pyq/2020/history-optional-ii/2

(a) "It was Dupleix who had first showed the way of intervening in disputes of the Indian rulers and thereby acquiring political control over vast territories — a technique which was later perfected by the English East India Company." Elaborate. (20 marks)

(b) "For long, the Revolt of 1857 has been mistaken to be a mere mutiny of the Indian sepoys in the Bengal army. However, its causes need to be searched for not only in the dissatisfaction of the army, but in a long drawn process of fundamental social and economic change that upset the peasant communities. Discuss. (20 marks)

(c) Do you feel that the Santhal Hool (rebellion) 1855 – 56, was the most effective tribal movement in pre-1857 India? (10 marks)