British Imperialism In India Quiz

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  • 1/10 Questions

    Who led the Dandi March, a significant act of civil disobedience against British rule?

    • Bose
    • Gandhi
    • Nehru
    • Tagore
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About This Quiz

Get ready to explore the complexities of British Imperialism with our British Imperialism In India Quiz. This quiz is designed to challenge your understanding of a pivotal chapter in history that significantly shaped modern India. Through our quiz, you will delve into the events, policies, and key figures that defined the British era in India.

The quiz covers a wide range of topics, from the establishment of British control through the East India Company to the eventual path to Indian independence. You will be tested on important historical impacts, including economic changes, social restructuring, and cultural influences that arose from British rule. This is an excellent opportunity for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of colonial history and its lasting effects on a nation.

British Imperialism In India Quiz - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    Who established the East India Company that played a key role in British imperialism?

    • Dutch

    • British

    • Portuguese

    • French

    Correct Answer
    A. British
    Explanation
    The British established the East India Company (EIC) in 1600, which played a crucial role in the colonization of India. The EIC was initially created to trade in the Indian Ocean region but evolved into a pseudo-governmental entity with its own armed forces. The company's involvement in India started with trade, but it quickly took on a military and administrative role, leading to the effective control over large areas of India. This shift was facilitated by the company's ability to negotiate with local rulers and its military superiority, gradually expanding British influence before the formal imposition of colonial rule.

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  • 3. 

    What year did India gain independence from British rule?

    • 1947

    • 1857

    • 1901

    • 1935

    Correct Answer
    A. 1947
    Explanation
    India gained independence from British rule in 1947, following a prolonged struggle that combined both non-violent civil disobedience and negotiations. The year marks the end of nearly two centuries of British control, influenced by increasing pressures from the Indian independence movement led by figures like Gandhi and Nehru, as well as international changes post-World War II. Independence was formalized through the Indian Independence Act, passed by the British Parliament, which also led to the partition of India into two sovereign states, India and Pakistan, highlighting the complex legacy of British rule.

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  • 4. 

    What landmark event began the formal rule of the British Crown in India?

    • Sepoy Mutiny

    • Jallianwala Bagh

    • Plassey

    • Partition

    Correct Answer
    A. Sepoy Mutiny
    Explanation
    The Sepoy Mutiny of 1857, also known as the First War of Indian Independence, was a major, but ultimately unsuccessful, uprising against the East India Company's rule. It marked a significant shift in British governance. Following the mutiny, the British government took direct control of India from the East India Company, leading to the establishment of the British Raj. This transition reflected the Crown's decision to manage the Indian territories more directly due to the political and military failings of the Company, significantly altering the structure of governance in India.

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  • 5. 

    When did the Battle of Plassey occur, marking a significant British victory?

    • 1757

    • 1857

    • 1600

    • 1707

    Correct Answer
    A. 1757
    Explanation
    The Battle of Plassey on 23 June, 1757 marked a decisive victory for the British East India Company over the Nawab of Bengal and his French allies. This battle is pivotal as it signified the beginning of British political supremacy in India. By securing control over Bengal, one of India's richest regions, the British were able to leverage its resources, thereby establishing a foundation for their colonial dominance across the subcontinent. The victory at Plassey was achieved through a combination of military strength and strategic alliances with disaffected local leaders, which became a common practice in British expansion in India.

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  • 6. 

    Which act allowed the British government direct control over India?

    • Rowlatt Act

    • Pitt's India Act

    • Government of India Act

    • Regulating Act

    Correct Answer
    A. Government of India Act
    Explanation
    The Government of India Act of 1858 was a response to the administrative failures exposed by the Sepoy Mutiny. This act abolished the East India Company and transferred the responsibilities of governance directly to the British Crown, represented in India by the Viceroy. This reorganization meant the British government now had direct control over Indian affairs, which led to more structured and systematic governance. It also marked the beginning of a new phase of British imperialism focused on central administration and direct oversight, significantly impacting India's political landscape.

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  • 7. 

    What economic policy did the British use to exploit India's resources?

    • Mercantilism

    • Capitalism

    • Free trade

    • Socialism

    Correct Answer
    A. Mercantilism
    Explanation
    Mercantilism guided the British exploitation of Indian resources, characterized by trade restrictions that favored the mother country. Under mercantilist policies, India became a source of raw materials for British manufacturing and a market for British goods. This economic strategy stifled local industries in India and led to a dependency on British imports. By monopolizing trade and determining economic policies that benefitted Britain, the British effectively drained wealth from India, demonstrating the economic motivations behind imperialism and its detrimental impact on the colonized regions.

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  • 8. 

    Which city was the capital of British India before Delhi?

    • Bombay

    • Madras

    • Calcutta

    • Lahore

    Correct Answer
    A. Calcutta
    Explanation
    Before Delhi became the capital in 1911, Calcutta was the capital of British India from 1772. The city was chosen for its strategic location for trade via the Hooghly River and its proximity to the opium-producing regions, which were integral to the British mercantile interests, particularly in relation to China. Calcutta's role as the capital reflected the commercial origins of British involvement in India, and its replacement by Delhi was aimed at demonstrating British imperial power and addressing administrative challenges posed by the rising nationalistic movement.

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  • 9. 

    What was the primary crop used by the British to exploit India's agricultural economy?

    • Wheat

    • Cotton

    • Opium

    • Rice

    Correct Answer
    A. Opium
    Explanation
    Opium was a primary crop used by the British to exploit India's agricultural economy, transforming vast areas of farmland to opium cultivation. The revenue from opium exports, especially to China, where it was exchanged for tea and silver, was a significant part of the colonial economy. This not only disrupted local agricultural practices but also led to the Opium Wars, reflecting the broader impacts of British economic policies that prioritized imperial gains over local welfare.

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  • 10. 

    Which viceroy was assassinated as a repercussion of British policies in India?

    • Curzon

    • Hardinge

    • Mayo

    • Irwin

    Correct Answer
    A. Mayo
    Explanation
    Lord Mayo, the Viceroy of India from 1869 to 1872, was assassinated by a convict on the Andaman Islands. His assassination is often viewed within the broader context of British policies that caused widespread discontent among various sectors of Indian society. Mayo's policies, which included financial austerity measures and administrative reforms, were unpopular, leading to unrest. His death underscored the volatile nature of British rule in India and the ongoing resistance against it among the local populace.

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  • Current Version
  • Aug 02, 2024
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Apr 13, 2015
    Quiz Created by
    Danie
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