Q1.
Consider the following events:
- Battle of Plassey (1757)
- Battle of Buxar (1764)
- Grant of Diwani (1765)
Correct chronological order is:
(a) 1–2–3
(b) 2–1–3
(c) 1–3–2
(d) 3–1–2
Correct Answer: (a)
Explanation:
- Plassey (1757) → Political control initiated.
- Buxar (1764) → Military supremacy consolidated.
- Diwani (1765) → Fiscal sovereignty legally transferred to the Company.
Q2.
With reference to the Dual System in Bengal (1765–1772), consider the following statements:
- The Company exercised Diwani rights (revenue).
- Nizamat rights (police & judiciary) remained with the Nawab.
- The system was introduced by Lord Cornwallis.
How many statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Correct Answer: (b)
Explanation:
- Statement 1: Correct — Revenue collection under Company control.
- Statement 2: Correct — Law and order formally with the Nawab.
- Statement 3: ❌ Incorrect — Introduced by Robert Clive.
- The system led to power without responsibility for the Company and administrative breakdown.
Q3.
Who abolished the Dual System of administration in Bengal?
(a) Warren Hastings
(b) Lord Cornwallis
(c) Lord Wellesley
(d) Lord Hastings
Correct Answer: (a)
Explanation:
- Warren Hastings abolished it in 1772.
- The Company assumed direct control over revenue and administration, marking the start of structured British governance.
Q4.
The first English Presidency in India was established at:
(a) Madras
(b) Bombay
(c) Surat
(d) Calcutta
Correct Answer: (c)
Explanation:
- The British East India Company established its first factory at Surat in 1613.
- Surat became the first seat of the British presidency before it was later shifted to Bombay (Mumbai) and then to other places.
Q5.
Assertion (A): Battle of Buxar was more decisive than Plassey.
Reason (R): It gave the Company control over Bengal, Bihar and Odisha and led to the grant of Diwani.
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true
Correct Answer: (a)
Explanation:
- Plassey (1757) gave political entry through conspiracy.
- Buxar (1764) gave open military supremacy over multiple Indian powers.
- Diwani (1765) converted political control into revenue control, making Buxar administratively more decisive than Plassey.
