SCERT 8th Grade Social Science
European Invasions & Resistances: Questions & Answers
1. What was the primary objective of the Portuguese in India?
The primary objective of the Portuguese in India was to establish a monopoly over the Eastern spice trade. Cause: High demand for spices in Europe. Effect: Established trading posts in Calicut, Kannur, and Kochi.
2. Name a significant contribution of the Dutch East India Company in India.
'Hortus Malabaricus', a comprehensive treatise on the flora of Kerala, is a significant contribution by the Dutch. Cause: Interest in local plant resources. Effect: Greatly contributed to botanical studies.
3. Which was the main trading center of the French in India?
Puducherry (Pondicherry) was the main trading center of the French in India. Cause: Strategic location on the eastern coast. Effect: Competed with the British for dominance.
4. Which was the first major battle that helped establish British rule in India?
The Battle of Plassey in 1757 was the first major battle that helped establish British rule in India. Cause: Conflict with Siraj-ud-Daulah, the Nawab of Bengal. Effect: British supremacy was established in Bengal.
5. In which year did the Attingal Revolt take place?
The Attingal Revolt took place in 1721. Cause: British trade monopoly and their disregard for local rulers. Effect: It was one of the earliest organized revolts against the British in Kerala.
6. What was a major cause of the Attingal Revolt?
The failure of British East India Company officials to present customary gifts to the Queen of Attingal and their trade monopoly were major causes. Cause: Arrogant behavior of the Company. Effect: Resulted in significant losses for the British.
7. Who was the Governor-General who introduced the Subsidiary Alliance?
Lord Wellesley was the Governor-General who introduced the Subsidiary Alliance. Cause: To expand the British Empire. Effect: Indian princely states lost their sovereignty.
8. Which Governor-General formulated the Doctrine of Lapse?
Lord Dalhousie was the Governor-General who formulated the Doctrine of Lapse. Cause: To expand the British Empire. Effect: Many princely states were annexed to British India.
9. Name a prominent state annexed by the British under the Doctrine of Lapse.
Satara, Nagpur, and Jhansi are prominent states annexed by the British under the Doctrine of Lapse. Cause: To bring states without natural heirs under British rule. Effect: Increased discontent among princely states.
10. What was a major cause of the First Indian War of Independence in 1857?
Widespread discontent against British rule, the greased cartridges (offending religious sentiments) for new Enfield rifles, and the Doctrine of Lapse were major causes. Cause: British exploitation and policies. Effect: Led to widespread rebellion across various parts of India.
11. Who was a prominent woman leader who participated in the 1857 revolt?
Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi was a prominent woman leader who participated in the 1857 revolt. Cause: Annexation of Jhansi under the Doctrine of Lapse. Effect: Fought bravely against the British and became a martyr.
12. Who termed the 1857 revolt as the 'First Indian War of Independence'?
V.D. Savarkar termed the 1857 revolt as the 'First Indian War of Independence'. Cause: He viewed it as the first major attempt to liberate India from British rule. Effect: Inspired nationalists.
13. In which region did the Kurichya Revolt take place?
The Kurichya Revolt took place in the Wayanad region. Cause: Increased tax policies of the British and encroachment on tribal traditional rights. Effect: A strong resistance by tribal communities against British rule.
14. Who was a prominent ruler from Kerala who fought against the British?
Pazhassi Raja was a prominent ruler from Kerala who fought against the British. Cause: British tax policies and claims over Wayanad. Effect: Posed a significant challenge to the British.
15. Who was the British Viceroy responsible for the Partition of Bengal?
Lord Curzon was the British Viceroy responsible for the Partition of Bengal (1905). Cause: Stated as administrative convenience, but actually to weaken the nationalist movement. Effect: Led to widespread protests and the Swadeshi Movement.
16. In which year was the East India Company formed?
The British East India Company was formed in 1600. Cause: Interest in trade with Eastern countries. Effect: Marked the beginning of British influence in India.
17. Which battle solidified the foundation of British rule in India?
The Battle of Buxar in 1764 solidified the foundation of British rule in India. Cause: The British gained Diwani rights over Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa. Effect: Paved the way for the expansion of the British Empire in India.
18. In which year did the Battle of Plassey take place?
The Battle of Plassey took place in 1757. Cause: Disputes between the British East India Company and the Nawab of Bengal. Effect: The British gained political control over Bengal.
19. Tipu Sultan was the ruler of which kingdom?
Tipu Sultan was the ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore. Cause: Resisted the expansionist policies of the British. Effect: He was a formidable opponent to the British.
20. Give an example of a major tribal revolt against the British.
The Santhal Rebellion, Munda Rebellion (led by Birsa Munda), and Kurichya Revolt are examples of major tribal revolts against the British. Cause: British land revenue policies and forest laws. Effect: Struggle for tribal rights.
21. Who was the social reformer instrumental in abolishing Sati?
Raja Ram Mohan Roy was the social reformer instrumental in abolishing Sati. Cause: To protect women's rights. Effect: Sati was prohibited in 1829.
22. During whose tenure was the first railway line introduced in India?
The first railway line in India was introduced during the tenure of Lord Dalhousie (1853). Cause: To facilitate British military movements and transport raw materials. Effect: Brought significant changes to India's transportation sector.
23. Which report led to the implementation of the British education system in India?
Macaulay's Minutes was the report that led to the implementation of the British education system in India. Cause: To create a class of Indians who would assist in British administration. Effect: English education became prevalent.
24. Provide an example of a significant peasant revolt during British rule.
The Champaran Satyagraha, Mappila Rebellion, and Indigo Revolt are examples of significant peasant revolts during British rule. Cause: British land revenue policies and exploitation. Effect: Highlighted the plight of farmers to the wider society.
25. What were the major wars fought between European powers in India?
The Carnatic Wars (between British and French), Anglo-Mysore Wars (between British and Mysore), and Anglo-Maratha Wars were major wars fought between European powers or between European powers and Indian states. Cause: Competition for trade monopoly and political dominance. Effect: Helped the British establish supremacy in India.