How Britishers Control India Socially, Economically and Politically? ADD MCQs WITH SOLUTIONS

Title: The Control of Britishers over India: Understanding the Social, Economic and Political Domination

For aspirants of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination, knowledge regarding the British control over India is imperial. The British rule, often referred to as the ‘British Raj,’ significantly impacted India’s socio-economic and political structure. This article takes a comprehensive view of how Britishers controlled India socially, economically, and politically.

1. Social Control:

The British used the ‘divide and rule’ strategy to segregate India socially. Their policies were instrumental in widening the rift between different religious and caste groups.

1.1 Implementation of Laws: Britishers introduced several laws that divided the Indian society like Act of India (1813), which promoted the propagation of Christianity.

1.2 Education: They introduced the western style of education primarily to create a class of Indians who would assist them in administrative work. However, this education system led to the creation of a new social class, causing additional social division.

2. Economic Control:

Their economic policies transformed India from a self-sufficient economy to a colonial economy – dependent on the needs of the British Empire.

2.1 Drain of Wealth: The British exploited India’s economic resources for their benefit, leading to the ‘Drain of Wealth’ where Indian wealth was used to enrich Britain.

2.2 Destruction of Traditional Industries: The British policy of promoting British goods led to the destruction of indigenous industries like textiles, handicrafts etc.

3. Political Control:

The Britishers skillfully established their political dominance in India by manipulating the power dynamics.

3.1 Doctrine of Lapse: British officials introduced the ‘Doctrine of Lapse’ to annex kingdoms whose rulers died without a direct heir.

3.2 Use of Force: Military conquests, subjugation of regional kingdoms, and use of brutal force against dissenters were some of the tactics used by the British to cement their political authority.

3.3 Administrative Changes: Britishers brought in a centralised administration system that allowed them to efficiently control and exploit India for their advantage.

Now, let’s evaluate your understanding of the topic through the following multiple-choice questions.

MCQs:

1. Which strategy did the British adopt to control India socially?
a. Doctrine of Lapse
b. Divide and Rule
c. Drain of Wealth
d. None of the above

2. What impact did the Western style of education imposed by Britishers have on Indian society?
a. Increment in literacy rates
b. Creation of a new social class
c. Both a and b
d. None of the above

3. How did Britishers control the economic system of India?
a. By promoting Indian industries
b. By draining wealth from India to Britain
c. By enhancing the infrastructure in India
d. None of the above

Solutions:

1. The correct answer is (b) Divide and Rule. The British adopted this strategy to create divisions within the Indian society to establish their control.

2. The correct answer is (c) Both a and b. Western style of education created a new class of Indians who were Indian in color but British in taste. Also, although the literacy rate was increased, it was primarily to serve the British administration.

3. The correct answer is (b) By draining wealth from India to Britain. This policy significantly weakened the Indian economy and filled the coffers of Britain, giving them a greater hold over India.

Understanding these manipulative approaches of the British rule is key to comprehending the resonating effects of colonialism on India’s socio-economic and political fabric today.

Good luck with your preparations!