BHIC-134 Solved Assignment

7. State formation in Hyderabad in the ${18}^{\text{th}}$${18}^{\text{th}}$18^(“th “)18^{\text {th }}${18}^{\text{th}}$ century
8. The Orientalists in India
9. Communalism
10. Transfer of Power

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BHIC-134 Solved Assignment

Assignment – I

What was the nature of the Permanent Settlement? Discuss.

Answer:

• Fixed Revenue Assessment: Land revenue was fixed permanently at a specific amount, regardless of changes in agricultural productivity or market conditions. This meant that the revenue demand remained constant, regardless of the crops’ yield or price fluctuations.
• Transfer of Land Rights: Land rights were transferred to zamindars (landlords) who were responsible for paying the fixed revenue to the British government. Zamindars were granted significant control over land administration and revenue collection from peasants.
• Hereditary Tenure: The zamindars’ rights were hereditary, meaning that land ownership and revenue responsibilities were passed down through generations. This encouraged zamindars to invest in land improvements, as they could expect long-term returns.

• Increased Tax Burden: While the revenue was fixed, agricultural productivity was not. Peasants faced increased pressure as zamindars often imposed higher rents to meet their revenue obligations, leading to economic strain and indebtedness among farmers.
• Loss of Land Rights: The system marginalized the peasants by giving significant power to zamindars. Many peasants lost their land or faced eviction if they failed to meet rent demands. This resulted in increased landlessness and socio-economic instability among rural communities.
• Neglect of Land Improvements: Since zamindars were not directly responsible for land cultivation, they had little incentive to invest in land improvements or agricultural productivity. This led to neglect of the land and decline in agricultural yields over time.

• Revenue Stability: The British administration benefited from a stable revenue stream, which helped finance their operations and infrastructure projects. However, the fixed revenue did not account for inflation or changes in agricultural conditions, sometimes leading to revenue shortfalls.
• Decline in Agriculture: The lack of investment in land improvements and the extraction of high rents contributed to a decline in agricultural productivity. The rigidity of the revenue system did not accommodate fluctuations in agricultural output or market prices, exacerbating economic difficulties for both zamindars and peasants.
• Increased Rural Poverty: The exploitation of peasants and the neglect of agricultural development contributed to widespread rural poverty. The economic disparity between zamindars and peasants widened, leading to social and economic tensions in the region.

• Strengthening of Zamindar Class: The system entrenched the zamindar class as a powerful socio-economic group with substantial control over rural affairs. This class often used their influence to exert political pressure and maintain their privileged status.
• Resistance and Rebellion: The harsh realities of the Permanent Settlement led to resistance and uprisings among the peasantry. Notable revolts, such as the Indigo Rebellion and various peasant movements, were partly driven by dissatisfaction with the exploitative practices of zamindars under the Permanent Settlement system.
• Impact on Land Ownership Patterns: The Permanent Settlement reshaped land ownership patterns, consolidating land into the hands of a few zamindars while disempowering the peasantry. This shift had long-term implications for land distribution and rural socio-economic structures.

Discuss the differences between the Moderates and Extremists in the Indian National Congress.

Answer:

• Moderates: The Moderates, led by figures such as Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, and William Wedderburn, believed in gradual reform and constitutional methods. They advocated for reforms within the existing British system rather than seeking radical changes. Their approach was characterized by appeals to the British government for incremental changes, emphasizing petitions, resolutions, and negotiations. The Moderates were focused on developing political consciousness among Indians and fostering cooperation with the British authorities to achieve self-governance.
• Extremists: The Extremists, represented by leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai, and Bipin Chandra Pal, were critical of the slow pace of reforms proposed by the Moderates. They favored more radical methods, including mass mobilization and direct action. The Extremists sought immediate and substantial changes, often challenging the colonial government more aggressively. Their ideology was rooted in the belief that only through intense agitation and public pressure could meaningful reforms and independence be achieved.

• Moderates: The Moderates employed a strategy of working within the framework of British colonial rule. They focused on:
  • Petitions and Resolutions: Submitting petitions to the British Parliament and passing resolutions at INC sessions to advocate for reforms.
  • Constitutional Reforms: Seeking constitutional changes through legal and parliamentary channels to improve governance and increase Indian representation.
  • Educational and Social Reforms: Promoting education and social reforms to raise political awareness and prepare Indians for self-governance.
• Extremists: The Extremists adopted a more confrontational approach, including:
  • Mass Agitation: Organizing public demonstrations, protests, and rallies to mobilize widespread support and exert pressure on the colonial government.
  • Swadeshi Movement: Encouraging the use of indigenous products and boycotting British goods as part of economic resistance to colonial rule.
  • Radical Methods: Utilizing direct action, including strikes and civil disobedience, to challenge British authority and demand immediate reforms.

• Moderates: The primary goal of the Moderates was to achieve gradual political reform and increased self-governance within the British framework. They aimed to:
  • Increase Indian Representation: Enhance Indian representation in legislative bodies and administrative positions.
  • Promote Educational Opportunities: Expand educational opportunities to prepare Indians for roles in governance and administration.
  • Secure Constitutional Reforms: Advocate for incremental constitutional changes to improve the political and social conditions in India.
• Extremists: The Extremists were focused on more radical objectives, including:
  • Immediate Independence: Seeking full self-rule and independence from British control rather than gradual reforms.
  • Economic Boycott: Promoting economic self-reliance and resisting British economic exploitation through the Swadeshi Movement.
  • Social and Political Awakening: Inspiring a sense of nationalism and political consciousness among the masses to drive the independence movement.

• Moderates: The Moderates played a significant role in laying the foundation for Indian political activism and constitutional reforms. Their efforts helped establish the INC as a major political force and facilitated the initial dialogue between the Indian leadership and the British government. However, their approach was often criticized for being too accommodating and slow to achieve substantial changes.
• Extremists: The Extremists significantly impacted the Indian independence movement by introducing more radical methods and mobilizing mass support. Their approach energized the nationalist movement, increased public participation, and challenged British rule more directly. The Extremists’ activities contributed to the growth of a more assertive and nationalist consciousness among Indians.

Assignment – II

What were the main ideas of the Utilitarians? Discuss.

Answer:

Comment on the economic impact of the British rule.

Answer:

What was the role of the Constituent Assembly in shaping the Indian Constitution?

Answer:

Assignment – III

Ryotwari Settlement

Answer:

State formation in Hyderabad in the ${18}^{th}$${18}^{th}$18^(th)18^{th}${18}^{th}$ century

Answer:

The Orientalists in India

Answer:

Communalism

Answer:

Transfer of Power

Answer: