Modern Indian History from about the middle of the eighteen century until the

present- significant events, personalities, issues.

Q1). Highlight the differences in the approach of Subhash Chandra Bose and

Mahatma Gandhi in the struggle for freedom.

Though Gandhiji and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose were the great leaders who

believed the power of masses and wanted the emancipation of India from Colonial

rule they differ in their strategy and tactics as well as the vision of what future

program should be followed.

Parameters Subhash Chandra Bose Mahatma Gandhiji

Strategy

against

Britishers

Struggle-Struggle-Freedom Struggle-Truce-Struggle

Nature of

Struggle

Initially believing in the non-violent

struggle but later on independent

can be obtained by violent struggle

ex; INA

FIRM believer in the non-

violent Struggle - non

violent Satyagraha and

was convinced that the

might of British colonial

administration could be

brought down only by

mass mobilization .

Inspired by extremist tradition and followed the

footsteps of Aurobindo Ghosh

by leaders like Tilak and

Tagore

Model for

Indian

Development

after

Independence

Rapid modernization achieved by

Soviet five year plans.

village democracy and

self rule(spiritual swaraj).

in favour of Cottage and

village industries.

a critique of mass

production and viewed

industrialisation itself with

scepticism.

International

outlook

Went to fascist Germany and japan

for getting help to liberate the India

Always against fascist

power

Philosophy End justifies the means Means justify the end

Independence Complete independence Independence in phases

NCM 1920

CDM 1931

Quit India 1942

Despite their differences both Gandhi and Netaji has immense respect for

one another. Gandhiji called Netaji as “Prince among Patriots”. Netaji called

Gandhiji as “The Father of nation” in a 1944 address from Rangoon.

Q 3) Explain how the uprising of 1857 constitutes an important watershed in

the evolution of British policies towards colonial India.

The 1857 revolution was the first nationalist movement or sepoy mutiny or

first war of Independence by Indians against foreign rule which played crucial

role in determining British policies towards Colonial India for next 90 years.

It is considered a water-shed which separates an age of ill-considered reform,

followed by an age of iron conservatism.

The changes that the uprising brought about not only impacted the political

and governance architecture of India but also left deep imprints on the socio-

economic life of the country.

The change in British Policy towards colonial India can be explained as

follows:

1. Administrative Changes: The Paramountancy of British Crown abolishing rule of the East India Company was established to consolidate the empire through direct responsibility.

2. Changes in Military Organization: As Army was at forefront of revolt, it was thoroughly reorganized to break the unity of regiments by accommodating soldiers from different communities in a regiment as. British hugely increased the military expenditure at the cost of socio-economic development and their policy came to be dominated by the idea of division and counterpoise.

3. Policy of divide and rule: Introduction of Caste based census, separate electorates later were evolved as per British Divide and Rule policy so as to prevent nationalism. For ex. Creation of Martial and non-martial class in army.

4. Abolition of Policy of annexation: British realized that Native rulers were not their enemies and their support would be crucial in continuation of rule in India. The era of annexation and expansion (Doctrine of Lapse) ended and the British promised to respect the dignity and rights of native princes.

5. Sensitivity in policy making: To reduce sense of foreign rule in people, greater sensitivity in policy making implied. Indians started being inducted towards political participation through Indian Council Act of 1861.

6. Support to Zamindars: Zamindars, who were earlier victims of British land revenue policies, were restored with their lands and rights for their loyalty. This also slowly led to rising middle class.

7. Carrot and stick scheme: Cycles of Mild Repression – Incentives – Suppression were utilized to control rising demands of Indians.

8. Attitude of non-interference in social & religious issues: British support of social reforms was major cause of 1857 uprising. Hence, British adopted itself out from playing any role in reform.

9. Development of Railway & Communication: In order to consolidate its empire, British developed railway and communication so as to ensure its reach economically, politically, military in every corner of India.

10. Policy of neglect of Higher Education: Contrary to earlier position, higher education and intellectuals were abhorred as they were seen as being instrument of modern nationalism.

After the revolt, British government focused more on the consolidation of their empire instead of further expanding it. But uprising of 1857 shook the foundation of British Raj and acted as inspiration to the future national movements leading to independence in 1947.

Q3)Partition was a culmination of a communal politics that started developing in the opening

decades of the twentieth century. Comment

Q4)History has disproved the prediction that democracy would not succeed in India. In this

context, Critically assess the achievements and challenges of democracy in India since

Independence.

Q5) Socio- religious reform movements have played important role in modernise the India. So give

account of the reasons behind their rise, contribution of these movements and also mention their

limitations.

Q6)Why was province of the Bengal was partitioned? Were Britishers able to achieve the actual

targets behind the partition of Bengal?

Q7) What do you mean by Drain of wealth? Elaborate the factors responsible for that. Also brief the

mechanism / instrument for Drain of wealth. And finally discuss the consequences of it.

Q8) ‘ Subsidiary alliance is gradually evolved system’. What is your view about the statement?

Also elaborate how subsidiary alliance helped to establish supremacy of British rule?

Q9) Discuss how the satyagrahas of Gandhiji removed the spell of fear amonf Indians and thus

knocked off an Importatant pillar of imperialism

.

Q10) British Railway Construction policy in India benefitted British Economy in the

nineteenth century .Discuss