Question 6. Why were many zamindaris auctioned after the Permanent Settlement? The Permanent Settlement of 1793, introduced by Lord Cornwallis in the Bengal Presidency, was a landmark administrative reform implemented by the British East India Company. While it aimed to streamline land revenue collection and ensure a steady income for the British administration, it also … Read more
Question 7. In what way was the livelihood of the Paharias different from that of the Santhals? The livelihoods of the Paharias and the Santhals, two prominent tribal communities in eastern India, especially in the region of the Rajmahal Hills and adjoining areas, were distinct in their ways of subsistence, interaction with the environment, and … Read more
Queation 9. Examine any two sources presented in the chapter, choosing one visual and one text, and discuss how these represent the point of view of the victor and the vanquished. To examine the point of view of the victor (the British) and the vanquished (the Indians) during the Revolt of 1857, we can analyze … Read more
Question 8. How did the American Civil War affect the lives of ryots in India? The American Civil War (1861–1865) significantly impacted the global economy, including the lives of ryots (peasants) in colonial India. The war disrupted the supply of raw cotton from the southern United States to Britain, which was then the world’s largest … Read more
Question 1. Why did the mutinous sepoys in many places turn to erstwhile rulers to provide leadership to the revolt? The mutinous sepoys in many places turned to erstwhile rulers to provide leadership to the revolt during the 1857 rebellion due to a combination of historical, social, and strategic factors.The sepoys sought legitimacy, organizational strength, … Read more
Question 6. Why was the revolt particularly widespread in Awadh? What prompted the peasants, taluqdars and zamindars to join the revolt? The Revolt of 1857 was particularly widespread in Awadh (present-day Uttar Pradesh) due to a combination of political, economic, and social factors that deeply affected the lives of peasants, taluqdars (landowners), and zamindars (landlords). … Read more
Question 9. What are the problems of using official sources in writing about the history of peasants? The problems of using official sources in writing about the history of peasants are multifaceted and must be carefully examined in the context of colonial historiography. Official records, which form the primary archival material for historians, reflect the … Read more
Question 1. Why was the jotedar a powerful figure in many areas of rural Bengal? The jotedar emerged as a powerful figure in many areas of rural Bengal due to several factors, particularly during the colonial period. Jotedars played a significant role in the agrarian economy and local governance. They were wealthy landlords who controlled … Read more