History II (Indian History)

• Submitted By- Ekta Sehra

• Course- BALLB
• Year-I
• Semester-II
• Submitted To- S. Krishnan Sir
 Q.1-Akbar is generally hailed as one of the towering personalities not only in Indian rulers, but also among the great rulers of the
world. His greatness lies not in his expansion of his kingdom, but he is often remembered for eliminating the age-old enmity
between the Hindus and Muslims. He started a new era by demolishing the enmity between these two dominant religions as Dr. J.L
Mehta also asserts in this direction that Akbar was the first ruler who adopted the policy of religious harmony and provide it highest
place. Why Akbar adopted the new religious policy? To what extent did Akbar’s personal world outlook influence his religious
policy? Discuss

Answer- Akbar was a great ruler of all the times. He is best known for his religious policies which tries to reform the
relations between Hindu and Muslims. During his reign the conflict between these two major religions were at
high level. So, Akbar tried to create a harmony between these religions ,for the following reasons:-
 To make a stronger Empire- Akbar was well aware that he could not a stronger and prosperous empire, if there
would be internal conflict within his empire. So, to create unity between the citizens of different religions; he
adopted religious policies. For instance; he abolished the Jazia tax ,which was imposed on Hindu. He was also
criticized for the same by his Muslim Ministers at the same time he got the support and faith of non-Muslim
citizens.
 Cultural Unity- Akbar wanted to create unity between all his citizens. However, his policies made him a Secular
King. So, to abolish the discrimination on the basis of religion and to create unity; he allowed Freedom of worship
to people of all religions.
 To gain popularity among non-muslim citizens- Akbar wanted to gain support and the faith of all his citizens. It
could be justified on the fact that when the citizens support its ruler; he becomes more stronger ruler. However, he
had number of non-Muslim ministers in his empire; mostly Rajputs. So he adopted new religious policies.
These were the some reasons why he has adopted new religious policies; However he had a great
impact of his personal life to adopt it. The following are some influencing factors for Akbar to
choose this new religious policy.-
 Liberal Influence from his mother and tutors- His mother (Hamlda Banu)and his reagent
(Bairam Khan) his tutor( Abdul Latif) has great influence on him. They all followed liberal views
about religion. Even during his childhood he got support from Hindu Family, when his family was
in danger. These all affected Akbar a lot.
 Hindu Wives-His Hindu wives also influenced his views about religion. He even made a temple
for his wife , Jodha Bai inside his palace. It was built even before he introduced the religious
policy. It was also opposed by Muslim ministers, but he stuck to his decision.
 His Relations with Rajputs- He had some good relations with Rajputs. There were many Hindu
ministers , Chiefs and advisors in his kingdom. So, it also influenced him to choose liberal policies.
 Q.2-The market regulations of Alauddin Khalji definitely controlled the price of the commodities, which in turn enabled the
soldiers to live with the salary. Do you think that such a system if adopted by the modern government would avoid the frequent
increase in the price of commodities?

‘The market regulations of Alauddin Khalji definitely controlled the price of the commodities, which in turn
enabled the soldiers to live with the salary’.
Yes, I think the modern government can use this type of system to avoid frequent increase in the price of
the commodities for the following reasons-
 Fixation of Price-Under the market regulations introduced by Alauddin Khalji, the prices of variety of
commodities were fixed which contained all essential daily use things such as- grains, pulses, meat, fish,
dry fruits, vegetables , etc . In this system, soldiers can lead a reasonable standard of living with this.
 He introduced Grain market and Rationing System- Under Grain market, he opened governmental
stores of grain where peasant could take their surplus grain and sell it to them and later Governmental
stores and sell it to people. While in Rationing System, during the time of natural calamities,  half a
maund of grain was given to every family in distress. If, these systems are adopted , then private
business men will not be able to exploit its consumers by selling their commodities on high prices.
 Appointment of officials : A special officer known as ‘Diwan-i-Riyast’ was appointed to look
after the working of the system. The Shahana-i- Mandir was the Superintendent of the grain
market. Marketing officers were appointed to fix price, to ensure that the fixed prices were
charged. The officials were required to ensure that the traders complied with the instructions
issued to them by the Sultan. Quality control officials were appointed to check the quality of
the articles supplied by the traders to the consumers. Appointing officials is a great way to
ensure about the market supply of goods.
All these measures can be adopted by the modern government to avoid frequent change in price
of commodities. So that a common man can afford it easily .
 Q.3-“Muhammad Bin Tughluq reign was a tragedy of high intention and self-defeated”. Comment.
Also, discuss the reforms by Muhammad Bin Tughluq and why his reforms failed? Discuss.

“Muhammad Bin Tughluq reign was a tragedy of high intention and self-defeated”. Muhammad Bin
Tughluq was one of the most interesting sultans of Delhi Sultanate during Medieval India. He is
also known as Wise fool in Indian History because he undertook numerous administrative reforms
and most of them failed due to the lack of plan and judgment.
The following were the reforms introduced by him –
 Taxes for Maintenance of Huge Army- He wanted to expand his territory, so he maintained huge
army. He increased taxes on his subjects to maintain the army. Due to the burden of excessive
taxation farmers shifted their occupation to some other job to avoid taxes which lead to food
scarcity and anarchy.
 Token Currency-He introduced token currency. During 14th century there was shortage of silver
coins in the world, so he introduced copper coins. But Later it cause economic chaos, so he
withdrawal copper coin and issue an order to exchange copper coins with gold and silver coins.
 Tax on Ganga and Yamuna Alluvial Lands- after the failure of two reforms , he introduced taxes
on Ganga and Yamuna Alluvial Lands. Due to burden to pay taxes, famer left their occupation and
involved in theft and robbery. To tackle this problem he spent a lot of money. His reign also faced
a lot of famines. He then tried to restore changes with the aim to help people but he was
misunderstood by his subjects as a lunatic person.
The following are the reasons for the failure of all his reforms-
 Famine- At that time when he increased taxes on his subjects, when Delhi and the Doab were
experiencing the worst famine. These taxes at the wrong time drove many to rebellion and created
further problem from an act which was a usual necessity but gone wrong due to circumstances.
 Mongol Invasions-Due to the Mongol invasions, revolts and anarchy in the Northern parts, the
capital had to be changed back to Delhi. Many nobles also wanted to go back because they couldn’t
adjust to the new environment. So the return was ordered.
Q.4-The disintegration of the Mughal Empire allowed the British East India Company to become a merchant-ruler of India. Do you
agree? Explain your answers with examples

Answer-The disintegration of the Mughal Empire allowed the British East India Company to become a
merchant-ruler of India. Yes, I agree to this because if it has not lost its authority and had a powerful king
like Akbar , then it would not be easy for the East India Company to become a merchant- ruler of India.
The following are some instances-
 Death of Aurangzeb- Mughal Empire reached its full gory in 16th century during the reign of Akbar. But
it started loosing its importance after the death of last powerful king, Aurangzeb in 1707A.D. The bedrock
of the Mughal empire was laid in 1526 by Zahiruddin Babur. The road to fall was an array of incidents,
from internal rebellion to war of succession, weakening the army
 The foundation of EIC was laid in a royal charter from Queen Elizabeth I on December 31, 1600, it had
monopoly of all trade from England to East. In 1615, Sir Thomas Roe reached Jahangir in order to get a
Farman to establish a factory at Surat. which was then followed by the acquisition of Madras in 1639,
Bombay in 1668, and Calcutta in 1690. In 1687, Bombay become the headquarters of the west coast,
shifting from Surat.
 By the end of 1715 trading activities of the company established base and expanded trade around the
Persian Gulf, Southeast and East Asia.
 The Mughals, taking stock of the British fortifying Calcutta’s Fort William, attacked
them. Even though the Mughals were victorious in 1756, it was short-lived. The British
recaptured Calcutta later the same year.
 Later, after battle of Plassey and Battle of Buxar, East India Company got the Diwani
Rights of Bengal- control over the administration of the region and tax collection rights.
 After it East India Company defeated Tipu Sultan and Marathas, they continued
expansion.
 By the end of seventeenth century, Bombay, Calcutta and Madras become the three major
centers of its activities.
 Then EIC started political expansion in the mid of 17 th century and they truly achieved in
a span of hundred years, and the whole of India was under East India Company. It started
its administration over civil, judicial and revenue systems in India.
 In 1858, Britishers defeated the last Mughal Emperor .Bahadur Shah II, which lead to
collapse of Mughal Emperor.
So, it can be concluded that disintegration of Mughal Empire helped EIC to expand its
control and authority over India.
 Q.5-Critically, analyze the role of the British East India Company during the Mughal period

• Answer-East India Company is formally known as Governor and Company of Merchants Of

London Trading into the East Indies.
 In 1608, the company's first ship arrived at Surat. In 1615, Sir Thomas Roe, an English emissary of
King James I reached out to the court of the then Mughal emperor Jahangir (1605-1627), in order to
get a farman to establish  a factory at Surat. 
 The establishment of Factory at Surat was followed by the acquisition of Madras in 1639, Bombay
in 1668, and Calcutta in 1690.
 In 1687, Bombay become the headquarters of the west coast, shifting from Surat. The three ports,
allowed the East India Company to have monopoly over the trade routes over the Indian Ocean. By
the end of 1715 trading activities of the company established base and expanded trade around the
Persian Gulf, Southeast and East Asia.
 The Mughals, taking stock of the British fortifying Calcutta’s Fort William, attacked them. Even
though the Mughals were victorious in 1756, it was short-lived. The British recaptured Calcutta
later the same year.
 EIC also won the Battle of Plessey and Battle of Buxar, which was followed by the Mughal emperor
signing a treaty with the company, granting them diwani rights of Bengal – control over the
administration of the region and the right to collect tax revenue
 After it East India Company defeated Tipu Sultan and Marathas, they
continued expansion.
 By the end of seventeenth century, Bombay, Calcutta and Madras become the
three major centers of its activities.
 Then EIC started political expansion in the mid of 17th century and they truly
achieved in a span of hundred years, and the whole of India was under East
India Company. It started its administration over civil, judicial and revenue
systems in India.
 In 1858, Britishers defeated the last Mughal Emperor .Bahadur Shah II, which
lead to collapse of Mughal Emperor.
Because at the time of EIC ,Mughal Empire did not have that power and
authority same as 16th century of Akbar. So it was easy for East India
Company to take control and defeat the Mughals. After the death of last
powerful Mughal Emperor, Aurangzeb the empire lost its significance.
Q.6-What are the major Gandhian principles that remain relevant to this day? Do you agree that the principles
and ideals of Gandhi lost its relevance? Explain.

Answer-The following are the Gandhian principles which are still relevant and
should be followed in the society to achieve the goals –
 Non- Violence- His principle of non-violence is commonly known as –Ahimsa.
The concept of Ahimsa literally means; the use of peaceful means without any
force. Gandhi used this principle to fought against the britishers. The main aim
of their movements was to defeat britishers without use of any physical force or
violence. In present times, citizens should use this principle of non- violence to
protest against government. In Democracy, people can protest peacefully, if they
use violence it gives a chance to government to oppress the protesters.
 Truth- His principle of truth or Satya lies on Reality of the life. Everyone
should accept the truth or Reality of the life and deal with it accordingly.
Satyagrah was one of his successful movements whose main aim was not to
oppress or punish the britishers but to reform the wrongdoer. It also forbids any
use of violence.
So, these are the principles of Gandhi which are still relevant .
Yes, I think somehow Principles and ideals of Gandhi lost its
relevance because of the following reasons-
 Now, people does not have Patience to achieve their goals. In
such scenario, movements like Satyagrah cannot be practiced
because it needs people to be calm and patient. Everyone prefer
shortcuts and fast way to achieve success without any suffering.
 People prefer to use Violent methods rather than relying on Non-
violent methods. For Instance , Chauri-Chaura movement in
1920s lead to withdraw of Non-Cooperation movement because
people used violent methods which was against the principles of
Gandhi.
 Q.7-What were the Economic, Religious and Immediate causes of the 1857 Revolt?

The revolt of 1857 was the beginning of the Independence

Movement against the britishers. The revolt of 1857 is also
known as First War of Independence and Mutiny of Sepoy, etc.
The following are the reasons for the revolt of 1857 –
 Economic Causes-
• At that time, Britishers destroyed the Indian Handicrafts
which was a means for common people to earn daily wages.
• Britishers also brought the Industrialization system, due to
which local peasants, craftsman and poor people started loosing
their jobs because machines took their jobs . They became
jobless and had economic crisis .Yet they need to pay high taxes
which was imposed by the britishers.
 Religious Causes- The religious causes also lead to the revolt of
1857, it includes-
• Religious Conversion- The missionaries tried to convert the religion
of people through violent and vulgar public attacks on Hinduism and
Islam. Even British government enacted a law in 1850 which enabled
a convert to Christianity to inherit his ancestral property.
• Interference in Customs and Traditions- Religious sentiments
were also hurt by the official policy of taxing lands belonging to
temples and mosques and to their priests or the charitable institutions
which had been exempted from taxation by previous Indian rulers. he
many Brahmin and Muslim families dependent on the religious
activities were aroused to fury, and they began to propagate that the
British were trying to undermine the religions of India.
• Immediate Cause-The immediate factor was the
introduction of the ‘Enfield’ rifle. It was said that the
cartridge of this rifle was wrapped in the fat of cow
and pig. The cartridge had to be bitten off before
loading it into the gun. Thus the Hindu and Muslim
soldiers were reluctant to use the ‘Enfield’ rifle.
 Q.8-Discuss the mystery behind the death of Subhash Chandra Bose? What was the political scenario at the
time of his death? Do you think that the Indian Government should disclose the files concerning the death of
Subhash Chandra Bose?
 

The death of Subhash Chandra Bose was a matter of

controversy , because there was no valid proof of his death
and it was mysterious. The following are some theories
about his death-
 It is believed that he died in an air crash and was cremated
in Tokyo. The government said that he died in a Plane Crash
in Taiwan  along with Japanese General Shidei on August
18, 1945, and that his body was cremated the same day and
the ashes were taken to a Buddhist temple in Tokyo.
 Some believed that Bose was tortured and killed in prison
by the English.
• Yes, I think that files related to his death should be
exposed because he was such a great nationalist and
had significance in the Independence of India. So
public should have to Right to Information about his
death. Since his death was a matter of controversy
and mysterious. Should Government should expose
the files related to his death.