NCERT Solutions for Class 8 History Chapter 2 From Trade to Territory

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 History Chapter 2 From Trade to Territory provide clear and simple answers to the questions from Class 8 History Chapter 2. The chapter explains how the East India Company expanded from a trading company to a political power in India. It covers important events and policies such as the Battle of Plassey, Battle of Buxar, Diwani, Subsidiary Alliance, Doctrine of Lapse, and changes in administration and the army.

Class 8 History Chapter 2 From Trade to Territory Questions and Answers

Here are the Class 8 History Chapter 2 question answers based on the NCERT chapter From Trade to Territory: The Company Establishes Power.

1. Match the following

2. Fill in the blanks

(a) The British conquest of Bengal began with the Battle of Plassey.

(b) Haidar Ali and Tipu Sultan were the rulers of Mysore.

(c) Dalhousie implemented the Doctrine of Lapse.

(d) Maratha kingdoms were located mainly in the south-western part of India.

3. State whether true or false

(a) The Mughal Empire became stronger in the eighteenth century.
Answer: False. The Mughal Empire weakened during the eighteenth century, while several regional powers became stronger.

(b) The English East India Company was the only European company that traded with India.
Answer: False. Portuguese, Dutch and French companies also traded with India.

(c) Maharaja Ranjit Singh was the ruler of Punjab.
Answer: True.

(d) The British did not introduce administrative changes in the territories they conquered.
Answer: False. The Company introduced several administrative and judicial changes in the territories under its control.

4. What attracted European trading companies to India?

European trading companies were attracted to India because Indian goods such as cotton textiles, silk and spices were in demand in European markets. These goods could be purchased in India and sold for higher prices in Europe. The profitable trade encouraged European companies to establish trading settlements and compete for control of Indian trade.

5. What were the areas of conflict between the Bengal nawabs and the East India Company?

The Bengal nawabs and the East India Company came into conflict over the Company's trading privileges and activities. The Company wanted concessions and used its trading privileges to avoid paying certain duties. It also strengthened its fortifications and interfered in the political affairs of Bengal. The nawabs wanted the Company to follow their authority and stop activities that reduced the state's revenue.

6. How did the assumption of Diwani benefit the East India Company?

The Mughal emperor granted the Company the Diwani of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa in 1765, giving it the right to collect revenue from these provinces. This provided the Company with a major source of income. The revenue helped it finance administration, maintain its army and purchase Indian goods for export.

7. Explain the system of Subsidiary Alliance.

The Subsidiary Alliance was a policy associated with Lord Wellesley through which Indian rulers accepted the presence of Company troops in their territories.

Under this arrangement:

• The ruler had to maintain and pay for the Company's subsidiary forces.

• A British Resident was stationed at the ruler's court.

• The ruler could not enter into alliances or negotiations with other powers without the Company's approval.

• If the ruler failed to meet the financial obligations, the Company could take control of territory.

The system increased the Company's political influence over Indian states.

8. In what way was the administration of the Company different from that of Indian rulers?

The Company developed its own administrative structure in the territories it controlled. Its system included officials, courts and revenue arrangements designed to serve Company administration.

9. Describe the changes that occurred in the composition of the Company's army.

The Company's army consisted largely of Indian soldiers called sepoys who were trained and organised under European military practices. Over time, the Company increased the importance of infantry and introduced new forms of military training, weapons and discipline.

The soldiers were trained through regular drills and exercises. The Company also developed a more standardised military organisation to strengthen its forces.

From Trade to Territory Class 8: Important Questions and Answers

The chapter From Trade to Territory Class 8 explains how the East India Company gradually increased its political and territorial control in India. The following questions cover important concepts from the chapter.

What attracted European trading companies to India?

European companies were attracted by India's valuable cotton, silk and spice trade. These products had strong demand in European markets and offered opportunities for profitable trade.

What was the Battle of Plassey?

The Battle of Plassey was fought in 1757 between the forces of Sirajuddaulah, the Nawab of Bengal, and the East India Company led by Robert Clive. The Company won the battle, which strengthened its political influence in Bengal.

What was the Battle of Buxar?

The Battle of Buxar was fought in 1764 between the East India Company and the combined forces of Mir Qasim, Shuja-ud-Daulah and Shah Alam II. The Company's victory strengthened its position in eastern India and was followed by the grant of Diwani rights in 1765.

What was Diwani?

Diwani refers to the right to collect land revenue. In 1765, the Mughal emperor granted the East India Company the Diwani of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa.

What is Subsidiary Alliance?

The Subsidiary Alliance was a policy used by the East India Company to extend its control over Indian states. Under the system, rulers accepted Company troops and British political influence and had to meet the costs of the subsidiary forces.

Class 8 History Chapter 2 Notes: From Trade to Territory

These key points provide a quick revision of Class 8 History Chapter 2:

• European trading companies came to India for profitable trade in goods such as cotton, silk and spices.

• The East India Company became increasingly involved in Indian politics.

• The Battle of Plassey took place in 1757.

• The Battle of Buxar took place in 1764.

• The Company received Diwani rights in 1765.

• The Company expanded its political control through military and political strategies.

• The Subsidiary Alliance increased Company influence over Indian rulers.

• Lord Dalhousie used the Doctrine of Lapse to annex several states.

• The Company introduced changes in administration, revenue collection and the judicial system.

• Indian soldiers, known as sepoys, formed a major part of the Company's army.

Class 8 History Chapter 2 Very Short Questions and Answers

Q1. Who was known as the Tiger of Mysore?
Answer: Tipu Sultan.

Q2. What was Diwani?
Answer: Diwani was the right to collect land revenue.

Q3. Who was the ruler of Punjab?
Answer: Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

Q4. When was the Battle of Plassey fought?
Answer: 1757.

Q5. When was the Battle of Buxar fought?
Answer: 1764.

Q6. Who introduced the Doctrine of Lapse?
Answer: Lord Dalhousie.

Q7. What was a sipahi?
Answer: A sipahi was an Indian soldier serving in the Company's army.

Class 8 History Chapter 2 Question Answer: Quick Revision

For quick exam revision, remember these important terms:

Plassey → 1757
The Company's victory over Sirajuddaulah strengthened its position in Bengal.

Buxar → 1764
The Company's victory further strengthened its political position in eastern India.

Diwani → 1765
The Company received the right to collect revenue in Bengal, Bihar and Orissa.

Subsidiary Alliance
Indian rulers accepted Company troops and British political influence.

Doctrine of Lapse
A policy used under Lord Dalhousie to annex certain states where the ruler died without an accepted natural heir.

Sipahi
An Indian soldier in the Company's army.