not approve of Mir Qasim’s attempts to reform and weaken their economic privileges. The passage describes how the Company’s officials forced Mir Qasim into a series of military confrontations, eventually leading to his defeat.