india Flashcards
(31 cards)
Why did parliament pass the Regulating Act of 1773?
To address the financial troubles of the East India Company and exert greater control over its operations.
The Act limited company dividends to 6% until it repaid a £1.5 million loan.
What were the financial issues faced by the East India Company in the 1770s?
The company was almost bankrupt, owed money to the bank of England and the government, and had £15 million of tea rotting in British warehouses.
The company had been unable to maintain its £40,000 annual payment to the government since 1768.
What was the significance of the Tea Act of 1773?
It allowed the East India Company to undercut smuggled tea prices in North America by eliminating tariffs on its tea.
85% of tea was smuggled into North America at the time.
How did Pitt’s India Act of 1784 build on the Regulating Act of 1773?
It made the East India Company subordinate to the crown and established a regulatory board of control.
The board included the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Secretary of State for India.
What was the outcome of the feud between Philip Francis and Warren Hastings?
It highlighted the ethical concerns of imperialism and led to Hastings’ impeachment trial in 1788.
Hastings was accused of corruption and mismanagement during his tenure.
What was the global context of Pitt’s India Act of 1784?
Britain faced a national debt of £243 million after the war, prompting Pitt to impose new taxes and create a sinking fund.
The debt was reduced to £170 million by 1792.
What were the territorial gains of Britain in India by 1857?
The East India Company governed from three presidencies: Bengal, Madras, and Bombay.
Bengal became the dominant presidency after the 1786 amending of the India Act.
What was the significance of the Charter Act of 1813?
It extended the East India Company’s charter for 20 years while removing its monopoly in India, except for trade with China and tea.
The Act also asserted the crown’s sovereignty over British India.
What were the powers of the governor in administering India?
The governor controlled the presidencies and had significant authority, especially after the 1833 Act.
Warren Hastings was the first governor from 1774 to 1785.
What was the composition of the army in India during the 1820s?
The army consisted of 20,000 troops divided into white and sepoy regiments.
By 1857, only 45,522 of the total 277,746 soldiers were British.
What reforms did Lord Bentinck implement against Thuggee and Sati?
He abolished Sati and Thuggee and made English the official language of government.
The abolition of Sati in 1829 was followed by widespread acceptance among the population.
What was the impact of missionaries in India?
Missionaries lifted the ban on their activities, causing tensions and opposition across all caste levels.
Charles Grant from the Clapham Sect played a significant role in this movement.
What was the Doctrine of Lapse introduced by Lord Dalhousie?
It allowed the British to annex Indian territories if a prince died without an heir, contrary to Hindu law.
This led to the deposition of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah for maladministration.
What infrastructure reforms did Dalhousie introduce?
He oversaw the first railway in India, the completion of the Ganges canal, and the introduction of the penny post.
The first telegraph line was opened in 1854, enhancing communication.
How did the Crimean War impact the Indian army?
Many British troops were redeployed from India to the Crimean War, increasing the indigenous troops to white troops ratio to 9:1.
Dalhousie was replaced by Charles Canning during this period.
What was the short-term cause of the Meerut Rising in 1857?
The General Service Enlistment Act of 1856, which angered soldiers in the Bengal army.
Rumors about new cartridges containing pig fat also contributed to the unrest.
Why did the Indian Mutiny fail?
The rebels were not a cohesive force and were easily isolated by the British.
Local divisions and the preference for British rule among civilians contributed to the failure.
What were the results of the Indian Rebellion of 1857?
The Government of India Act 1858 established direct British rule over India.
It resulted in significant changes to the Indian army and governance.
What was the doctrine of lapse?
A policy that allowed the British to annex territories without a direct heir.
Why did the civilian population prefer paying taxes to the EIC?
It was cheaper than paying taxes to the local Raj.
How did most Indians view British rule?
It was acceptable to most Indians.
What was one result of the rebellion?
The Government of India Act 1858.
What changes were made to the Indian army after the rebellion?
Changes included restructuring and modernization.
What did the Government of India Act 1858 establish?
British India was to be ruled directly from Britain.
