The Rise and Growth of the British Power in India - History CBSE Class 8th Notes

Notes on the Rise and Growth of British Power in India

The English East India Company

• In Bengal
  • Black Hole Tragedy: Incident in 1756 where British prisoners died in a small dungeon.
  • Recovery of Calcutta: British retaliation against Siraj-ud-Daula's forces.
  • Conspiracy to Replace Siraj-ud-Daula: British-backed conspiracy to overthrow Siraj-ud-Daula.
• The Battle of Plassey (1757 AD)
  • Role of Mir Jafar (1757-1760 AD): Mir Jafar betrayed Siraj-ud-Daula during the battle, aiding British victory.
  • Mir Qasim (1761-1764 AD): Succeeded Mir Jafar, later led a failed revolt against the British.
• The Battle of Buxar (1764 AD)
  • Dual Government (1765-1772): Period when the East India Company shared administrative control with Indian rulers.
  • Allahabad Treaty (1765): Treaty after the battle granted the Company the Diwani rights in Bengal.
• Robert Clive: Key figure in securing British dominance through diplomacy and warfare.

British Relations with Mysore

• The First Anglo-Mysore War (1767-1769 AD): Conflict over British interference in Mysorean affairs.
• The Second Mysore War (1780-1784 AD): Tipu Sultan's resistance against British expansionism.
• The Second Anglo-Mysore War (1780-1784 AD): Alliance between British and Marathas against Mysore.
• The Third Mysore War (1790-1792 AD): British capture of Tipu Sultan's capital, Seringapatam.
• The Fourth Anglo-Mysore War (1799 AD): Final defeat and death of Tipu Sultan, leading to British control over Mysore.

Struggle with the Marathas

• The First Anglo-Maratha War (1775-1782 AD): Conflict over territorial disputes and British attempts to assert dominance.
• The Second Anglo-Maratha War (1803-1805 AD): British victories and the Treaty of Bassein, leading to British control over Maratha territories.
• The Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817-1818 AD): End of Maratha confederacy and annexation of Maratha territories by the British.
• Reasons for the Defeat of the Marathas: Internal conflicts, lack of unity, and military tactics favored by the British.

Punjab and Sindh Annexation, Lower Burma

• Dalhousie's Expansionist Policies: Doctrine of Lapse applied to annex princely states and territories.
• Doctrine of Lapse: Policy used by Lord Dalhousie to annex territories whose rulers died without male heirs.