As a UPSC academic assistant, I will now generate detailed notes based on the provided topic summary, adhering to the specified format and maintaining academic rigor.
Elaborate Notes
Mysore under Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan
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Administrative and Revenue Reforms:
- The Mysore state, particularly under Tipu Sultan, undertook a radical restructuring of the revenue administration. It aimed to eliminate the hereditary intermediaries, such as the Deshmukhs and Poligars (Palayakkarars), who were local chieftains and tax collectors. This policy was central to state-building in the 18th century, as seen in other states like Travancore and the Maratha polity.
- A direct relationship was established between the state (sarkar) and the peasant (ryot). The collection of taxes was entrusted to salaried officials, known as Amildars, who were directly accountable to the central government. This system, which bears resemblance to a Ryotwari system, prevented the leakage of revenue that occurred through the commissions and illegal exactions of intermediaries.
- According to historian Burton Stein’s analysis in “State Formation and Economy Reconsidered” (1989), this move was a key component of ‘military fiscalism’. The objective was to centralize resources and maximize state income to fund a modern, standing army capable of challenging European powers.
- To ensure fair assessment, detailed land surveys were conducted to determine the productivity of the soil and fix the revenue demand accordingly. This scientific approach prevented arbitrary over-assessment, which was a common cause of peasant distress and flight.
- Tipu Sultan further bolstered the state’s agrarian economy by investing in infrastructure. He repaired old dams and canals and constructed new ones to improve irrigation, particularly in the Cauvery basin. He actively promoted the cultivation of cash crops like sugarcane and cotton. A significant innovation was the introduction of sericulture (mulberry cultivation for silkworms) in Mysore, which laid the foundation for the region’s famous silk industry.
- The alienation of land through Jagirs (land grants in lieu of salary or service) was significantly curtailed. This ensured that most of the land revenue flowed directly into the state treasury.
- To protect peasants, Tipu established a system of close supervision over his officials. Corrupt officials were dealt with harshly, a fact noted even by his British adversaries like Major Alexander Dirom in his “A Narrative of the Campaign in India” (1793), who, despite his hostility, acknowledged the prosperity of the peasantry in Tipu’s domains.
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Economic and Commercial Policies:
- In a pioneering move for an Indian state, Tipu Sultan established a state-owned commercial corporation in 1793. This was a departure from the traditional Indian model where rulers primarily taxed trade rather than participating in it directly.
- This public sector undertaking established a network of 30 trading centres, or factories. These were located not only within Mysore but also in key commercial hubs across India (like Surat and Masulipatnam) and even abroad in port cities like Muscat in Oman and Jeddah in the Arabian Peninsula.
- The state traded in high-value goods over which it sought to establish a monopoly, including sandalwood, pepper, cardamom, silk, and rice. The import of sulfur was crucial for gunpowder production. This policy was designed to break the monopoly of the English East India Company (EIC) over South India’s maritime trade.
- Historian Kate Brittlebank, in her work “Tipu Sultan’s Search for Legitimacy” (1997), argues that these economic and diplomatic initiatives were part of Tipu’s broader project of state-building and asserting his sovereignty in a world increasingly dominated by European commercial empires.
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Military and Foreign Policy:
- The term ‘military fiscalism’ aptly describes the symbiotic relationship between Tipu’s revenue policies and his military ambitions. The immense wealth generated was channelled into creating a formidable, European-style military with disciplined infantry, cavalry, and modern artillery.
- Tipu actively pursued foreign alliances to counter the British. He sent embassies to Ottoman Turkey, Afghanistan, and most notably, to Revolutionary France in 1797-98, seeking a military alliance against the EIC. He even became a member of the Jacobin Club, planting a ‘Tree of Liberty’ at his capital, Srirangapatna.
- A significant military innovation was the development and effective use of iron-cased rockets. While gunpowder rockets had been used in India before, Hyder and Tipu developed them into a sophisticated corps of rocketeers. Their use in the Battle of Pollilur (1780) and during the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War (1799) greatly impressed the British. Sir William Congreve later studied these Mysorean rockets to develop the ‘Congreve rocket’ for the British army, which was used in the Napoleonic Wars.
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Assertion of Sovereignty and Decline:
- Tipu made a formal break from the nominal suzerainty of the declining Mughal Empire. He stopped issuing coins in the Mughal emperor’s name, replacing them with coins bearing his own name and titles. He also had the Khutba (Friday sermon) read in his own name, a clear declaration of sovereignty in the Islamic political tradition.
- Seeking broader legitimacy in the Islamic world, Tipu dispatched an embassy to the Ottoman Sultan, who was also the Caliph. In 1787, he received a firman (decree) from the Caliph recognizing him as an independent ruler.
- Despite these innovations, Mysore’s ambitions outstripped its resources. Constant warfare against the powerful coalition of the EIC, the Marathas, and the Nizam of Hyderabad drained the state treasury. Mysore’s desire to dominate South Indian trade and territory created enduring rivalries, which the EIC skillfully exploited through its diplomatic manoeuvres, ultimately leading to Tipu’s defeat and death in 1799.
Travancore
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Rise of a Centralized State under Marthanda Varma (r. 1729-1758):
- The Kingdom of Travancore, located on the Malabar Coast, successfully maintained its independence from Mughal authority.
- Its consolidation as a modern state began under Marthanda Varma. He systematically subjugated the powerful feudal Nair chieftains, like the Ettuveetil Pillamar (Pillais of the Eight Houses), and centralized all power in the hands of the monarch.
- He undertook significant territorial expansion, absorbing smaller principalities to create a unified state. A crucial element of his state-building was the creation of a modern, well-equipped army trained by a European mercenary, the Fleming Eustachius De Lannoy, a Dutch commander captured during the Battle of Colachel.
- The Battle of Colachel in 1741 was a landmark event where Travancore’s army decisively defeated the forces of the Dutch East India Company (VOC). This victory effectively ended Dutch colonial ambitions on the Malabar Coast and established Travancore as the dominant regional power.
- Marthanda Varma implemented a state monopoly over the lucrative trade in pepper and other spices. This policy forced European traders, including the EIC, to trade on his terms, ensuring that the profits from this trade enriched the state treasury rather than private merchants. The revenue was reinvested in the military, agriculture (irrigation works), and infrastructure.
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Successors and British Ascendancy:
- Marthanda Varma’s successor, Rama Varma (Dharma Raja, r. 1758-1798), continued his policies, and Travancore became a renowned centre for arts and scholarship, particularly Kathakali. However, the military prowess of the state began to wane.
- The expansionist policies of Mysore under Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan posed a direct threat. Hyder Ali’s invasion of Malabar in 1766 brought Mysore to Travancore’s borders. Tipu’s subsequent attack on the “Travancore Lines” (a fortified defensive line) in 1789, which was an attack on a British ally, served as the immediate trigger for the Third Anglo-Mysore War (1790-92).
- Following the defeat of Tipu and the death of Rama Varma, Travancore gradually fell under British influence. A British Resident was stationed at the court in 1800, marking the beginning of indirect rule.
- In 1805, facing internal dissent and a revolt within its army over pay, Travancore was compelled to sign a Subsidiary Alliance treaty with the EIC. This treaty effectively stripped the state of its sovereignty in foreign policy and military matters, making it a protectorate of the British.
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Velu Thampi’s Revolt (1809):
- The financial burden of the Subsidiary Alliance and the constant interference of the British Resident, Colonel Macaulay, in the internal administration of the state led to widespread resentment.
- The Diwan (Prime Minister), Velu Thampi, led a large-scale rebellion of peasants and Nair soldiers against the EIC’s dominance. He issued the famous Kundara Proclamation in January 1809, a public call to arms to oust the British from Travancore. The revolt was, however, brutally suppressed by the EIC’s superior military force, and Velu Thampi took his own life to avoid capture. This event solidified British control over the state.
The Advent of Europeans: Conceptual Framework
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Colonialism:
- The term historically refers to the practice of establishing colonies, which involves the settlement of a territory by people from a foreign land.
- In a broader academic sense, as defined by scholars like Jürgen Osterhammel in “Colonialism: A Theoretical Overview” (2005), colonialism is a relationship of domination between an indigenous (or forcibly imported) majority and a minority of foreign invaders. The fundamental decisions affecting the lives of the colonized people are made and implemented by the colonial rulers in pursuit of interests that are often defined in a distant metropolis.
- This domination is comprehensive, encompassing the political, economic, social, and cultural spheres of the colonized society. The colonizer exploits the colony’s resources, labour, and markets for its own economic benefit.
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Neo-colonialism:
- This term gained prominence after the wave of decolonization following World War II. It describes the continued dominance of newly independent, post-colonial nations by their former colonial masters or other powerful states, not through direct political control but through economic and cultural imperialism.
- Theorists like Kwame Nkrumah, in his book “Neo-Colonialism, the Last Stage of Imperialism” (1965), argued that while these nations possessed legal sovereignty, their economic policies were heavily influenced or dictated by external powers and international financial institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.
- This control is exercised through mechanisms like conditional loans, foreign aid, and the operations of multinational corporations, which perpetuate a state of economic dependence and hinder the development of independent, self-reliant policies.
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Imperialism:
- Imperialism is the policy or ideology of extending a nation’s rule over foreign nations, often by military force or by gaining political and economic control of other areas. It is the concept or idea that drives the practice of colonialism.
- While often used interchangeably with colonialism, imperialism emphasizes the state-led project of empire-building and the use or threat of military power to establish and maintain control. It directly involves the loss of sovereignty for the subjugated territory.
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Old Imperialism (c. 1500-1870):
- This phase of European expansion, preceding the Industrial Revolution, is often summarized by the motives of “Gold, Glory, and God.”
- Gold: Represents the economic motive, which included the plunder of precious metals (as in the Americas), the establishment of plantation economies using slave labour to produce cash crops (sugar, tobacco), and control over lucrative trade routes for spices and other luxury goods. The transatlantic slave trade was a cornerstone of this economic system.
- Glory: Refers to the political motive of nation-states competing to build vast overseas empires, which was seen as a measure of national power and prestige.
- God: Represents the religious motive of spreading Christianity, often through missionary activities that accompanied traders and conquerors. This provided a moral and religious justification for European conquest.
- This phase of European expansion, preceding the Industrial Revolution, is often summarized by the motives of “Gold, Glory, and God.”
Prelims Pointers
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Mysore State:
- Hyder Ali (ruled c. 1761-1782) and Tipu Sultan (ruled c. 1782-1799).
- Revenue system was a direct collection from peasants (ryots) by salaried state officials (Amildars).
- Intermediaries like Deshmukhs and Poligars were removed.
- Tipu Sultan introduced sericulture (mulberry cultivation) in Mysore.
- In 1793, Tipu established a state commercial corporation for trade.
- Mysore had trading centres in foreign locations like Muscat (Oman) and Jeddah.
- Tipu Sultan issued coins in his own name and had the Khutba read in his name, breaking from Mughal authority.
- He sought a firman of recognition from the Ottoman Caliph.
- Mysore pioneered the military use of iron-cased rockets, notably in the Anglo-Mysore Wars.
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Travancore State:
- An important ruler was Marthanda Varma (r. 1729-1758).
- Defeated the Dutch East India Company (VOC) at the Battle of Colachel in 1741.
- The Dutch commander Eustachius De Lannoy was captured and later served in Travancore’s army.
- Marthanda Varma established a state monopoly over the pepper trade.
- Tipu Sultan’s attack on the Travancore Lines in 1789 triggered the Third Anglo-Mysore War.
- Travancore signed a Subsidiary Alliance with the British in 1805.
- The Diwan Velu Thampi led a revolt against the British in 1809.
- The Kundara Proclamation (1809) was Velu Thampi’s call to arms against the British.
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Concepts:
- Colonialism: Domination of indigenous people by foreigners in political, economic, and cultural spheres.
- Neo-colonialism: Indirect control over politically independent nations through economic and financial means (e.g., IMF, World Bank conditions).
- Imperialism: State policy of empire-building, often using military force and resulting in loss of sovereignty.
- “Old Imperialism” (pre-1870): Motivated by “Gold, Glory, God”.
Mains Insights
Historiographical Debates and Analytical Perspectives:
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Tipu Sultan: A Modernizer or a Tyrant?
- Modernizer Perspective: Historians like Mohibbul Hasan (“History of Tipu Sultan”), Kate Brittlebank, and Irfan Habib view Tipu as a visionary and modernizing ruler. They highlight his administrative innovations, revenue reforms that protected peasants, state-led economic initiatives, adoption of Western military technology, and diplomatic foresight in attempting to build an anti-British coalition. His actions are seen as a rational attempt to build a strong, centralized state capable of resisting colonial encroachment.
- Tyrant/Fanatic Perspective: Colonial historians and their successors have often portrayed Tipu as a religious fanatic and a cruel despot, focusing on his alleged forced conversions in Malabar and Coorg and his wars with neighbours.
- UPSC Perspective: A balanced answer should acknowledge both facets. While his methods could be authoritarian by modern standards, his policies in revenue, trade, and military affairs were exceptionally advanced for his time. His state-building project, based on ‘military fiscalism’, represented one of the most formidable indigenous challenges to the EIC. The primary driver of his policies was political and economic consolidation, not religious zealotry, though religion was used as a tool for legitimacy and mobilization.
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The Mysore Model vs. The EIC Model: A Contest for Supremacy
- Cause-Effect: Mysore under Hyder and Tipu developed a state system that mirrored the EIC’s model in key aspects: a centralized bureaucracy, a revenue system to maximize state income, and the use of that income to fund a modern army. This similarity made conflict inevitable.
- Analysis: Both were ‘military-fiscal’ states aiming for commercial and territorial dominance in South India. Mysore’s weakness was its landlocked nature (lacking a powerful navy) and its inability to forge stable, long-term alliances. The EIC, with its naval supremacy, access to the vast revenues of Bengal, and superior diplomatic skills in exploiting inter-state rivalries (pitting the Marathas and Nizam against Mysore), ultimately had a decisive advantage. The fall of Mysore was a crucial turning point, eliminating the last major military threat to British ascendancy in the South.
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Resistance to British Rule: From Travancore to the Subsidiary Alliance System
- Trajectory of a Princely State: The case of Travancore illustrates the typical trajectory of an Indian state in the face of rising British power. It began as a strong, independent kingdom under Marthanda Varma that could dictate terms to European powers. It then sought British alliance for protection against a stronger Indian rival (Mysore). This alliance eventually morphed into dependence, culminating in the Subsidiary Alliance (1805), which eroded its sovereignty.
- Nature of Early Resistance: The revolt of Velu Thampi (1809) is a classic example of ‘primary resistance’ to colonial rule. It was not a mass nationalist movement but a reaction by the old ruling elite and their traditional military retainers (Nairs) against the loss of political power, economic exactions, and cultural arrogance of the British Resident. It highlights that resistance to the British began long before 1857 and was often driven by the grievances of the pre-colonial order being dismantled.
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Colonialism: Not a Monolithic Event but a Phased Process
- Analytical Framework: For GS answers, it’s useful to understand colonialism in stages, as theorized by nationalist economists like R.P. Dutt in “India Today”.
- Phase 1: Mercantilist Phase (c. 1757-1813): Characterized by direct plunder, monopoly trade, and the ‘drain of wealth’. The EIC’s primary goal was to use its political power to acquire Indian goods for export. The policies of Mysore (state trading) and Travancore (pepper monopoly) were direct challenges to this phase.
- Phase 2: Industrial/Free Trade Phase (c. 1813-1858): India was converted into a market for British manufactured goods (especially textiles) and a source of raw materials. This led to the de-industrialization of India.
- Phase 3: Finance Capital Phase (Post-1858): Characterized by British capital investment in India in railways, banking, and plantations, leading to a more systematic and deeper integration of the Indian economy into the global capitalist system, but as a subordinate partner.
- Analytical Framework: For GS answers, it’s useful to understand colonialism in stages, as theorized by nationalist economists like R.P. Dutt in “India Today”.
Previous Year Questions
Prelims Questions (Last 5 Years)
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Who among the following rulers of medieval Gujarat surrendered Diu to the Portuguese? (UPSC CSE Prelims 2021)
- (a) Ahmad Shah
- (b) Mahmud Begarha
- (c) Bahadur Shah
- (d) Muhammad Shah
- Answer: (c) Bahadur Shah. While not directly from the summary, this question reflects the theme of interactions between Indian rulers and European powers.
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Consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE Prelims 2021)
- It was during the reign of Iltutmish that Chengiz Khan reached the Indus in pursuit of the fugitive Khwarezm prince.
- It was during the reign of Muhammad bin Tughluq that Taimur occupied Multan and crossed the Indus.
- It was during the reign of Deva Raya II of Vijayanagara Empire that Vasco da Gama reached the coast of Kerala.
- Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 1 and 2
- (c) 3 only
- (d) 2 and 3
- Answer: (a) 1 only. Statement 3 is relevant. Vasco da Gama arrived in 1498, during the reign of the Saluva dynasty, not Deva Raya II of the Sangama dynasty.
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With reference to the history of India, consider the following pairs: (UPSC CSE Prelims 2020)
- Aurang - In-charge of treasury of the State
- Banian - Indian agent of the East India Company
- Mirasidar - Designated revenue payer to the State
- Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
- Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only. This question tests terminology related to the economic and administrative systems during the period of European advent and consolidation.
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With reference to Indian history, which of the following statements is/are correct? (UPSC CSE Prelims 2022)
- The Dutch established their factories/warehouses on the east coast on lands granted to them by Gajapati rulers.
- Alfonso de Albuquerque captured Goa from the Bijapur Sultanate.
- The English East India Company established a factory at Madras on a plot of land leased from a representative of the Vijayanagara empire.
- Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
- Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only. This question assesses factual knowledge about the establishment of European powers in India, a core theme.
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Which one of the following is an explanation of why the eighteenth-century Indian polity, especially Mysore, was considered a ‘military-fiscal’ state? (Hypothetical question based on trend)
- (a) The state’s expenditure was primarily on religious endowments and public works.
- (b) The state was ruled by military commanders who also acted as revenue collectors.
- (c) The state’s administrative and economic policies were geared towards maximizing revenue to sustain a large, modern military.
- (d) The state imposed military service as a form of tax on all its citizens.
- Answer: (c) The state’s administrative and economic policies were geared towards maximizing revenue to sustain a large, modern military. This directly tests the core concept of ‘military fiscalism’ discussed in relation to Mysore.
Mains Questions (Last 5 Years)
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The 18th century is a much-maligned period in Indian history. Critically examine the developments in the fields of polity, economy and culture in this period. (Hypothetical, based on common themes)
- Answer Outline:
- Introduction: Briefly state the traditional “dark age” view of the 18th century (Mughal decline, anarchy) and the revisionist view that sees it as a period of regional dynamism.
- Polity: Discuss the rise of successor states (Awadh, Bengal), warrior states (Marathas, Sikhs, Jats), and independent kingdoms (Mysore, Travancore). Highlight their administrative innovations (e.g., Mysore’s revenue system, Travancore’s centralization). This counters the “anarchy” narrative.
- Economy: Explain the rise of regional economic centres. While long-distance trade may have been disrupted, regional trade networks flourished. Mention the economic strength of states like Mysore and Bengal (pre-Plassey). Acknowledge the drain of wealth by the EIC in the latter half.
- Culture: Point to the vibrant cultural life in regional courts like Lucknow (Awadh), Pune (Marathas), and Trivandrum (Travancore), which saw developments in music, dance, and literature.
- Conclusion: Conclude that while the central Mughal authority declined, the 18th century was not a period of universal decay but one of significant regional state-building and socio-cultural vibrancy, which was eventually eclipsed by British colonial expansion.
- Answer Outline:
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Why did the ‘Carnatic Wars’ become a turning point in the history of British conquest in India? (UPSC GS-I 2023, adapted)
- Answer Outline:
- Introduction: Define the Carnatic Wars (1746-1763) as a series of proxy wars between the British and French EICs, fought on the soil of the declining Mughal successor state of Hyderabad/Carnatic.
- Demonstration of European Military Superiority: The wars showcased the effectiveness of small, well-trained, and disciplined European armies against larger, traditional Indian forces. This shattered the myth of Indian military invincibility.
- Development of the Subsidiary Alliance System: The practice of lending European troops to Indian princes in exchange for money or territory, which was perfected during these wars, laid the foundation for the Subsidiary Alliance system.
- Elimination of the French Rival: The British victory, especially after the Battle of Wandiwash (1760), effectively eliminated their primary European competitor, giving them a free hand in India.
- Economic and Territorial Gains: The British gained significant financial resources and key territories (like the Northern Circars) which funded their future expansion, especially in Bengal.
- Conclusion: Conclude that the Carnatic Wars were a “dress rehearsal” for the conquest of India. They provided the military tactics, diplomatic strategies, and financial model that the British would use to subjugate the subcontinent over the next century.
- Answer Outline:
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Explain how the Uprising of 1857 constitutes an important watershed in the evolution of British policies towards colonial India. (UPSC GS-I 2016 - Relevant as it deals with British policy)
- Answer Outline:
- Introduction: Briefly describe the Uprising of 1857 as the culmination of accumulated grievances against the EIC’s rule and state its significance as a major turning point.
- Political and Administrative Changes: Transfer of power from EIC to the British Crown (Government of India Act 1858). Creation of the Secretary of State for India. End of the Doctrine of Lapse and assurance to princes that their territories would not be annexed.
- Military Reorganization: Drastic reorganization of the army. Proportion of Europeans to Indians increased. Key positions and artillery reserved for Europeans. Policy of “divide and rule” implemented by creating ‘martial’ and ‘non-martial’ races and organizing regiments based on caste and community.
- Social and Religious Policy: Abandonment of the policy of social reform. The British adopted a cautious approach, promising non-interference in religious and social customs to avoid offending orthodox sections.
- Economic Policies: Accelerated the development of infrastructure (railways, telegraphs) for better administrative and military control and for the systematic exploitation of India’s resources, marking the firm establishment of the Finance Capital phase of colonialism.
- Conclusion: The post-1857 policies made the British administration more reactionary and systematic in its exploitation, ensuring the longevity of the British Raj by co-opting native elites and strengthening its military grip.
- Answer Outline:
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“Tipu Sultan’s policies were a unique blend of tradition and modernity.” Critically evaluate this statement. (Hypothetical, based on common themes)
- Answer Outline:
- Introduction: Acknowledge Tipu as a complex 18th-century ruler whose state-building project had both innovative and traditional elements.
- Elements of Modernity: Discuss his modernizing policies:
- Military: Adoption of European-style infantry, development of rocket technology, attempts to build a modern navy.
- Economy: Establishment of a state-owned trading company, promotion of sericulture, and attempts at building a state-managed industrial base.
- Administration: Centralized bureaucracy, Ryotwari-style revenue system, and emphasis on salaried officials over intermediaries.
- Diplomacy: Sending embassies to France and the Ottoman Empire, showing an understanding of global geopolitics.
- Elements of Tradition:
- Legitimacy: While he broke from the Mughals, he sought legitimacy from another traditional source, the Ottoman Caliph.
- Symbols: He used traditional symbols of sovereignty like coinage and the Khutba. His persona was that of a traditional monarch (Padshah).
- Warfare: While his army was modern, the political context of constant warfare with neighbours was a traditional feature of the 18th-century Indian polity.
- Conclusion: Conclude that Tipu was a transitional figure. He used modern, innovative means (state-led economy, European military tech) to achieve the traditional goal of a strong, independent monarchy. His reign represents one of the most potent experiments in pre-colonial state-building to counter the European challenge.
- Answer Outline:
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Critically examine the process of the subjugation of Indian princely states through the Subsidiary Alliance system. Use Travancore as a case study. (Hypothetical, based on common themes)
- Answer Outline:
- Introduction: Define the Subsidiary Alliance as a key diplomatic tool used by Lord Wellesley to bring Indian states under British control without the costs of direct conquest.
- The Process of Subjugation:
- Initial Lure: States were offered protection from external and internal threats. For Travancore, the threat was Mysore and internal army revolts.
- Terms of the Treaty: The state had to accept a permanent British military contingent within its territory, pay for its maintenance, expel all other Europeans, and surrender control of its foreign policy to the British.
- Economic Drain: The subsidy payments were exorbitant, often leading to debt and the forced cession of territory in lieu of payment.
- Political Interference: The British Resident stationed in the court gradually became the de facto ruler, interfering in internal administration, including the appointment of ministers (Diwans).
- Travancore as a Case Study:
- Illustrate how Travancore, an ally against Tipu, was pressured into the alliance in 1805.
- Explain how the high subsidy and the Resident’s interference led directly to the Velu Thampi revolt of 1809.
- Show how the crushing of the revolt solidified British control, transforming Travancore from a powerful independent kingdom into a dependent princely state.
- Conclusion: The Subsidiary Alliance was a masterstroke of imperialism, creating a “power without responsibility” for the British. It effectively disarmed the Indian states, drained their economies, and eroded their sovereignty, paving the way for the establishment of the British paramountcy in India.
- Answer Outline: