Q1. Which of the following states was annexed by Lord Dalhousie in 1856 on the pretext of misgovernance?
- Sindh
- Avadh
- Punjab
- Tanjore
Correct Option: 2. Avadh.
Explanation: Lord Dalhousie annexed Avadh in 1856, accusing Nawab Wajid Ali Shah of misgovernance. Despite the British having significant control over the region, this annexation was presented as a measure to “reform” the administration.
Q2. Which British officer led the annexation of Sindh in 1843?
- Lord Dalhousie
- Lord Gough
- Lord Hastings
- Sir Charles Napier
Correct Option: 4. Sir Charles Napier.
Explanation: Sir Charles Napier led the British forces in the conquest of Sindh in 1843. His controversial justification for the annexation was that it would be a “humane piece of rascality.”
Q3. What was the main economic reason behind Dalhousie’s annexations?
- To spread British culture across India
- To eliminate corrupt native rulers
- To facilitate the export of British goods to Indian markets
- To enhance British military presence in India
Correct Option: 3. To facilitate the export of British goods to Indian markets.
Explanation: Lord Dalhousie’s annexations were largely driven by economic motives. He believed that British rule could create better conditions for expanding British exports, as many native states were seen as poor markets due to the maladministration of their rulers.
Q4. What was the significant consequence of the British annexation of Avadh in 1856?
- The establishment of a new state of Satara
- The death of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah
- Widespread resentment among Indian rulers and people, leading to the Revolt of 1857
- The end of Maratha resistance in India
Correct Option: 3. Widespread resentment among Indian rulers and people, leading to the Revolt of 1857.
Explanation: The annexation of Avadh by Lord Dalhousie was one of the key events that provoked widespread resentment. This anger, combined with other British policies, played a significant role in sparking the Revolt of 1857.
Q5. Which of the following statements best describes the British policy in India after the Maratha wars, as seen during Lord Hastings’ tenure?
- The British allowed Maratha rulers to regain their independence.
- The Maratha states were fully integrated into the British Empire, with no autonomy left.
- The British established puppet kingdoms but gave Indian rulers full control over military and foreign affairs.
- The British directly annexed all Maratha territories, replacing native rulers with British officials.
Correct Option: 2. The Maratha states were fully integrated into the British Empire, with no autonomy left.
Explanation: After the Second Anglo-Maratha War and the subsequent defeat of the Maratha chiefs under Lord Hastings, the Maratha states were not only defeated but fully integrated into the British Empire. Though some small Maratha states like Satara were created as nominal kingdoms (such as a puppet state ruled by a descendant of Shivaji), they had no true autonomy. These states were required to accept British suzerainty, meaning they could no longer conduct independent military or foreign policies, and the British Resident had significant influence over their internal affairs.