Modern History GS Paper I by Rashid Yasin

Model Answer

Question #1. “A system of fattening allies as we fatten oxen till they were worthy of being devoured”.Comment. 15 marks

Ans.   Under the Subsidiary Alliance treaty of Lord Wellesley, the ruler of the allying state was compelled to accept the permanent stationing of a British force within his territory and was liable to pay a subsidy for its maintenance.

         Nature of Subsidiary Alliance Treaty:

• The Indian state was to surrender its external relations to the care of the Company.
• A bigger state was to maintain an army within its territories commanded by British officers.
•   A smaller state was required to pay tribute in cash to the company.
• The state was to accept a British Resident at its headquarters.
• The state was not to employ Europeans without the consultation of Company.
• The Company was not to interfere in the internal affairs of the state.
• The Company was to protect the Indian state against foreign enemies.

Advantages to the Company

1.   It enabled the company to maintain  a large standing army at the expense of the Indian Princes
2.   The stationing became the arbiter in inter-state disputers.
3.   The stationing of the Company’s troops in the capitals gave the English the control of strategic positions in India.
4.   The Company expanded her dominions in India.

Question #2.The British Indian State experienced the winds of change with the arrival of Lord William Bentinck.Comment.15 marks

Ans.   In the eulogistic language of Macaulay, William Bentinck “infused into Oriental Despotism- the spirit of British freedom; who never forget the end of the government is the welfare of the governed; who abolished cruel rites; who effaced humiliating distinctions; who allowed liberty of expression to public opinion; whose constant study was to elevate the moral and intellectual character of the people committed to his charge.”

• Abolition of Sati: In December 1829, through a regulation, he declared the practice of sati illegal and punishable by criminal courts as culpable homicide.
• Suppression of Infanticide and child sacrifices: Although infanticide was declared illegal through the Regulations of 1795 and 1804 but this inhuman practice still continued. William Bentinck took vigorous steps to suppress this immoral and inhumane practice. Also, he issued orders to step the inhumane practice of child sacrifice in Sagar Island of Bengal.
• Suppression of Thugi.
• Removal humiliating distinctions in recruitment to Public service: Charter Act of 1833 provided that no Indian subject of the Company in India was to be debarred from holding any office under the Company ‘by reason of his religion, place of birth, Descent and colour’.
• Liberal policy towards the Press: He believed the Press to be a safety valve for discontent and showed a liberal attitude towards the Press.
• Attempt to elevate the Moral and Intellectual Character of Indians through educational reforms: Bentinck’s government defined the aim of education in India and the medium of instruction to be employed through Macalulay’s Minutes.