Modern India Chapters

1. Expansion of British Power (Bengal, Mysore, Punjab etc.)2. Economic Impact of British Rule3. Socio Religious Movements in 19th 20th Centuries4. Freedom Struggle I5. The Revolt of 18576. Moderate Phase7. Extremist Phase8. The Gandhian Era

Expansion of British Power in India

“The British East India Company gradually expanded its control over various parts of India through wars, alliances, and diplomacy.”

1. Conquest of Bengal

The Battle of Plassey (1757) marked the beginning of British political dominance in India. It was followed by the Battle of Buxar (1764).

  • Battle of Plassey (1757): British defeated Siraj-ud-Daulah with help of Mir Jafar.
  • Battle of Buxar (1764): British defeated the combined forces of Mir Qasim, Shuja-ud-Daula, and Shah Alam II.
  • Outcome: British gained Diwani rights (revenue collection) in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa.

2. Mysore Wars

Mysore under Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan resisted British expansion. Four Anglo-Mysore wars were fought.

  • 1st War (1767-1769): Ended with Treaty of Madras.
  • 2nd War (1780-1784): Tipu Sultan rose as a formidable enemy.
  • 3rd War (1790-1792): Ended with Treaty of Seringapatam; Tipu lost half his territory.
  • 4th War (1799): Tipu Sultan was killed, Mysore came under British control.

3. Anglo-Maratha Wars

  • 1st War (1775-1782): Ended with the Treaty of Salbai.
  • 2nd War (1803-1805): British gained territories from Scindia and Bhonsle.
  • 3rd War (1817-1818): End of Maratha Confederacy; Peshwa abolished.

4. Conquest of Punjab

Punjab was annexed after two Anglo-Sikh Wars.

  • 1st War (1845-46): Treaty of Lahore and Treaty of Bhairowal signed.
  • 2nd War (1848-49): Ended with the annexation of Punjab.
  • Ranjit Singh: Founder of Sikh Empire, maintained a strong army and resisted British till his death (1839).

5. Other Annexations

  • Doctrine of Lapse: Introduced by Lord Dalhousie to annex states without natural heirs (e.g., Satara, Jhansi, Nagpur).
  • Awadh (1856): Annexed on grounds of misgovernance.

Previous Year Questions

  • SSC CGL 2020: Who introduced the Doctrine of Lapse?
  • → Lord Dalhousie
  • RRB NTPC 2019: Which war led to the British gaining Diwani rights in Bengal?
  • → Battle of Buxar
  • HSSC 2018: Tipu Sultan died in which Anglo-Mysore war?
  • → Fourth Anglo-Mysore War
  • SSC CHSL 2021: Who was the last ruler of Punjab before its annexation?
  • → Dalip Singh
  • UPSC Prelims 2017: Who signed the Treaty of Seringapatam?
  • → Tipu Sultan and British
  • RRB Group D 2019: What was the result of the 3rd Anglo-Maratha War?
  • → End of Maratha Confederacy
  • SSC GD 2020: Which year was Awadh annexed?
  • → 1856
  • HSSC 2020: Who was the Nawab defeated at Plassey?
  • → Siraj-ud-Daulah
  • SSC MTS 2018: What was the significance of the Battle of Buxar?
  • → British got Diwani rights
  • RRB ALP 2018: Who was the Governor-General during 2nd Anglo-Sikh War?
  • → Lord Dalhousie

Conclusion

The British East India Company expanded its control over India using diplomacy, military superiority, and strategic policies. These annexations laid the foundation for the British Raj, which formally began after 1858.

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