🌍CBSE Class 12th History Chapter 9 An Colonialism and the Countryside Extra Question and Answer 📚

• SHORT QUESTIONS AND ANSWER

Question 1: What benefits was the Company expecting in determining revenue demand permanently?

Answer: 

Strategic Planning: 

Determining revenue demand permanently allows a company to engage in more effective strategic planning. By understanding the consistent revenue expectations, the company can set realistic and achievable goals, allocate resources efficiently, and plan for long-term sustainability.

Financial Stability: 

Permanently assessing revenue demand contributes to financial stability. It enables the company to establish a reliable financial foundation, manage cash flow effectively, and make informed investment decisions. This stability enhances the company’s resilience to economic fluctuations and unforeseen challenges.

Investor Confidence: 

Knowing and communicating a clear and stable revenue demand helps build investor confidence. Investors are more likely to invest in or support a company that demonstrates a solid understanding of its revenue expectations. This confidence can positively impact stock prices, attract potential investors, and contribute to overall financial health.

Question 2: What were the reasons for the zamindars’ failure to pay the revenue amount?

Answer: 

The failure of zamindars to pay the revenue amount during the colonial period in India can be attributed to various factors:

Heavy Taxation and Land Revenue Demands: 

Zamindars were burdened with exorbitant land revenue demands imposed by the colonial authorities. The British introduced the Permanent Settlement in 1793, fixing revenue amounts at high levels. The inflexibility of these fixed revenues, regardless of the economic conditions or crop yields, made it difficult for zamindars to meet their obligations.

Natural Calamities and Crop Failures: 

Agricultural productivity was highly susceptible to natural disasters such as floods, droughts, and famines. Zamindars, who relied on agricultural income to pay revenues, often faced crop failures due to these calamities. This led to a decrease in their ability to generate sufficient revenue to meet the demands of the colonial administration.

Usurious Moneylending Practices: 

Zamindars often resorted to borrowing money at high-interest rates from moneylenders to meet revenue obligations. The exploitative practices of moneylenders exacerbated the financial strain on zamindars, making it challenging for them to repay loans and meet revenue demands simultaneously.

Question 3: What was the attitude of British officials towards the Paharia people of Rajmahal in the 1770s and 1780s?

Answer: 

Economic Exploitation:

• The British were primarily interested in extracting resources from the region, and the Paharia people were often subjected to oppressive revenue collection practices.

• The Permanent Settlement of 1793, introduced by Cornwallis, further entrenched the economic exploitation. Fixed land revenue demands were imposed on the Paharia, regardless of fluctuations in agricultural productivity or their ability to pay.

Cultural Condescension:

• British officials often viewed the Paharia people through a lens of cultural superiority and racial bias. The indigenous customs, traditions, and social structures of the Paharia were often disregarded or considered inferior.
• The colonial administration tended to undermine the local governance systems of the Paharia, favoring their own administrative structures.

Land Policies and Displacement:

• The British implemented land policies that led to the displacement of the Paharia from their traditional lands. This was particularly evident in the redistribution of land through the Permanent Settlement, which adversely affected the Paharia’s access to and control over their resources.

• The British officials exhibited a lack of understanding or consideration for the socio-economic impact of such policies on the Paharia communities.

Question 4: What precautions should we take while reading Buchanan’s description? Write in detail.

Answer: 

Contextual Awareness:

• Understand the historical and cultural context in which Buchanan wrote. Recognize that his observations were shaped by the prevailing ideologies, biases, and colonial perspectives of his time.

• Consider the political climate, economic interests, and social dynamics that may have influenced Buchanan’s observations. Awareness of the context will help in interpreting his descriptions more critically.

Subjectivity and Bias:

• Recognize that Buchanan’s viewpoint may be subjective and influenced by personal biases. Consider his background, experiences, and any potential prejudices that could color his descriptions.

• Compare Buchanan’s account with other contemporary or alternative sources to gain a more comprehensive and balanced view of the events, places, or people he describes.

Verification and Corroboration:

• Verify the accuracy of Buchanan’s information by cross-referencing it with other reliable historical sources, if available. This can help identify any discrepancies or potential exaggerations in his descriptions.

• Look for corroborating evidence from different perspectives to validate or challenge Buchanan’s observations. This ensures a more well-rounded and objective interpretation of the historical context.

Question 5: Permanent settlement was rarely implemented outside Bengal. Examine the above given statement.

Answer: 

Limited Geographic Application:

• The Permanent Settlement, also known as the Zamindari System, was introduced by Lord Cornwallis in 1793 and was primarily implemented in the Bengal Presidency (which included present-day West Bengal, Bangladesh, and parts of Bihar and Odisha).

• While it was meant to provide a fixed land revenue system and a sense of permanency in landownership, this system was not extended uniformly across all British territories in India.

Regional Variations in Land Revenue Systems:

• Different regions under British control adopted various land revenue systems based on local conditions and administrative considerations.

• In regions outside Bengal, especially in the Madras Presidency and the Bombay Presidency, different land revenue systems such as the Ryotwari System (Madras) and the Mahalwari System (introduced later in parts of northern India) were implemented. These systems differed in their approach to land revenue collection.

Local Adaptations and Challenges:

• The Permanent Settlement faced criticism and challenges, even within Bengal. The rigidity of revenue demands and the creation of intermediary landlords (zamindars) often led to exploitation and economic difficulties for the peasants.

• The challenges faced in Bengal influenced the British authorities to adopt alternative land revenue systems in other regions that were considered more suitable for the local conditions and socio-economic structures.

Question 6: How is the revenue system implemented in Mumbai Deccan different from the one implemented in Bengal? What principles were taken into consideration for this?

Answer: 

Mahalwari System in Mumbai Deccan:

• In Mumbai Deccan and other parts of the Bombay Presidency, the British introduced the Mahalwari System. This system involved the assessment and collection of land revenue from individual villages or Mahals, often collectively owned by the villagers.

• Under the Mahalwari System, the responsibility for revenue payment was shared among the villagers, and the revenue assessment was based on the productivity of the entire village.

Differences in Zamindari System (Permanent Settlement) in Bengal:

• In Bengal, the British implemented the Zamindari System, also known as the Permanent Settlement, where revenue collection was fixed and assigned to individual landlords or zamindars. These zamindars, once designated, held permanent rights to collect revenue from the land.

Principles Considered in Mumbai Deccan:

• The Mahalwari System in Mumbai Deccan was influenced by the principle of collective responsibility, aiming to distribute the revenue burden more equitably among the villagers.
• The system aimed to promote joint cultivation and ensure that the revenue assessment reflected the combined productivity of the village, fostering a sense of community responsibility.

Question 7: Today on the basis of what facts can we say that the life of the pahariya people was connected with the forest?

Answer: 

Dependence on Forest Resources:

Pahariya communities traditionally relied on the forest for various essential resources, including food, medicinal plants, and materials for shelter and tools. The forest provided them with a diverse range of natural resources necessary for their daily sustenance.

Subsistence Agriculture Practices:

Pahariya people often practiced shifting or slash-and-burn cultivation in the forest areas. This agricultural method involved clearing small patches of forest, cultivating crops for a limited period, and then moving to another area. Their agricultural practices were closely tied to the availability of forest land.

Cultural and Spiritual Significance:

The forest held cultural and spiritual significance for the Pahariya people. It was not just a source of livelihood but also played a vital role in their belief systems and rituals. The forest was often considered a sacred space, influencing their cultural practices and connections with nature.

Question 8: What were reasons for the revolt of Santhals against British rule? Explain.

Answer: 

Land Alienation and Exploitative Revenue Policies:

• The British colonial administration introduced land revenue policies that led to widespread land alienation among the Santhal tribals. The imposition of high land taxes and the introduction of the Permanent Settlement adversely affected their traditional agrarian practices.

• The Santhals, primarily dependent on agriculture, faced economic distress due to the exploitative revenue demands, leading to loss of land and livelihood.

Cultural Disrespect and Oppression:

• The British administration often disregarded the cultural and social practices of the Santhal community. The imposition of laws, legal systems, and administrative structures that did not align with their traditional governance systems created a sense of cultural disrespect and alienation.

• The Santhals felt marginalized and oppressed, fostering discontent and a desire to resist British rule.

Economic Exploitation and Forced Labor:

• The Santhals were subjected to economic exploitation, with British officials and moneylenders taking advantage of their vulnerable economic situation. The Santhal Rebellion was, in part, a response to the economic injustices faced by the community.

• Additionally, the British often forced the Santhals into labor, both for public projects and private ventures, further intensifying their resentment against colonial rule.

Question 9: What problems did Paharia people face due to the arrival of Santhals?

Answer: 

Land Disputes:

The migration of Santhals often led to conflicts over land as both Paharia and Santhal communities sought to establish their settlements and cultivate agricultural land. This resulted in disputes over territory and resources, contributing to heightened tensions between the two groups.

Cultural Clash:

The Paharia people, having their distinct cultural practices and traditions, faced a cultural clash with the incoming Santhals. Differences in customs, social norms, and governance systems could lead to misunderstandings and conflicts, impacting the social fabric of the Paharia community.

Economic Competition:

The Paharia people, traditionally dependent on the forest for resources and practicing shifting cultivation, experienced economic competition with the settled agricultural practices of the Santhals. This competition for limited resources could lead to increased pressure on the Paharia’s traditional livelihood practices.

Question 10: How did American civil war affect the lives of farmers in India? Explain.

Answer: 

Cotton Shortage and Price Rise:

• The Civil War disrupted cotton supplies from the Southern United States, a major global cotton producer. As a result, there was a shortage of raw cotton in international markets, including India.

• Indian farmers, particularly those involved in cotton cultivation, benefited from increased demand and higher prices for their cotton produce. The spike in cotton prices provided a short-term economic advantage to Indian cotton farmers.

Shift in Agricultural Practices:

• The scarcity of cotton during the Civil War prompted some Indian farmers to shift their agricultural practices to cultivate cotton more intensively. The increased demand for cotton as a cash crop influenced farmers’ cropping choices and led to alterations in agricultural landscapes.

Impact on Global Trade Dynamics:

• The disruption in cotton supply chains due to the Civil War highlighted the vulnerability of dependence on a single source for a crucial commodity. This prompted discussions on diversifying sources and fostering more self-sufficiency in various regions, impacting long-term global trade dynamics.

Question 11: Which land revenue system was implemented in Mumbai Deccan? Describe its characteristics.

Answer: 

Village-Level Assessment:

Under the Mahalwari System, land revenue was assessed and collected at the village level. The revenue demands were determined for each individual village or mahal rather than individual landholdings.

Joint Responsibility of Villagers:

The Mahalwari System emphasized joint responsibility for revenue payment among the villagers in a particular mahal. The community, as a whole, was collectively responsible for meeting the revenue demands set by the colonial administration.

Flexible Revenue Assessment:

Unlike the Permanent Settlement (Zamindari System) in Bengal, where fixed revenue demands were imposed, the Mahalwari System allowed for flexibility in revenue assessment. The revenue demands could be adjusted based on the productivity of the entire village, taking into account changes in cultivation patterns and agricultural productivity.

Question 12: Distinguish between ryotwari settlement and permanent settlement.

Answer: 

Ryotwari Settlement:

1. Individual Landholdings:

In the Ryotwari System, individual cultivators or peasants, known as “ryots,” held direct ownership and cultivation rights over their land. Each ryot was recognized as the proprietor of their specific landholding.

• Direct Collection of Revenue:

Under Ryotwari, the British colonial government collected land revenue directly from the individual cultivators or ryots. The revenue assessment was often based on the fertility and quality of the land, and it was fixed for a specific period.

• Flexibility and Responsiveness:

The Ryotwari System allowed for a more flexible approach to revenue assessment, with periodic revisions based on changes in crop patterns or land productivity. This system aimed to be responsive to local agricultural conditions.

Permanent Settlement (Zamindari System):

1. Zamindars as Intermediaries:

In the Permanent Settlement, also known as the Zamindari System, revenue collection was intermediated through landlords or zamindars. The British government fixed the revenue amount, and zamindars were responsible for collecting and submitting it to the government.

• Fixed Revenue Demands:

The distinguishing feature of the Permanent Settlement was the fixation of land revenue. The revenue demand on landholdings remained fixed over an extended period, often permanently, regardless of changes in agricultural productivity or economic conditions.

• Limited Role for Cultivators:

Cultivators (ryots) had limited involvement in the revenue collection process under the Permanent Settlement. Their relationship was primarily with the zamindars, who acted as intermediaries between the British government and the cultivating community.

Question 13: Describe the reasons for the indebtedness of farmers during British rule.

Answer: 

Heavy Taxation and Revenue Demands:

The British imposed heavy land revenue demands on farmers, often exceeding the agricultural income generated from their lands. The burden of taxation, coupled with inflexible revenue systems like the Zamindari or Ryotwari, led to financial strain and indebtedness among farmers.

Usurious Lending Practices:

Farmers frequently resorted to borrowing money from moneylenders to meet their revenue obligations or to cope with agricultural uncertainties. Moneylenders, often local elites or traders, charged exorbitant interest rates, trapping farmers in a cycle of debt that was challenging to break.

Crop Failures and Natural Calamities:

Agricultural communities faced the risk of crop failures due to factors such as droughts, floods, or pest infestations. These natural calamities could result in the loss of crops and income, compelling farmers to borrow money to sustain themselves and fulfill financial obligations.

Question 14: Explain the conflict between Plough and Hoe during the 18th century from the perspective of Paharia people and Santhals.

Answer: 

Paharia Perspective:

• The Paharia people traditionally practiced shifting cultivation, relying on the hoe for tilling small patches of land in the forest. This agricultural practice was well-suited to their semi-nomadic lifestyle and dependence on forest resources.

• The introduction of settled agriculture, represented by the plough, often led to conflicts with the Paharia. The plough was associated with more permanent and intensive farming methods, contrasting the Paharia’s traditional practices.

Santhal Perspective:

• The Santhals, who migrated into the region, brought with them settled agricultural practices involving the plough. They aimed to establish permanent agricultural settlements and cultivate larger areas of land continuously.

• The conflict arose as the introduction of settled agriculture by the Santhals encroached upon the forested areas used by the Paharia for shifting cultivation. This competition for land and resources fueled tensions between the two communities.

Cultural and Economic Clash:

• The conflict between the Plough and the Hoe represented not only a clash of agricultural practices but also a broader cultural and economic clash. It reflected differing approaches to land use, property rights, and the relationship between communities and their environment.

• This clash contributed to social tensions, as the Paharia resisted the intrusion of settled agriculture and the associated changes to their traditional way of life.

Question 15: Explain the evidence given in the context of the fifth report.

Answer: 

The reference to the “fifth report” is quite general, and without specific information about the context or the report in question, it’s challenging to provide a detailed answer. However, I can offer a general approach to understanding and explaining evidence in a report:

Identify the Context:

Begin by understanding the specific context of the fifth report. Identify the subject, purpose, and the organization or entity responsible for the report. Knowing the context will help you interpret the evidence more effectively.

Examine the Evidence:

Look at the evidence presented in the report. This could include data, statistics, quotations, case studies, or any other relevant information. Pay attention to the sources of the evidence and assess their reliability and credibility.

Interpretation and Analysis:

Explain the significance of the evidence in relation to the report’s objectives. Analyze how the evidence supports or challenges the key points made in the report. Consider the implications of the findings and how they contribute to the overall understanding of the subject.

• LONG QUESTIONS AND ANSWER

Question 1: The company’s operations in England were closely monitored from the 1760 onwards. What were the motives behind doing this?

Answer: 

Preventing Corruption and Mismanagement:

The East India Company (EIC) had been granted a monopoly on English trade with the East Indies. However, reports of corruption, mismanagement, and abuse of power within the company were widespread. The British government sought to address these issues by closely monitoring the company’s operations to ensure transparency and accountability.

Safeguarding National Interests:

The East India Company played a significant role in shaping British economic interests in Asia. As the company’s influence expanded in India, the British government aimed to safeguard and promote national interests. Monitoring the company’s operations was seen as a way to ensure that its actions aligned with broader national goals.

Regulating Trade and Revenue Collection:

The British government sought to regulate the trade activities of the EIC to maximize revenue collection. Monitoring operations allowed for the examination of trade practices, taxation policies, and revenue collection methods employed by the company. This was crucial in ensuring that the government received its share of the profits generated through colonial trade.

Addressing Political Unrest:

The EIC’s presence in India and its involvement in local politics sometimes led to political unrest. Instances like the Battle of Plassey in 1757 heightened concerns about the company’s political influence. By closely monitoring its operations, the British government aimed to manage and mitigate potential political instability arising from the EIC’s actions in India.

Enhancing Regulatory Control:

The government recognized the need to establish tighter control over the EIC to prevent abuses and protect British interests. This led to the passing of regulatory acts, such as the Regulating Act of 1773 and the Pitt’s India Act of 1784, which aimed to reform the company’s governance structure and increase governmental oversight.

National Security Considerations:

The East India Company’s operations were not only economic but also held strategic importance. As the company acquired territories and played a role in regional conflicts, monitoring became essential for assessing potential threats to national security and devising appropriate responses.

Question 2: Critically analyze the British land revenue systems.

Answer: 

1. Zamindari System (Permanent Settlement):

Positive Aspects:

• Stability for Landlords: 

The Permanent Settlement aimed to provide stability by fixing land revenue demands permanently. This was intended to create a class of loyal landlords who would invest in land improvement.

• Administrative Simplicity: 

The system simplified revenue administration by delegating revenue collection to intermediaries (zamindars), reducing the administrative burden on the British.

Negative Aspects:

• Exploitation of Peasants: 

The fixed revenue demands often exceeded the actual agricultural income, leading to economic exploitation of the peasants. Zamindars, driven by profit motives, squeezed the cultivators, contributing to rural impoverishment.

• Lack of Flexibility: 

The fixed nature of revenue demands didn’t account for fluctuations in agricultural productivity or economic conditions, making it rigid and detrimental during times of crises.

• Ryotwari System:

Positive Aspects:

• Direct Relationship with Cultivators: 

The Ryotwari System eliminated intermediaries, establishing a direct relationship between the British government and individual cultivators (ryots). This aimed to reduce exploitation and enhance transparency.

• Flexibility in Revenue Assessment: 

The system allowed for periodic revisions of land revenue based on changes in crop patterns and land productivity, providing a more flexible approach.

Negative Aspects:

• Burden on Peasants:

 While intended to reduce exploitation, the actual implementation often resulted in high revenue demands, contributing to the economic burden on individual peasants.

• Land Fragmentation: 

The emphasis on individual landholdings could lead to land fragmentation over generations, potentially impacting agricultural efficiency.

• Mahalwari System:

Positive Aspects:

• Village-Level Assessment: 

The Mahalwari System assessed and collected land revenue at the village level, emphasizing collective responsibility. This approach aimed to distribute the revenue burden more equitably.

• Community Involvement: 

The system encouraged community participation in revenue payment, fostering a sense of collective responsibility and community involvement in governance.

Negative Aspects:

• Complex Administration: 

The system’s reliance on village-level assessments could lead to administrative complexities, especially in large and diverse regions. Ensuring fair assessments for all villages posed challenges.

• Potential for Inequities: 

Despite the emphasis on collective responsibility, inequities could still arise, with certain sections of the community bearing a disproportionate burden of the revenue demands.

Question 3: How did the American Civil War impact the lives of farmers in India?

Answer: 

The American Civil War (1861-1865) had indirect yet significant impacts on the lives of farmers in India, particularly influencing agricultural practices, economic conditions, and trade dynamics. Here is a more detailed analysis of how the American Civil War affected Indian farmers:

Cotton Shortage and Increased Demand:

• The Civil War disrupted cotton supplies from the Southern United States, which was a major global cotton producer. With the blockade of Southern ports by the Union forces, cotton exports from the United States drastically reduced. This led to a global cotton shortage, including in India.

• Indian farmers, especially those involved in cotton cultivation, experienced increased demand for their produce. The scarcity of raw cotton in international markets resulted in higher prices, creating an economic opportunity for Indian cotton farmers.

Shift in Agricultural Practices:

• The increased demand and higher prices for cotton prompted some Indian farmers to shift their agricultural practices. Many farmers intensified cotton cultivation, looking to capitalize on the lucrative market conditions. This shift had implications for crop choices and land use patterns.

• The altered cropping patterns and increased focus on cash crops like cotton reflected the economic impact of the Civil War on the choices made by Indian farmers. This shift, however, also had consequences for food security and local agricultural diversity.

Impact on Global Trade Dynamics:

• The American Civil War highlighted the vulnerability of depending on a single source for crucial commodities like cotton. The disruption in cotton supply chains prompted discussions on diversifying sources and fostering self-sufficiency in various regions.

• The experience of the cotton shortage influenced global trade dynamics, and policymakers in India and other regions began to consider the importance of securing diverse sources for essential commodities to mitigate the impact of future disruptions.

Economic Challenges for Non-Cotton Farmers:

• While cotton farmers benefited from the increased demand and higher prices, farmers relying on other crops faced economic challenges. The focus on cash crops like cotton led to changes in land use and agricultural practices, affecting the livelihoods of non-cotton farmers.

• The economic disparity among farmers, depending on their choice of crops, highlighted the complexities of responding to global market dynamics and the unequal distribution of benefits among different agricultural communities.

Question 4: Who implemented the permanent settlement? Describe its main features.

Answer: 

Introduction and Background:

The Permanent Settlement was a significant land revenue system introduced by Lord Cornwallis as an attempt to stabilize the revenue collection process in Bengal. Prior to this system, revenue collection was often arbitrary and uncertain.

Role of Zamindars:

The central feature of the Permanent Settlement was the recognition and empowerment of intermediaries known as zamindars. Zamindars were landlords who were made permanent landowners with the responsibility of collecting and remitting a fixed amount of land revenue to the British government.

Fixation of Land Revenue:

The most distinctive feature of the Permanent Settlement was the fixation of land revenue. Each zamindar had to pay a fixed and unalterable amount to the British government, regardless of the agricultural productivity or economic conditions. This fixed amount was often set at a percentage of the estimated value of the land.

Hereditary Rights of Zamindars:

The zamindars were granted hereditary rights over the land, and their status as landowners became permanent. This meant that the ownership could be passed down through generations, ensuring a stable landholding structure.

Lack of Direct Relationship with Cultivators:

The British government, through the Permanent Settlement, dealt directly with the zamindars, creating a landlord-tenant relationship. The cultivators or ryots, who actually tilled the land, had no direct relationship with the British government in terms of revenue payment. They were tenants on the zamindar’s land.

Impact on Peasants (Ryots):

The peasants (ryots) faced challenges due to the fixed revenue demands. Since the revenue amount was fixed and often high, the zamindars had an economic incentive to extract as much revenue as possible from the cultivators. This exploitation resulted in economic hardships for the ryots.

Social and Economic Consequences:

The Permanent Settlement had significant social and economic consequences. The rigid revenue demands often led to the impoverishment of the ryots, as they were left with minimal resources after paying the fixed revenue. This economic strain contributed to social unrest and agrarian discontent.

Criticism and Reforms:

The Permanent Settlement faced criticism for its inflexibility and exploitation of peasants. Over time, it became evident that the system had inherent flaws. Subsequent reforms, such as the Ryotwari and Mahalwari systems, were introduced to address some of these issues.

Question 5: Critically analyse reports of Deccan riot’s Commission.

Answer: 

The Deccan Riots of 1875 and analyze the reports of the Deccan Riots Commission.

Background:

• In 1875, peasants in the Bombay Presidency (specifically in the Deccan region) rose in rebellion against the agrarian crisis they faced.

• The British colonial administration had introduced the Ryotwari settlement system for land revenue collection.

• Under this system, land revenue was fixed annually, directly between the government and the cultivator (ryot).

• However, the high revenue rates imposed by this system made it extremely difficult for farmers to pay their dues.

• Farmers often took loans from moneylenders to meet their obligations, but the interest rates were steep, leading to peasant indebtedness.

Context:

• During the American Civil War (1861-1865), the demand for cotton from India surged due to disruptions in American cotton supply.

• Once the war ended, demand dropped, affecting Indian farmers who were heavily dependent on cotton cultivation.

• Moneylenders, initially generous with loans during the war, now refused credit, worsening the farmers’ plight.

The Deccan Riots of 1875:

• The uprising began in Supa village (Poona district) where farmers attacked a market area inhabited by moneylenders.

• They burned account books, looted grain shops, and torched the houses of sahukars (trader-moneylenders).

• The movement was led by village headmen, and their primary goal was to destroy moneylenders’ account records.

• Social boycotts were also employed against moneylenders.

• The movement spread to over 30 villages and received support from the Poona Sarvajanik Sabha, co-founded by M. G. Ranade.

Deccan Riots Commission:

• The British government appointed a commission to investigate the riots and the underlying agrarian conditions.
• The commission gathered information from ryots, sahukars, and eyewitness accounts in the affected districts.

• They compiled reports on revenue rates, pricing, and interest rates.

• The resulting Deccan Riots Report provides historians with valuable primary materials for understanding the unrest.

Conclusion:

• The Deccan Riots of 1875 highlighted the plight of Indian peasants facing agrarian distress.

• The commission’s focus was less on the riots themselves and more on the systemic issues that led to turbulence.

• The report remains a crucial source for studying agrarian movements during the 19th century.

Question 6: Santhals came and settled in the Rajmahal Hills. Describe the reactions of the British in this context.

Answer: 

The British reactions to the Santhals settling in the Rajmahal Hills:

British Reactions to Santhals Settling in Rajmahal Hills

The Santhals, an agrarian community, migrated and established settlements in the Rajmahal Hills of Bihar. Their presence posed both opportunities and challenges for the British colonial administration. Let’s delve into the British reactions:

Initial Encouragement:

• The British initially encouraged the Santhals to settle in the region. They saw the Santhals as potential allies for expanding agricultural activities and revenue collection.

• The Santhals were offered land in the hilly terrain, which they cleared for settled agriculture. In 1832, specific areas were demarcated as Damin-i-Koh or Santal Pargana.

Exploitation and Discontent:

• Gradually, exploitation by the British intensified. The Santhals, once self-sufficient and practicing shifting agriculture, became victims of the Zamindari system.

• The Zamindars (local landlords) occupied Santhal lands, rendering them landless and transforming them into bonded laborers.

• The introduction of currency disrupted their traditional barter system, leading to reliance on moneylenders who exploited them mercilessly.

Santhal Rebellion (1855):

• On June 30, 1855, two Santhal brothers, Sidhu and Kanhu Murmu, organized around 10,000 Santhals.
• The Santhals took an oath to drive the British away from their homeland. The rebellion was also supported by the Murmu brothers’ sisters, Phulo and Jhano.

• The Santhals captured large parts of land, including the Rajmahal Hills, Bhagalpur district, and Birbhum.

British Suppression:

• The rebellion caught the British administration by surprise. However, they responded with force, using their superior firepower.

• The Santhals’ methods of warfare, composed of spears and arrows, were no match for the British military.

• The rebellion was eventually crushed, resulting in the loss of thousands of Santhal lives.

Legacy and Impact:

• Despite the suppression, the Santhal Rebellion left a lasting impact.

• The region between Bhagalpur and Rajmahal Hills was separated and named Santhal Pargana.

• This uprising also contributed to the eventual creation of the present-day state of Jharkhand.

In summary, the British initially saw the Santhals as allies but later exploited them, leading to a rebellion that ultimately shaped the region’s history.

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