Q1. What was the primary aim of the East India Company’s administration in India between 1757 and 1857?
- To develop India’s economy
- To maximize profits for Britain and strengthen British control over India
- To support Indian industries
- To provide education and welfare to the Indian population
Correct Option: 2. To maximize profits for Britain and strengthen British control over India.
Explanation: The East India Company’s main objective was to increase its profits and ensure that the wealth of India benefited Britain. It sought to exploit India economically and politically to serve British interests, primarily through controlling resources and trade.
Q2. What was the Dual Government system introduced in 1765?
- British officials ruled over Indians directly
- British and Indian officials ruled jointly
- The British Government took control over all Indian territories
- Indian officials had responsibility but no power, and British officials had power but no responsibility
Correct Option: 4. Indian officials had responsibility but no power, and British officials had power but no responsibility.
Explanation: In the Dual Government system, Indian officials continued their duties but were under the oversight of British officials who had power. This created a system of governance marked by inefficiency and corruption, as the two sets of officials were not accountable to each other.
Q3. Which event ended the Dual Government system in 1772?
- The Battle of Plassey
- The Regulating Act
- The Direct Control of Bengal by the East India Company
- The establishment of the Supreme Court of Calcutta
Correct Option: 3. The Direct Control of Bengal by the East India Company.
Explanation: In 1772, the East India Company decided to directly govern Bengal instead of allowing Indian officials to function under British control. This marked the end of the Dual Government system.
Q4. What was the core issue with the East India Company’s administration of India?
- It was a commercial body with no real experience in governance
- It appointed too many Indian officials
- It appointed too many Indian officials
- It was too focused on providing welfare to Indians
Correct Option: 1. It was a commercial body with no real experience in governance.
Explanation: The East India Company was essentially a trading entity and not a governing body. It lacked the administrative experience and mechanisms needed to effectively manage the political and social complexities of India.
Q5. Which parliamentary Act of 1773 sought to regulate the East India Company’s administration in India?
- The Charter Act
- The Regulating Act
- Pitt’s India Act
- The India Act of 1784
Correct Option: 2. The Regulating Act.
Explanation: The Regulating Act of 1773 was the first attempt by the British Parliament to impose some level of regulation over the East India Company’s governance in India, especially focusing on ensuring that the company’s affairs were in line with British interests.