10th SS 1.THE ADVENT OF EUROPEANS TO INDIA

KTBS KARNATAKA

STATE SYLLABUS

CLASS – 10

SUBJECT – SOCIA STUDIES

HISTORY

UNIT 1 – THE ADVENT OF EUROPEANS TO INDIA

QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS

I. Complete the following blanks with suitable answers:
1. In 1453, the Ottoman Turks occupied Constantinople.
2. The sea route between India and Europe was discovered by Vasco da Gama.
3. In 1741, the Dutch declared war on Travancore.
4. The capital of the French in India was Pondicherry.
5. The war that broke out between Siraj-ud-Daulah and Robert Clive in 1757 was the Battle of Plassey.
6. The Diwani rights over Bengal were handed over to the British by Shah Alam II.
7. The Dual Government policy was implemented by Robert Clive in Bengal.

II. Discuss in groups and answer the following questions:
8. How did trade take place between India and Europe during the Middle Ages?

Ans.-  intermediaries. Arab merchants played a key role in transporting goods from Asia to the city of Constantinople. From there, Italian traders, particularly from Venice and Genoa, purchased these goods and distributed them throughout Europe. Constantinople served as a central hub for international trade, often referred to as the ‘Gateway of European Trade’.

9. Discuss the causes that resulted in the discovery of a new sea route to India.

Ans.-  Several factors led to the discovery of a new sea route to India:
– Monopoly of Trade Routes: The fall of Constantinople to the Ottoman Turks in 1453 disrupted traditional land trade routes, leading to high taxes and unprofitable trade.
– Search for Direct Access: European nations, particularly Portugal and Spain, sought to break the Italian monopoly on Eastern trade.
– Technological Advancements: Inventions like the compass, astrolabe, and improvements in shipbuilding provided the necessary tools for long sea voyages.
– Royal Support: European monarchs, such as Prince Henry the Navigator of Portugal, supported and funded explorations to find direct sea routes to India.

10. List the Europeans who came to India for trade.
Ans.-  – Portuguese: Vasco da Gama, Francisco de Almeida, Alfonso de Albuquerque
– Dutch: Established the Dutch East India Company in 1602
– English: Established the English East India Company in 1600; notable figures include Sir Thomas Roe and Robert Clive
– French: Established the French East India Company in 1664; notable figures include Dupleix

11. Explain how Marthanda Varma checked the Dutch.

Ans.-  strategy and political acumen. He unified and strengthened his kingdom, built a strong army, and fortified his defenses. When the Dutch, with the support of local allies, attacked Travancore in 1741, Marthanda Varma’s forces decisively defeated them at the Battle of Colachel. This victory marked the decline of Dutch power in India and established Travancore as a significant regional power.

12. Explain the Second Carnatic War.
Ans.-  rival claimants in the regions of Hyderabad and the Carnatic:
– Conflict in Hyderabad: The French supported Muzaffar Jung, while the English supported Nasir Jung for the position of Nizam.
– Conflict in the Carnatic: The French backed Chanda Sahib, while the English supported Muhammad Ali, the son of Anwaruddin.
– Key Battles: Robert Clive’s capture of Arcot was a turning point. Chanda Sahib was captured and killed, and Muhammad Ali was installed as the Nawab of the Carnatic.
– Outcome: The war ended with the Treaty of Pondicherry in 1754, which restored the status quo but left the English stronger in the region. The French recalled Dupleix, marking a significant setback for French ambitions in India.

13. Explain the causes and results of the Battle of Plassey.

Ans.-  Causes:
– Misuse of Dastaks: The East India Company’s misuse of trade privileges granted by the Mughal emperor angered the Nawab of Bengal, Siraj-ud-Daulah.
– Fortification of Calcutta: The British fortified Calcutta without the Nawab’s permission, leading to tensions.
– Black Hole Tragedy: Siraj-ud-Daulah’s imprisonment of British soldiers in a small room led to the deaths of many, enraging the British and prompting retaliation.

Results:
– British Victory: Robert Clive defeated Siraj-ud-Daulah, who was betrayed by his commander, Mir Jafar.
– Installation of Mir Jafar: Mir Jafar was made the Nawab of Bengal, effectively making him a puppet ruler controlled by the British.
– Economic Gains: The British gained substantial economic benefits, including trade rights and significant indemnity payments.
– Foundation of British Rule: The battle marked the beginning of British political and military dominance in India.

14. What were the results of the Battle of Buxar?

Ans.-  – Diwani Rights: Shah Alam II granted the British the Diwani rights, allowing them to collect revenue from Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha.
– Financial Gains: Shah Alam II also agreed to an annual payment to the British, and Shuja-ud-Daula, the Nawab of Awadh, paid a large indemnity.
– Control over Bengal: The British took control of Bengal’s administration after Mir Jafar’s death, further consolidating their power.
– Establishment of Dual Government: Robert Clive implemented a Dual Government system in Bengal, where the British controlled revenue collection while the Nawab handled administrative matters, solidifying British influence and control over the region.