PAKISTAN STUDIES (2059/1)

Pattern of the answers

Section A: 25 marks
• 3 marks (text source based)
• 5 marks (picture source based)
• 7 marks (three reasons with explanation)
• 10 marks (4/5 reasons, explanation and evaluation)

Section A
Text Source [A] – 3 Marks
1
2
3
Picture Source [B] - 5 Marks

Answer
I can see in the in the source B …….. [1 Mark]
I can infer from the horses and the dressing of soldiers ……… [2 marks]
I can infer from the people ……… [2 marks]

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Q3- Reasoning - Why – 7 marks
Simple Statement -2 Marks [2-3 sentences]
Write only 3 reason each reason in a new paragraph
 Firstly
 Secondly
 Thirdly

10 Mark
Q-The Mughal Empire declined due to East India Company. Explain [10]
Simple Statement [2- 3 sentences] small paragraph
 East India Company
And Other Reasons 4-5 each reason in a new paragraph

 Aurangzeb’s Policies [I paragraph]

 Administration [I paragraph]
 Lavish [I paragraph]

• Evaluation[write 2- 3 sentences] [1 Mark]

Agree /disagree –give justification

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 SECTION 1

Chapter 1
Religious Thinkers

Introduction

18th and 19th century India was politically, economically and socially split.

The Mughal Empire was collapsing. The provincial powers became independent and engaged in civil wars.
Muslims were not following the teachings of Islam and were adopting Hindu culture.

The British were slowly gaining ground in India. In Muslim elite, rulers and scholars, were insecure after
losing their privileges. Therefore, the rulers and scholars were mentally worried due to the political
instability, which was affecting the entire Muslim society of India.

Q-Who was Ahmed Shah Abdali? [4]

 Ahmed Shah Abdali was and Afghan leader who led Afghan Army in the Indian Territory and invaded
the Mughal Empire.
 He was also known as Ahmed Shah Durrani due to his leadership and military skills.
 His military skills achieved the victory over Marathas in the 3rd Battle of Panipat.
 He had to turn back because of the mutiny of his followers instead of capturing the empire.
Q-What was the Jihad Movement? [4]
 The Jihad movement was the movement set up by Syed Ahmed Shaheed Barelvi.
 Its purpose was to overthrow non-Muslim oppression and restore Muslim Power in the sub-continent.
 He travelled across India and held meetings in order to spread his beliefs about jihad, when he returned
from Arabia he was ready to take an action.
 It aimed to organize the Muslims and think about betterment.

Q-What were the reasons for Syed Ahmed Shaheed’s failure in defeating Sikhs? [4]
 The Sikhs under Ranjit Singh were a very powerful and superior force.
 The Muslims were divided and reluctant to work unitedly.
 The locals of Balakot and his own forces disagreed over the taxes he laid upon them.
 There was a lack of support.

3
Q-What was the Faraizi Movement? [4]
 The Faraizi movement was the movement started by Haji Shariat Ulla in East Bengal.
 It gave new spirit to the Muslims of Bengal; by this movement Hindu influence was removed .It worked
to revive Islam in the Sub-continent.
 The Faraizi movement was started to organize Muslims by making them punctual in following their
Faraiz; religious duties.
 It aimed to protect the rights of poor Muslim farmers in East Bengal.
 Its followers were known as Faraizis who grew greatly in number as the movement grew in popularity.
 The Fairaizi movement was very successful until an alarmed British put an end to it recognizing it as an
opposition against them.
Q-Why did Syed Ahmad Barelvi call for Jihad to overthrow Sikh rule in the early nineteenth century?
[7]
Answer
Simple Statement
• Punjabi Muslims found Sikh rule oppressive
• He wanted to restore the Muslim faith
• He wanted to end the difficulties facing Islamic society
• He wanted to liberate the Punjab and NWFP from Sikh rule.
Reasons
• To restore the Muslim faith and, by doing so, achieve religious and spiritual freedom for the Muslim
community
• With Punjab under Sikh rule, Punjabi Muslims found it difficult to practice their religion
• Syed Ahmad Barelvi believed that there was a need to end the difficulties facing Islamic society and
having identified Sikh rule as the dominant force in the Punjab targeted them at first.

Q- Explain why Shah Waliullah was an important figure for the Muslim community during the
eighteenth century. [7]
Indicative content
• Shah Waliullah wanted to stop the declining position of Muslims
• he encouraged spiritual and moral regeneration
• he translated the Holy Quran into Persian/wrote 51 books
• he tried to build bridges between different Muslim sects
• he organised opposition to the Marathas
• he emphasised the importance of Jihad against a common army
• he was a unifying figure /influenced Islamic revival Other relevant responses should also be credited.

4
Q-Who was Mohsin-ud-Din? [4]
 Mohsin-ud-Din, was son of Haji Shariat Ullah. He divided East Bengal in circles and appointed Khalifas
for social welfare of the people. They were also made responsible for the running of the movement in
their respective areas.
 Mohsin-ud-Din Ahmad stopped his followers from paying unlawful taxes to Hindu property owners. They
were asked to pay taxes charged only by the government. It was under him that the “Faraizi Movement”
was turned into a religious-political movement.
 His ever-increasing popularity and strength was a constant source of anxiety for the British and Hindus
alike. Mohsin-ud-Din Ahmad was arrested during the War of Independence of 1857 but was released
after the war was over.
Q-Did Syed Ahmad Barelvi contribute more to the spread of Islam than anyone else in the
subcontinent before 1840? Explain your answer. [10]
Answer
Simple Statement (2-3 sentences)
Syed Ahmad Barelvi
• Spread Islam through the Jihad Movement, which became an armed struggle to liberate the Punjab and
the NWF from non-Muslim oppression and was the first example of a movement to restore Muslim power.
• As at this time the Muslim community were not allowed freedom of worship, the mujahedeen fought
campaigns to achieve religious and spiritual freedoms.
• His work was a uniting force for Muslim groups and an inspiration.
Haji Shariatullah
• Spread Islam through the Faraizi Movement, which removed Hindu practices from worship and called on
Muslim groups to perform their proper observation of Islamic duties (faraiz).
• Aimed to restore the pride of the Muslim community. A huge group of followers grew called ‘Faraizis’.
• The movement alarmed the Hindu landlords of East Bengal, as the Faraizis in Bengal united against the
treatment they had received.
Shah Waliullah
• Believed the Muslims faced problems because of their incomplete knowledge of Islam and the Holy
Quran. To reverse the decline in Muslim power he taught that there needed to be spiritual and moral revival
based upon the principles of Islam.
• He encouraged the Muslim community to concentrate on Quranic teachings and translated the Holy
Quran into Persian, which was the main language of Muslim groups at that time.
• He wrote many books, which were designed to spread the principles of Islam amongst the Muslim
community in order to unite them. He aimed to provide the inspiration for Muslims to lead a pure life.
Evaluation (2-3 sentences)

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Q8-Did Haji Shariatullah contribute more to the spread of Islam than anyone else in the
subcontinent before 1850? Explain your answer. [14]
Level 1: Simple statement 1–2
(One simple statement is worth 1 mark. A Level 1 answer with two or more simple statements is worth 2
marks)
e.g.
• He was a scholar
No evidence submitted or response does not address the question

Level 2: Identifies / describes Haji Shariatullah AND / OR others 3–6

(One contribution identified / described is worth 3 marks. Extra marks areawarded for additional
contributions identified / described up to 6 marks)
e.g.
• Haji Shariatullah established the Faraizi Movement
• Shah Waliullah taught at the Madrassa in Delhi, spent some time in Medina and wrote a number of books.
• Syed Ahmad Barelvi was a follower of Shah Abdul Aziz and founded theJihad Movement

Level 3: Explains the contribution of Haji Shariatullah OR others 7–10

(One explanation is worth 7 marks. Extra marks are awarded for additional explanations to 10 marks)
See exemplars on Level 4

Level 4: Explains the contribution of Haji Shariatullah AND others 9–13

(Two explanations, one on the contribution of Haji Shariatullah and one on another are worth 9 marks.
Additional explanations awarded up to 13 marks)
e.g.
• Haji Shariatullah established the Faraizi Movement, which insisted that Muslims should perform their
faraiz (religious obligations). The impact on Muslims was significant as Faraizi restored pride and alarmed
the Hindu landlords who were unhappy with Muslim practices. Centered on Bengal.
• Shah Waliullah felt that many Muslims faced problems because of their ignorance of Islam and the Quran.
He encouraged them to concentrate on Quranic teachings translated the Quran into Persian, the main
language of the Muslims at that time, so that they could read it. His books aimed to spread the principles of
Islam amongst Muslims and provide inspiration to lead a pure life.
• Syed Ahmad Barelvi founded the Jihad Movement, which later became an armed struggle to liberate the
Punjab and the NWFP from Sikh rule. His work was a uniting force for Muslims to achieve a life based on
Islam.
Level 5: Explains with evaluation 14
6
As top of Level 4 plus judgment / evaluation
Q- Who
Q9-Who of the following was the most important in the spread of Islam during the seventeenth and
eighteenth centuries:
(i) Shah Wali Ullah;
(ii) Syed Ahmad Shaheed Barailvi;
(iii) Hajji Shariat Ullah?
Explain your answer with reference to all three of the above. [14]
Q10- Describe the battle of Balakot. [4]
 Fought between Sikhs under Maharaja Ranjit Singh and Mujahedeen under Syed Ahmad Barelvi in
1831.
 Syed Ahmad Barelvi condemned the western influence on Islam and advocated a return to Pure Islam.
 Six hundred mujahideen soldiers were killed including Syed Ahmad Barelvi
On 6th May, 1831 the battle was fought at Balakot in which thousands of Mujahedeen army men were
killed and their leader BARELVI was also beheaded.
 Sikh army completely destroyed their training camps.

BATTLE OF BALAKOT

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 Chapter # 2

Mughal Empire
Few causes of the decline of the Mughal Empire

 War of succession: Due to fight between brothers for throne and consequent politics led to weakening
of Mughal hold on administration.
 Aurangzeb's religious Policies: Religious zeal of Aurangzeb led to unity among Hindu which were
divided on account of policy of inclusion of Akbar.
 Empty Treasury due to frequent wars and lifestyle of Mughal: Due to frequent wars and lavish
lifestyle of Mughal treasury was empty. It impacted military and security expenditure and further led to
the weakening of the defense mechanism.
 Invasions by various forces: Invasion by Nadir Shah from North-West as well as British forces
started exploitation by various means helped in the weakening of already weak Mughal.
 New technology weapons of the British: British were armed with new age weapons whereas
Mughals still used the medieval time weapons. Complete lack of new technology gave advantage to the
rival groups.

Q-What was the Jizya Tax? [4]

Aurangzeb imposed the non-Muslim tax again on the Indians. This tax had been abolished long ago by
Akbar. The non-Muslims, especially Hindus were angered as it was a tax abolished long ago. It was not
imposed on needy, poorer, orphan and widows.In return for payment of the jizyah, non-Muslim populations
were granted protection of life and property and the right to practice their religion.
Q-Describe the Jizya tax.[4]
• introduced in 1679 [1] by the Mughals [1]
• a tax on non-Muslims
• an alternative to joining the Muslim army
• used as a tax for protection or defence
• Akbar abolished the tax
• Aurangzeb re-introduced the tax
• people protested against the tax
• Aurangzeb ignored the protests and persevered with the tax

Q-Who were the Marathas? [4]

 The Marathas was a powerful group of people who were skilled as Guerrilla fighters.
 They were devoted to Hinduism and had grown in power during the 17th century and they were the
expected rulers after Mughals due to their power.
 Aurangzeb was unable to crush the Marathas of Deccan which proved their power.
 In 1760 they even occupied Delhi.
 They were defeated in the Third Battle of Paniput.
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Q-Describe the Third Battle of Panipat 1761? [4]
The Third Battle of Panipat took place in 1761 at Panipat, north of Delhi, between the Maratha Empire and
the invading Afghan army of (Ahmad Shah Durrani), supported by three Indian allies—Najib-ud-daulah,
Afghans of the Doab region, and Shuja-ud-Daula (the Nawab of Awadh).
The battle lasted for several days and involved over 125,000 troops.
The forces led by Ahmad Shah Durrani came out victorious after destroying several Maratha sides.
Shah Waliullah wrote to all the Muslim nobles to support the Mughals in the

Q- Who was Dara Shikoh? [4]

He was the eldest son of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. In the war of succession which followed after
Shah Jahan's illness in 1657, Dara was defeated by his younger brother Prince Muhiuddin (later, the
Emperor Aurangzeb). He was executed in 1659 on Aurangzeb's orders in a bitter struggle for the imperial
throne. Dara was a unorthodox Muslim as opposed to the orthodox Aurangzeb. Murad (younger brother)
and Aurangzeb joined forces and defeated Dara’s army.

What does source B tells you about the Mughal life style in the Sub-continent. [5]

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 Chapter 3
East India Company

Reason for British Interest to trade with India:

 The British was interested in the Indian Wealth of Spices and Mineral Resources.
 The British wanted to use and take control over the major trade routes to control World Trade and they
all passed through the subcontinent.
 The British wanted to eliminate all other countries from competitions.
 The British wanted to trade for its economic growth

British influence on Indians

 The British caused a change in Indian culture.
 The British caused the increase in resentment and misery in the Indians.
 They developed India’s infrastructure thus taking Indians towards development.
 The British changed the religion of people and the laws they were following

Q-Who was Robert Clive? [4]

 Clive is considered as the founder of British rule in the subcontinent.
 He was victorious leader in Battle of Plassey against Nawab of Bengal.
 He became the Governor of Bengal and was later convicted of corruption.
 He committed suicide at the age of 49 due to addiction to opium and destruction ofprestige.

Q-What was suttee? [4]

A Hindu tradition, ritual burning of widows on funeral pyre of husbands. Aurangzeb banned it and the
Hindu community got against him.
British tended to ignore the practice because of the fear of offending high-caste Hindus serving in the
British army and civil service.
Practice banned by EIC in Bengal in 1829 and later in rest of India by Governor General Lord Bentinck.
Suttee remained legal in some princely states.

Q-Who were zamindars?[4]

• Landlords/tax collectors.
• Wealthy and influential, some had private armies.
• After death of Aurangzeb they were increasingly unwilling to accept rule of any new emperor or to make
payments to government in Delhi.
• Beard tax imposed which annoyed Muslims.
• Muslims were oppressed by zamindars from the 1800’s onwards, especially in East Bengal.

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Q-Explain why the British wanted to trade in India from 1600. [7]
Level 3: Explains reasons 5–7marks
(Five marks for one explanation, six marks for two explanations, seven marks for three explanations)
e.g.
• Reports of immense wealth in the subcontinent led to the British establishing a trading base there as they
saw a profitable future.
• The British wanted to establish their influence in the subcontinent and to banish the Dutch and
Portuguese.
• The British also wanted to establish a strategic port in the subcontinent that would protect its trading
interests there and in the Far East.
Level 2: Identifies reasons 2–4 marks
(One mark for each identification)
e.g.
• Because of the wealth in the subcontinent
• Because other European countries were there
• The British wanted a strategic port / base there
Level 1: Simple statement 1-2 marks
(One mark for any simple statement)
e.g.
• The British wanted to trade there

Q-Why did the East India Company become involved in the Indian subcontinent during the
seventeenth century? [7]
Level 3: Explains reasons (i.e. an understanding of impact / long term benefits)
5–7marks
(Five marks for one explanation, six marks for two explanations, seven marks for three explanations)
e.g.
• Reports of immense wealth in the subcontinent led to the East India
Company (EIC) establishing a trading base as they saw a profitable future
• Availability of raw materials, silk, cotton, coal
• The British wanted to establish their influence in the subcontinent and to banish the Dutch and Portuguese

11
• The EIC also wanted to establish a strategic port in the subcontinent that would protect its trading
interests in the East
Level 2: Identifies reasons 2–4 marks
(One mark for each identification)
e.g.
• To trade
• Extend influence in the East
Level 1: Simple statement 1-2 marks
(One mark for a simple statement)

SOURCE A
In May 1876, Benjamin Disraeli, the Conservative Prime Minister, made Queen Victoria Empress of India.
He said this would link the monarchy more closely with India and would underline Britain’s position as a
world power. The Queen was pleased with this arrangement and saw India as a jewel in the crown of her
empire, a place full of vibrant colours, gems, fruits and spices. As such Queen Victoria viewed India as a
land to be governed by British order and justice so that protection could be given to the Indian people
against war, rebellion, famine and illiteracy. Adapted from a history website

Q- According to Source A, why was Queen Victoria made Empress of India? [3]
• to ‘link the monarchy more colours, gems, fruits and spices’ (at least one item to be identified)
• ‘Queen Victoria viewed India as a land to be governed by British order and justice’
• to protect ‘the Indian people against war, rebellion, famine and illiteracy’ (at least one item to be identified)
One mark for each relevant statement correctly identified from the source. Note: candidates may
paraphrase but content must be derived from the bullet point statements above.

Q- Describe the Pitts India Act, 1784 / India Act of 1784? [4]
 The parliament Act was moved by the Prime Minister William Pitt.
 This made the position of Governor General a royal appointment. Lord Cornwallis was appointed to this
position in 1786.
 A Board of Control replaced the East India Company’s Board of Directors, changing it from a trading
concern to a sovereign body in which the Crown had direct control of Bengal.
 A police system was developed to help in the administering of justice and maintaining law and order.
Q-Why the British were eager to trade with India?
 Trade in spices from Southern India.
 Cotton Yarn form Gujarat.
 Silk and Potassium from Bengal
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Q-What can we learn from Source B about Tipu Sultan, ruler of Mysore? [5]

I can see:
• Tipu Sultan is well dressed/groomed/he has a moustache
• his face shows no expression of fear
• he has a sword
• he is fighting a tiger there is blood
• it is taking place outdoors/in the countryside
• he is opening the tiger’s mouth
• they are standing up to each other

Valid inference

• Tipu Sultan looks brave/courageous

• he looks like a warrior/ready for war
• he looks strong/powerful
• its looks like he was important
• he looks confident • he looks wealthy
• he looks a proud man
Contextual knowledge

• Tipu Sultan was known as the ‘Tiger/Sultan/Lion of Mysore’

• there were legends about Tipu Sultan killing a tiger with his bare hands
• he had a reputation of being able to dominate/control tigers
• regarded as a fearless warrior/enemy
• he may have kept tigers as pets
• his palace was decorated with tiger accessories and skins were used as soft furnishings

Q-Explain the impact of railways on the lives of Indian people in the nineteenth century.

Indicative content
• railways transformed India
• railways extended trade in India
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• food could be transported around India
• troops could be transported around India
• people could travel by train
• better communication between cities
• railways made travel easier
• more people could
• goods could be carried
• trains were noisy and smoky/accidents happened/people lost farmland
• railways consolidated British control in India

Other relevant responses should also be credited.

Q-Was the India Act of 1784 the main reason why the British were able to expand beyond Bengal
between 1784 and 1850? Explain your answer.
[10]
Level 1: Simple statement(s) 1–2
(One simple statement is worth one mark. An answer with additional simple statements is worth two
marks)
e.g. • It was an Act of Parliament
Level 2: Identifies aspects of / describes events 3–4
(One identification / description is worth three marks. An answer with additional identification / descriptions
is worth four marks) e.g. • Pitt introduced the India Act • The British had more weapons
Level 3: Explains ONE event 5–7
(One explanation is worth five marks. Additional explanations on the same factor can be awarded up to
seven marks)
Level 4: Explains WHY the India Act AND other factors were important in the British expanding
beyond Bengal between 1784 and 1850 6–9
(Two explanations, one on the India Act and one on other factors, are worth six or seven marks. Additional
explanations on the same two factors cannot be awarded more than eight marks. Explanation of all factors
is worth nine marks)
e.g.
India Act of 1784(Pitts India Act)
• This made the position of Governor General a royal appointment. Lord Cornwallis was appointed to this
position in 1786.
• A Board of Control replaced the East India Company’s Board of Directors, changing it from a trading
concern to a sovereign body in which the Crown had direct control of Bengal.
• A police system was developed to help in the administering of justice and maintaining law and order.
Other reasons
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• Lord Cornwallis introduced the Permanent Settlement in 1793 making zamindars of Bengal landowners,
subject to their payment of a fixed sum to the British. In 1793 this amounted to some 10% of the total sum
collected by the zamindars. The Permanent Settlement secured the financial interest of the East India
Company and helped Bengal to become the wealthiest province in India, allowing the British to extend their
control.
• Local rulers were persuaded to sign subsidiary alliances by Lord Wellesley who became Governor
General in 1798. The local ruler continued to run their affairs while British soldiers offered protection. In
return for this protection the ruler paid towards the cost of the soldiers and accepted a British resident
adviser. This consolidated Britain’s power in India at little cost and extended British control.
• The annexation of land. Hyderabad and Oudh accepted British protection with a subsidiary alliance.
Mysore, Oudh, Delhi and the Marathas came under British control by the early nineteenth century, followed
shortly afterwards by Sind and the Punjab.

Q-What can we learn from Source B about famine in the subcontinent during British control?
[5]
Level 1: Identifies surface features from the source 1
e.g.
• There are thin people
• A man is being given food
Level 2: Unsupported valid inferences 2–3
(Two marks for one unsupported inference, three marks for two or more unsupported inferences)
e.g.
15
• People looked miserable / very weak
• It appears a calm / organised operation
• The famine is causing great suffering / misery / ill health
Level 3: Inference(s) supported by detail from the source and / or contextual knowledge 4–5
(Four marks for one supported valid inference, five marks for two or more supported valid inferences)
e.g.
• Food was being given to a man who looks very weak suggesting that the famine has been going on for a
long time.
• The problem of hunger was widespread because many people of different ages, men, women and
children, were affected and were waiting for relief.
• Famine must have been a serious problem because relief has been organized.
• People are looking underfed / malnourished and are waiting for the distribution of food which is being
given out to these people in the source.
• The man in the bowler hat is an official observing / involved in or supervising the process, which shows
that the British were involved with the distribution of relief.

1770 Bengal Famine

At the time of the 1770 Bengal famine, the British East India Company was governing the region and the
Company has to bear some of the blame for the indescribable suffering in one of the worst famines in the
history of Bengal. When a partial crop failure in 1768 led to food shortages in 1769, the Company had little
sympathy for the peasants’ troubles. It rigorously enforced land taxes, even raising the tax by ten per cent.
Bengalis are a resourceful, uncomplaining people; they made no protest, and the Company blithely
assumed all was well when in fact most of the population had started to suffer from lack of proper nutrition.

Source A
Fort William, Calcutta, 1756 on the evening of 20 June, some 64 prisoners including two women and
several wounded soldiers were marched at sword point to the filthy dungeon at Fort William. This was a
little cell, measuring 18 feet by 14 feet 10 inches, designed for no more than three petty criminals. The heat
at this time of year was suffocating. Prisoners trampled on each other to get nearer one of the two tiny
windows or to the small amount of water they had been left. Their guards mocked them as the prisoners
gasped for air and pleaded for mercy. At 6am the next morning, when the door was opened, dead bodies
were piled up inside.

Adapted from an essay in History Today, 2006

According to Source A, why did many people die at Fort William in 1756? [3]

Level 1: One mark for each relevant statement identified from the source, two marks for a
developed statement from the source 1–3
e.g.
• Several were already wounded
• Conditions in the cell were dirty, would have infected soldiers’ wounds

16
• Lack of fresh air / suffocation
• Lack of water / dehydration
• Trampled to death trying to reach water / fresh air
• Crushed to death in overcrowded cell
• Guards showed no interest in prisoners’ welfare

Q-Why was Robert Clive appointed the first Governor of Bengal? [7 ]

Level 1: Simple statement(s)

A general answer lacking specific knowledge [1]
e.g.
• Clive commanded the British army.
• He was a good leader.

Level 2: Identifies reasons Identifies one reason for 2 marks and two (+) reasons up to a maximum
of 4 marks.
e.g.
• He won two battles.
• The battle was also a success for the EIC. 2–4

Level 3: Explains reasons Explains one reason for 5 marks and two (+) reasons to up to a maximum
of 7 marks 5–7
e.g.
• Clive commanded the British army to victory at the battle of Plassey in 1757 and established relations with
Mir Jafar.
• The battle increased Clive’s reputation and his importance to the East India Company (EIC) because he
became the foremost commander of British forces in India.
• The battle was also a success for the EIC because they now controlled the profitable trade in Bengal.
• As a reward for being considered responsible for the EIC amassing immense fortunes, especially in
Bengal • Clive’s reputation and importance was further enhanced by his success at the battle of Buxar in
1764 which increased British control of eastern India.

Q- Why did the British Government take control of the affairs of the East India Company in the early
nineteenth century? [7]
 The volume of trade became so significant that the British government felt it was too valuable an asset
to leave in the hands of a private company even though the EIC was now holding its possessions in
trust for them.
 Also the fear of Russian expansion in Central Asia worried the government and so Britain decided to
shape its foreign policy by further expansion towards Afghanistan to counter this threat.
 As Britain was becoming more involved prestige began to be at stake and further expansion became
inevitable especially after the defeat by the Afghans at Kabul.

17
Q- Why was Britain so successful in expanding its control of the sub-continent between 1750 and
1850? [7]

 The battles of Plassey and Buxar gave the British the vast riches of Bengal and favourable trading rights
with the local nawabs. This provided massive new resources which the British could use to consolidate
control.

 The British also introduced governors-general into the provinces who administered them on British lines
and provided yet more control.

 The British army using its vast local resources and superior weapons and skills was increasingly taking
control of more land

Q- Why did the Indian sub-continent attract European traders in the late sixteenth and early
seventeenth centuries? [7]
Traders reported evidence of immense wealth in the sub-Continent which led to the EIC establishing a
trading base there since they saw a profitable future.
The English wanted to establish their influence in the sub-Continent and to oust the Dutch and
Portuguese.

Q- Explain why the East India Company got involved in the sub-continent during the seventeenth
century. [7]
 Traders reported evidence of immense wealth in the sub-Continent which led to the EIC establishing
a trading base there since they saw a profitable future.
 It also wanted to establish its influence in the sub-Continent and to oust the Dutch and Portuguese.
 The EIC also wanted to establish a strategic port in the sub-continent that would protect its trading
interests there.

Q-‘Indian resistance to British attempts to take control of lands in the sub-continent in the hundred
years before 1850 was totally unsuccessful.’ Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer. [14]

Explains successes AND failures.

Also produces a judgment or evaluation.
Successes:
 power of local Nawabs
 early successes of Tipu Sultan
 Ranjit Singh

Failures:
 strength of British army
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  eventual failure of Tipu Sultan and Ranjit Singh
 conquests of British against weaker opposition

Q- Why was Britain successful in increasing its control of some parts of the sub-continent in the
years 1750 to 1850? [7]

 The Battles of Plassey and Buxar gave the British the vast riches of Bengal and favourable trading
rights with the local nawabs.
 This provided massive new resources which the British could use to consolidate its control. The British
also introduced governors-general into the provinces who administered them on British lines and
provided yet more control.
 The East India Company army, using its vast local resources and superior weapons and skills, was
increasingly taking control of more land. The Indian states were disunited politically and militarily – a
situation of which the British took full advantage.

Q-How successful were the British attempts to take control of lands in the sub-continent between
1750 and 1856? [14]

Explain both. Also produces a judgment or evaluation.

Successes:
 Strength of British Army.
 Eventual failure of Tipu Sultan and Ranjit Singh.
 Identifies successful conquests of British against weaker opposition.
 Annexation of Oudh under the Doctrine of Lapse.
Failures:
 Power of local Nawabs.
 Early successes of Tipu Sultan.
 Ranjit Singh.
 Afghanistan campaign.

Warren Hastings
 He was the first Governor-General of Bengal from 1772 to 1785.
 He and Robert Clive are credited with laying the foundation of the British Empire in India.
 He extended British control in India through wars against the Marathas (1772-1782), and Hyder Ali of
Mysore (1780-1784) and his son Tipu Sultan, who fiercely resisted British rule.
 To finance these military ventures, Hasting took bribes and forced some wealthy princes to give him
money.
 This got him into trouble, and he returned to Britain to face charges of corruption.

19
Subsidiary Alliance:

In 1789 Lord Wellesley arrived in India as Governor General.

He persuaded the local Prince and rulers to sign Subsidiary Alliance. It was introduced by Lord Wellesley to
bring princely states under the control of the British.
In this system, an Indian ruler had to maintain British troops in his state, either by giving some of his
territories or by paying for the maintenance of the troops.

It was a shrewd way of Britain to strengthen its power in India at very little cost.
The local ruler continued to run the affairs of his state while the British soldiers protected him. In return for
this protection the ruler had to pay towards the cost of the troops and accept a British resident adviser.

The state of Hyderabad was the first to accept British protection with a subsidiary alliance in 1800.
It was followed by in 1801 and Maratha peshwa in 1802.

Governor General of India Lord Dalhousie 1848 - 1856.

Lord Dalhousie wanted to strengthen British economy.British economy reached its peak during the time of
Lord Dalhousie started in error of investment in the Indian subcontinent became the priority investment
Central British investor 10 house is started the doctrine of lapse actually he was of the opinion that he to
that you have economic stability political stability was necessary so he wanted to have Direct Access to the
Indian state

Under the Doctrine of Lapse the local States which lacked natural heir and successes taken away by the
East India Company.
The victims of this policy were the Satara, Jhansi, Lucknow, Sambalpur. etc

The Mal administration was the reason for the annexation of other states but East India Company has to do
so very struggle to conquer Punjab state.

How did British change the Indian people?

These changes brought resentment and people started to get against westernization.

Female Infanticide : Suttee: Thuggee:

In 1795 the East India The Hindu religion seemed to In Central and upper India
Company declared the permit the ritual burning of widows groups of armed robbers -thugs
Killing of baby daughters to on the funeral pyres of the - claim they were serving a
be murder. husband's. goddess.
It was easily said hard to in At first the British were reluctant They used a ritual way of
force. 100 years later it is still to get involved but the loud murdering their victim and the
important to check the demands of many locals forced people were terrified of them.
daughters were still alive the East India Company to outlaw The East India Company used
several years after the birth. the practice in Bengal in 1829, force to once and for all destroy
and then in the rest of the country. thuggee.
20
 Lord Bentinck was the Governor
General who took this bold step.
English Language: Railways: Schools:

In 1835 English was The British invented the railway. Following the language change
declared to be the official The first public Railway using the government set up schools
language. steam powered locomotives across the country to teach
Until then Persian had been opened in England in 1825. It was Western ideas using English
the main language of the the start of railway age as British language this aim to educate a
rulers’ diplomats and official. engineers constructed Railways group of class of Indians who
This had a westernizing all over the world. would take on western values
effect as a brought educated They were to transform India. The and help the British to govern
people into contact with first public train journey in India the millions of the other people.
English books. took place in 1853. The aim to educate a group of
They helped British industry to class of Indians who would take
profit for transporting raw on western values and helped
materials to the ports and the British to govern the millions
manufactured goods to be sold all of the Other Indians
over the country.

Railways also helped the British to

control the country.

Troops were moved speedily to

wherever whenever they might be
needed.

Civil servants and Businessman

could journey quickly and
uncomfortably.

Q-Why did the British build railways in India during the nineteenth century? [7]

Level 3:
Explains reasons Explains one reason for 5 marks and two (+) reasons up to a maximum of 7 marks.

e.g.
• Railways transported raw materials easily/cheaply to the ports for export/ manufactured goods to be sold
throughout India, increasing British profits.
• Railways carried troops swiftly around India (helping the British to maintain law and order and extend
power).
• British could travel the country and spread their ideas / culture, gaining support / to govern effectively.
• In times of famine food could be transported quickly to affected areas.
• To win support of Indians who found them useful for travel as families were able to travel to visit relatives
in other parts of India.

Level 2:
Identifies reason(s) Identifies one reason for 2 marks and two (+) reasons up to a maximum of 4 marks.
21
 e.g.
• Trains transported raw materials.
• Trains carried troops.
• To modernize India.
• Railways were a symbol of power / demonstrated dominance.
• To spread ideas / culture. • To gain support / govern effectively. • To westernize / make India more like
Britain.

Level 1:
Simple statement(s)
A general answer lacking specific knowledge for 1 mark. e.g.
• The British needed railways.

22
 Reasons of the Failure

Disunity:

• The rebels did not have a common purpose and lacked unity.
• Many refused to fight unless they are harmed directly.

Tyrannical Rule:
• The rebels due to their incompetence failed to get freedom from the British rule.
• The Indians ended as slaves and a period of tyrannical rule started as the British acquired complete
autonomy.

Hatred Towards Muslims:

• The British considered Muslims as the main cause behind the uprising and hatred towards them started.
• The British became cautious and rigid in their behavior.

Military Reforms:
• The number of British soldiers in the army increased.
• Many of the Indians became jobless.
• The forces that took part in the rebellion were executed with cruel punishment such as blown by canon
alive.
• The supply of the greased cartridge rifles was stopped completely.

Cancellation of Doctrine Lapse:

• The doctrine lapse was reversed allowing the inheritance of ancestral lands to Indians.
• The policy was annexation was also changed with the Queen’s decision to stay with their current territorial
possession.

End of East India Company:

• The British Government blamed East India Company behind the uprising and took over it and removed it
from the scene.

Removal of Centralization:
• 1833 Act, the policy of centralization was changed, and new reforms were taken for decentralizations.
• A Secretary of State was introduced with 15 council members and Indians were allowed to be elected in
the provisional councils.
• Bombay and Madras governments’ legislative power was restored by 1861 Act.
• In many provinces including Bengal and Punjab, new legislative councils were established.

23
 Immediate Causes of Revolt of 1857
Political Causes Policy of Expansion:
After the Battle of Plassey, the British began to conquer Indian territories rapidly. They conquered Indian
territories by fighting wars, by implementing the Doctrine of Lapse, by forcing kingdoms to sign the
Subsidiary Alliance System and on the pretext of alleged mismanagement of the states by Indian kings. By
1856, almost all kingdoms came under the British rule directly or indirectly and the Indian princes became
puppet rulers. This created resentment among the kings and their subjects.

Doctrine of Lapse: According to the Doctrine of Lapse introduced by Lord Dalhousie, if any Indian
 ruler died without leaving a male heir, his kingdom passed over to the British
Because of the Doctrine of Lapse, many states such as Jhansi, Satara and Nagpur were annexed by the
Company. The rulers of these kingdoms like Rani Laxmibai thus rose in revolt against the Company.

Annexation of Awadh(Oudh): Lord Dalhousie annexed Awadh on the reason of mismanagement. This
was an uninformed decision as the British seemed to have broken their promises made to the British chiefs.
This caused torture among Indians—rulers and people.

Disrespect Shown towards Bahadur Shah Zafar: Bahadur Shah, the Mughal ruler, was a pensioner of
the British. Lord Dalhousie announced that he and his family will not be able to live in Red Fort. The name
of the Mughal king was removed from the coins which were minted by the Company.

Lord Canning declared Bahadur Shah Zafar as the last king of the Mughal dynasty. He announced that
none of his descendants would be recognised as kings; rather, they would only be called princes.

Treatment Given to Nana Saheb and Rani Laxmibai: Nan Sahib, the adopted son of Baji Rao II, the last
Peshwa, was refused pension by the British. This created indignation in the Maratha community. Rani
Laxmibai also became the fierce enemy of the British after her kingdom of Jhansi was annexed by the
British on the principle of the Doctrine of Lapse.

Socio-Religious Causes

Interference with Social Customs: The English took various measures to reform the evils which had crept
into Indian society. The practice of sati was banned in 1829 and the Widow Remarriage Act was passed in
1856. The Indians disapproved the British interference in their social system.

Policy of Racial Discrimination: The British racially discriminated against the Indians. The British
believed that they are superior to the Indians and followed a policy of contempt towards the Indians. Indians
were ill-treated and insulted.

Laws of Property: In 1850, a new law was passed according to which an Indian who had converted to
Christianity could inherit the property of his ancestors. Indians regarded this as a trick by the British to
convert people into Christianity.

24
Activities of the Missionaries: The activities of the missionaries increased in the early nineteenth century.
The Indians believed that the government was supporting missionary activities and wanted to convert them
to Christianity.

Taxing Religious Institutions: The British began to tax lands belonging to temples and mosques. The
families dependent on these lands began to propagate that the British were trying to undermine religions in
India.

Economic Causes

Exploitation of Economic Resources: The British overexploited the resources of the country. India was
forced to export raw materials to Britain at exorbitantly low rates. Plantation products and food grains were
exported to Britain. While no import duties were imposed on ready-made British goods, high import duties
were levied on the Indian goods exported to Britain. This resulted in the decline in handicraft and many
subsidiary industries in India.

Drain of Wealth: The British, after establishing their rule in Bengal, began to purchase raw materials from
India meant to be exported to England out of Indian revenues. The salaries and pension of British officers
were also paid from Indian revenues. This marked the beginning of the drain of Indian wealth to Britain.

Decay of Cottage and Handicraft Industries: The Indian handicraft industry began to decline because of
the free trade policy of the English. The Indian goods were not able to compete with the cheap English
machine-made goods. Further, high trade duties were imported on the Indian goods entering Britain. This
resulted in the loss of livelihood of millions of artisans and weavers.

Exploitation of the Indian Peasantry: The British levied high taxes on the Indian peasantry. For example,
the land revenues in Bengal were raised considerably by the British. Many peasants had to sell their lands
as they were not able to pay the increased land revenues. The traders and moneylenders who became the
owners of the land did nothing to improve to quality of the land as they were only concerned with the
collection of land revenues. As a result, the condition of the Indian peasantry deteriorated.

Poverty and Famine: The economic policies of the British impoverished the general Indian people.
Famines became recurrent in India, and nothing was done by the British to minimize the impact of famines.

Military Causes

Ill-treatment of Indian Soldiers: The British government ill treated the Indian soldiers. They were denied
better pay and facilities. They were also often humiliated by the English officers. No Indian soldier could rise
above the post of ‘subedar’ in the Indian army. The British had no regard for Indian sentiments.

General Service Enlistment Act: The Company passed a new law in 1856, according to which a sepoy
had to travel overseas whenever required by the Company. It was believed by the Hindus that one could
lose his caste status and religion if he crosses the seas. The sepoys thought the Company was trying to
defame their religion.

Larger Proportion of Indians in the British Army: The British army consisted of more Indian soldiers. It
made it easier for the Indian soldiers to take up arms against the British.
25
Low Salaries: The wages and salaries of the Indian soldiers were too low to support their families. The
British soldiers received higher salaries.

Immediate Cause

The British had introduced a new paper cartridge Rifle in the army. This rifle needed a cartridge which had
a greased paper cover. This paper cover had to be bitten off before loading the cartridge into the rifle.
Rumours spread that the greased paper was made of beef and pork. The soldiers felt that it was a move by
the British to defame their religion.

Mangal Pandey urged his fellow soldiers not to use the rifle. On 29 March 1857, he attacked his officers in
Barrackpore. He was later hanged. On 9 May 1857, eighty-five Indian soldiers who had refused to use the
greased cartridge were dismissed from their services and were jailed for disobeying their officers. This
marked the beginning of the sepoy revolt in Meerut which later spread to the other parts of northern India.

Main Events of the Revolt

The main centres of the revolt were Delhi. The sepoys of Meerut were joined by the local soldiers of Delhi.
They killed many British officers and declared Bahadur Shah Zafar as the leader of the revolt. Later
General Bakht Khan commanded the Bareilly troops into Delhi and provided leadership to the rebels. After
the recapture of Delhi by troops laid by Sir John Nicholson, Bahadur Shah Zafar was found guilty of aiding
the rebellion. His sons and grandson were killed and he was exiled to Yangon in Myanmar.

Awadh: On 30 May 1857, a great rising took place in Awadh. Within the next few days, the whole of
Awadh was captured by the rebels. The leader of the revolt in Awadh was Begum Hazrat Mahal. After the
city was recaptured by the British, Begum Hazrat Mahal fled to Nepal.

Kanpur: The revolt in Kanpur was led by Nana Sahib. A large number of Englishmen, women and
children were captured and killed by the infuriated mob. Nana Sahib was defeated by the British in
December 1857. He fled to Nepal where he died.

Jhansi : In Jhansi, the revolt was laid by Rani Laxmibai, whose state was annexed by
 Lord Dalhousie on the basis of the Doctrine of Lapse. She rose against the British and joined the revolt.
By June 1857, the English had lost control over many parts of Jhansi.
When the English forces under Hugh Rose laid a siege to the fort of Jhansi, Laxmibai valiantly fought
against the English troops. When it became impossible for her to hold the fort any longer, she escaped to
Kalpi with lightning speed.

At Kalpi she was joined by another remarkable Indian leader Tantya Tope, the commander of the forces of
Nana Sahib. Both marched to Gwalior. Rani Laxmibai fell to the large number of British troops and was
killed while fighting. Tantya Tope managed to escape, but he was later captured and killed by the British
troops.

26
Consequences of the Revolt

The revolt of 1857 was brutally suppressed by the British. The revolt brought far-reaching effects on India’s
socio-political life. These were

End of the Company’s Rule

The power to govern India was transferred from the Company to the British crown.

 The Board of Directors and the Board of Control of India were abolished and the
 office of the Secretary of State for India was created. He was to look after the formulation of the British
policies in India. His salary and allowances were to be paid from Indian revenues. The Governor General
in India now came to be known as the Viceroy of India.
 Lord Canning became the first viceroy of the country.

Proclamation of Queen Victoria

The Proclamation of Queen Victoria promised the following:
 To follow a policy of non-intervention in social and religious matters of the Indians
 To treat the European and Indian subjects equally
 To grant pardon to all Indians who had taken part in the revolt except those who were guilty of murdering
the British citizens. To work for promoting Indian industries

End of Mughals and Peshwaship

After the revolt, the sons and grandson of Bahadur Shah Zafar were shot dead and beheaded.
The Mughal Empire in India came to an end after the death of Bahadur Shah Zafar.
After Nana Sahib fled to Nepal after the revolt, the institution of Peshwaship also came to an end.
Two of the most formidable enemies of the British were thus destroyed during the revolt.

Relations with the Princely States

British abandoned the Doctrine of Lapse and the Subsidiary Alliance System. The loyalty of the Indian
princes during the revolt was rewarded.

Policy of Divide and Rule

As both Hindus and Muslims had participated in the revolt, the British began to follow the policy of divide
and rule. They not only created a rift between the Hindus and the Muslims but also between castes and
various groups.

Racial Discrimination The British subjected Indians to insult and humiliation. Indians were dubbed as
unworthy of trust. Railway compartments, parks, hotels and clubs were reserved exclusively for the British

Changes in the Structure of Army

The strength of European troops in India was increased
. European soldiers were posted in key strategic locations.
 Artillery was placed under British control.
 Discriminations on the basis of caste, region and religion were practised in the recruitment of soldiers
 in the army to prevent another anti-British uprising.
Newspapers, journals and nationalist publications were prevented from reaching the soldiers to avoid any
kind of mutiny.
27
Rise of Nationalism

The revolt of 1857 and its brutal suppression by the British paved the way for the rise of the Indian National
Movement. The heroic struggle of the Indian leaders such as Rani Laxmibai, Nana Sahib and Tantya Tope
continued to inspire millions of Indians to fight against the British rule in India.

Limitations of the Revolt of 1857

The revolt was not widespread in nature.
The western, eastern and southern parts of India remained unaffected by the revolt.
English received the help of the soldiers of the Rajputana, Punjab and Sind in crushing the revolt.
The Indian rebels were not armed with modern weapons.
lacked in organisation and planning
. On the contrary, the English soldiers were armed with modern weapons and ammunition. Many rulers
did not participate in the revolt.
 Many zamindars and moneylenders did not support the uprising of 1857
. Many sections of educated Indians did not support the revolt as they believed that India could be
 modernised only under British rule.

Q-Who was Bahadur Shah Zafar?

24 October 1775 – 7 November 1862), also known as Bahadur Shah Zafar was the last Mughal emperor .
He was the son of Akbar II and Lal Bai, a Hindu Rajput. He became the Mughal emperor when his father
died on 28 September 1837. He used Zafar, a part of his name, meaning “victory” .Following his
involvement in the Indian Rebellion of 1857, the British tried and then exiled him from Delhi and sent him to
Rangon in British-controlled Burma. When Zafar reached the age of 87, in 1862 he was “weak and feeble”.
However in late October 1862, his condition deteriorated suddenly. He was “spoon-fed” but he found it
difficult to do it by 3 November. Zafar finally died on Friday 7 November 1862.

Q-Who was Mangal Pandey?

19 July 1827 – 8 April 1857), was an Indian soldier who played a key part in events immediately preceding
the outbreak of the Indian rebellion of 1857.Mangal Pandey was a sepoy in the 34th Bengal Native Infantry
(BNI) regiment of the British East India Company. While contemporary British opinion considered him a
traitor and mutineer, Pandey is widely regarded as a freedom fighter in modern India

Q-What was Suttee?

the Indian custom of a widow burning herself, either on the funeral fire of her dead husband or in some
other fashion, soon after his death. Although never widely practiced, suttee was the ideal of certain
Brahman and royal castes. It is sometimes linked to the myth of the Hindu goddess Sati, who burned
herself to death in a fire that she created through her yogic powers after her father insulted her husband,
the god Shiva—but in this myth Shiva remains alive and avenges “ati’s death.

Q-What happened at the battle of Kanpur? [4]

Troops of Nana Sahib rose up against the British and kept their forces trap for a period of 3 weeks.

28
Q-Who was Rani of Jhansi? [4]
Lakshmi bai was known as the Rani of Jhansi and a leader of the Indian Mutiny of 1857–58. She was not
accepted as ruler and Jhansi was captured by British under doctrine of Lapse, she revolted, supported by
Tatia Tope, she was killed by British in battle of Gawalior. Rani Lakshmibai was the bravest among all the
leaders of 1857 who tried to defeat the British forces. After the death of her husband she had adopted a
son but the then Governor-General, Lord Dalhousie refused to give the rule of Jhansi to the adopted child,
and Jhansi was annexed to the British Empire. With the help of her commanders Nana Sahib, Tantia Tope,
and her Afghan supporters, she occupied Gwalior. she was defeated by the British and died fighting bravely
against the British.

Q- Who was Nana Sahib? [4]

Nana Saheb, the adopted son of the late Peshwa Baji Rao, who lived near Kanpur, gathered armed forces
and expelled the British battalion from the city. He proclaimed himself Peshwa.

Q-What was the role of Tatya Tope in the revolt of 1857? [4]

During the Indian Rebellion of 1857, Tatya Tope was a supporter of Nana Sahib, a rebel Indian chief. He
won over the Indian troops of the East India Company stationed at Kanpur, created Nana Sahib's authority,
and became the commander in chief of his revolutionary forces as the political storm grew stronger.

Vernacular Act of 1878

 The lack of opportunities given to the Indians by the British led to great criticism.
 The British passed this act to control the wide spread criticism of the British in newspaper articles
written in regional languages.
 Proposed by Lord Lytton, the then Viceroy of India.
 The act allowed the government to confiscate assets of newspapers along with their printing
presses if the newspapers published something that was found "objectionable"

29
30
 Sir Syed Ahmad Khan

Q1-Why did Sir Syed Ahmad Khan found the Aligarh Movement? [7]
 Simple statement
 3 reasons elaborated in 3 paragraphs

Example pointers
 He wanted to improve relations between the British and Muslims by getting rid of British doubts about
Muslim loyalty and Muslim doubts about the British.
 He also wanted to improve the social and economic position of Muslims by getting them to receive
Western education and take up posts in the civil service and army.
 He also wanted them to increase their political awareness to make them aware of the threat to from the
Hindu policy of cooperation with the British.

Q2- Were the religious views of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan his most important contribution in
developing the cause of Muslims during the nineteenth century? Explain your answer. [14]

 Simple statement 2 Marks

 4-5 facts explained
 Evaluation 1 Marks

31
 Type equation here.

Example pointers
 He believed that relations with the British could be improved by improving the understanding of
Christianity by Muslims. He tried to overcome this by writing Tabyin-ul-Kalam, in which he pointed
out the similarities between Islam and Christianity.
 He was also aware that the British knew little about Islam and was offended by a book he read in
Britain on the life of the Prophet and as a result he wrote his own work correcting the many errors he
had read.
 However he contributed many other things. He attempted to improve the position of Muslims through
education. In 1863 he founded the Scientific Society at Ghazipore. He wanted to make scientific
writings available to Muslims by translating them from English into Urdu.
 He established a Muslim college which led to the Muslim-Anglo Oriental College in 1876. This
became the University of Aligarh which became important in Pakistani history as providing an
education for many of its future leaders. He also made a contribution in politics. He believed that
Muslims would never win any election because of the Hindu majority population.
 He therefore advocated separate seats and a separate electorate which was the forerunner of the
future demand for a separate homeland. He wrote a number of books following the War of
Independence in which he tried to show the British that the Muslims were only partly to blame and
that there were many who were supporters of the British government.
 He suggested that the British should try to understand Muslims better. He gave an explanation of the
word ’Nadarath’ in an attempt to remove the misunderstanding of the British about the Muslims.

Q3- Which of the following was the most important contribution of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan in
restoring the position of Muslims in the sub-continent:
(i) attempts to achieve a better understanding between the British and the Muslims;
(ii) Education;
(iii) Politics?
Explain your answer with reference to all three of the above. [14 marks]
Answers

Simple Statement
(i) attempts to achieve a better understanding between the British and the Muslims;
(ii) Education;
(iii) Politics
Evaluation

Contribution of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan (14 Marks)

1. Attempts to achieve a better understanding between the British and the Muslims Sir Syed
Ahmad Khan was one of the Muslim reformers.
32
 He carefully studied and analyzed the decline of Muslims in political power, social status and economic
well-being. He came to the conclusion that Muslims were being handicapped because of the
misunderstanding which had cropped up between the British and Muslim rulers, the Muslims opposed and
hated the British and everything associated with the British. Muslims kept away from modern education and
English language which the British were trying to enforce in India. On the other hand the British held the
Muslims responsible for the revolt of 1857 and considered them (Muslims) to be their real enemies. The
result of this mistrust was that Muslims were being crushed in every way.
Therefore, Sir Syed tried to remove this misunderstanding by addressing both the British and Muslims. Sir
Syed wrote books and explained to the British that the real cause of 1857 uprising was the wrong policies
and altitude of the British themselves. To Muslims Sir Syed explained that Christians and Christianity
should not be hated. He specially stressed that Muslims should came towards modern education, the lack
of which was causing continual set back to the Muslims of India.
2. Education
Sir Syed gave much importance to modern education and his efforts and contribution to Muslim education
and his efforts and contribution to Muslim education is very important. He opened schools at several places
where he was posted. He established Scientific Society and printed the Aligarh Institute Gazette. He was
visited England in 1869 on his own expenses to observe the working of British Universities. Most important
achievement in education sector was the founding of M.A.O College at Aligarh in 1877. Sir Syed founded
the Mohammadens Educational Conference whose objective was to discuss and solve the education
problems of Muslims in the sub-continent. His efforts for Muslim education served double purpose. It helped
the Muslims to get good jobs and raised their status in society. It also helped in removing the mistrust
between the British and the Muslims. Therefore education was the most important aspect of Sir Syed’s
services in the Muslims of India.

2. Politics

Sir Syed’s advice to Muslims in the political field is also important. He believed that under the European
system or democratic government the Muslims of India would always be at the mercy of Hindu majority. He
suggested separate electorate for Muslims. He advised the Muslims not to join Congress. He opposed the
system of competitive examinations for government posts because Muslims were much behind the Hindus
in education. Sir Syed strongly opposed the replacement of Urdu with Hindi as court and official language.
4. Religion
In Religion Sir Syed united the Muslims by supporting the “Two Nation Theory” and the Hindi-Urdu
controversy of 1867 in which Hindus wanted Hindi to be the official language while the Muslims wanted
Urdu. He realised the threat to Muslims so united them and gave them good education.

Aligarh Movement
Sir Syed was interested in Muslims. He wanted to improve relations with British and the positions of
Muslims.
33
The central aims of the Aligarh Movement were to:
- improve relations between the British and Muslims communities by removing British doubts about Muslim
loyalty and Muslim doubts about the British intentions.
- improve the social and economic position of Muslims by encouraging them to receive Western education
and take up posts in the civil service and army.
- increase their political awareness to make them aware of the threat to from the Hindu policy of
cooperation with the British.

Hindi-Urdu Controversy
 Hindi-Urdu Controversy was started in 1867. Hindus demanded Hindi to be official language but
Muslims wanted Urdu to be official language.
 Sir Syed supported Urdu in this thing.
 Due to this reason Sir Syed started “Two Nation Theory” telling that Muslims and Hindus were two
separate kinds of people.
 Muslims opposed this and supported Urdu as it was the sign and united the Muslims of the India under
one language.

Two-Nation Theory
 Urdu was the national language for many years. But Hindus opposed it in Urdu Controversy. This
provoked Sir Syed to make his Two Nation Theory to tell that Urdu had place in hearts of Muslims and
was supported by them and can’t be replaced by Hindu which was the language of the Hindus. It was
important because Sir Syed had realized that Muslims and Hindu couldn’t work together as the Hindus
were not with the Muslims.
 Another reason was that the parliamentary system was not supported by Sir Syed was Hindus were in
more number so they always outnumbered the Muslims and due to this Sir Syed opposed it. Sir Syed
realised that separate electorate was the possible solution to this so in view of his Two Nations Theory.
He made this decision of separate electorate demand for elections for the good of the Muslims.
 Another reason it was important was that congress spoke of competitive examinations for jobs and good
posts while Muslims were always not given good education so they were also not able to take good
posts as Hindu won all the seats and passed the examinations always. According to Two Nation Theory
Sir Syed suggested it as two separate groups of Muslims and Hindus were not working for the Muslims
at that time so Two Nation Theory was important here as well.

Q4-Describe The Loyal Mohammedans of India. [4 marks ]

Level 1: One mark for each relevant point, two marks for a developed statement 1–4 e.g.
• Written by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan;
• Its aims were to bring about better relations between the British and the Muslim community;
34
• To enable the British to understand and respect Muslim beliefs;
• To encourage consultation with the Indian people.

Q5-Explain why Sir Syed Ahmad Khan tried to improve relations between the Muslim community
and the British. [7]

Level 3: Explains reasons (i.e. an understanding of impact / long term

benefits) 5–7
(Five marks for one explanation, six marks for two explanations, seven marks for three
explanations)
e.g.
• Sir Syed Ahmad Khan wanted to improve their social and economic conditions by taking up posts in the
civil service and the army. In order to do this, the Muslim community needed to embrace the British-styled
education system, which would open the door to these roles.
• If the Muslim community did not do these things and foster good relations with the British, then they may
see the Hindu community prosper at their expense.
• He wrote The Loyal Mohammadens of India to prove to the British that the Muslim community could be
trusted after the War of Independence.

Level 2: Identifies reason(s) 2–4

(One mark for each identification )
e.g.

• Sir Syed Ahmad Khan wanted to improve the social and economic conditions of the Muslim community
• He did not wish other communities to prosper at the expense of the Muslim community
• He wrote The Loyal Mohammadens of India

Level 1: Simple statement(s) 1

(One mark for any simple statement)
e.g.

• It was beneficial to have good relations

No evidence submitted or response does not address the question 0

35
 The Aligarh Movement

Background

• The unsuccessful 1857 War that was fought for Independence from the British rule made the British
believed that Muslims were responsible for the uprising.

• After 1857, the War of Independence the British started treating Muslims brutally with vengeful and
merciless punishments.

Consequences of the War of Independence

• The Mughal Empire declined, and Religious Education, Persian, and Arabic were banned from schools.

• English became the official language and medium of instructions in institutions.

• The brutality of British, and new school system made Muslims furious. They started despising everything
western and modern as a result missing the opportunities too.

Goals of the Aligarh Movement

• At that time Sir Syed Ahmed realized that the acceptance of modern knowledge is the only thing that can
pretend Muslims from further worsening their situations.

• Therefore, modern education and changing the mind of Indian Muslims became the central point of his
movement.

• With an idea to bring social reforms and education reforms, he launched the Aligarh Movement with the
following goals:

The Outcome:

• Sir Syed's Aligarh Movement became a success, he did receive criticism by some Muslims due to his
modern opinions but some people shared his view including Nawab Mohsin-ul-Mulk and Chiragh Ali.

• Some English professors also helped him with their services in setting up the Aligarh College including
Arnold, Bech, and Raleigh.

36
 Hindu-Urdu Controversy

• Urdu was the language used in North-Western India during the Muslim rule.

• It was declared the official language and all record-keeping was also done it.

• In 1867, Hindus in Banaras demanded the replacement of Urdu with Hindi.

• The Hindus also wanted to replace the Persian script with Deva Nagri.

• The main reason for Hindus hatred towards the Urdu language is, it follows Persian script that is like
Arabic – the language of the Holy Quran.

• The movement to replace Urdu, gain momentum among the Hindus and they formed a headquarter at
Allahabad.

• This enraged the Muslims and they came out to protect the language as they considered it a unified force.

• Sir Syed also supported Urdu and it became base for the ‘Two Nation Theory’.

• The Hindu-Urdu controversy made Sir Syed saw things in a different light.

• Before it, Sir Syed believed in Hindu-Muslim harmony.

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 Two-Nation Theory

Background:

• In the starting years, Sir Syed wanted Muslims to have good relations with Hindus too.

• However, the Hindus’ intention seemed otherwise.

• In 1884, British men started to vote and by 1888 women also allowed to cast their vote.

• He realized that democracy is coming to Britain and it will soon reach to India too because some local
councils were elected there.

• Hindus are in majority, and in case if the British ever leave India then every election will be won by them.

• He believed that to solve this problem the British must treat Hindus and Muslims separately.

• For his idea to be considered, he also explained why Muslims and Hindus are two different nations:

Religious Differences:

• Hinduism supports the concept of multiple Gods while Islam is based on Tauheed i.e. the Oneness of
Allah.

Cultural Differences:

• Muslims bury their dead bodies while Hindus burnt their bodies.

• Hindus consider ‘Cow’ a sacred animal while Muslims slaughter and eat it.

Language Differences:

38
• The Hindi-Urdu Controversy is proof that Muslims and Hindus cannot work and live side by side.

- To build a relationship of understanding between Muslims and the British.

- To persuade Muslims to learn English.

- To motivate Muslims to get scientific knowledge.

- To produce educated Muslims that can work side by side with British.

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 Chapter 5
Urdu and Regional Languages

Steps taken by the government for the promotion of languages after Independence
URDU
 Urdu dictionary was complied
 It was used as a medium of instruction in many schools and colleges in Pakistan
 Urdu departments were set up at universities, awarding Master’s degree.
 Radio, T.V. film, novels, poetry, magazines also promoted this language.
SINDHI

 In 1948 Sindhi Literary Board was setup and this has printed many books and magazines in
Sindhi.
 Amongst important Sindhi author are Pir Ali Muhammad Rashidi, Faqir Nabi Bux and G. Allana.
 Several important books have been written on Sindhi folk literature.
 In 1954 Bazm-e-Talib-ul-Muala was set up to promote Sindhi Literature.
 A Sarmast Academy has been established in the memory of Sachal Sarmast .
PASHTO
 Peshawar University was established and an academy was established for the promotion of
Pashto literature was set up in 1954.
 The university was headed by Maulana Abdul Qadir and prepared a Pashto dictionary.
PUNJABI
 Punjabi is introduced as curriculum subject
 Department of Punjabi language was setup university of Punjab.
 TV, Punjabi plays, novels & poetry promoted Punjabi language.
 Punjabi theater is also playing an important role in promotion
BALOCHI

 Radio Pakistan Karachi began Broadcast in Balochi.

 The Balochi Literary Association was set up and there are now weekly and monthly magazines
Published in the Language
 Morden Balochi literature has shown rapid progress. there are many poets most notable are atta
Shad and Ishaq Shamin .Other writers, such as Gul Khan Nasir and Azad Jamal Din are also
working to promote the Balochi language
 The Quetta television station broadcasts in Balochi

Q: Why have regional languages been promoted by the Pakistan government since 1947? [7]

One of the reasons was that it was felt by the Pakistan government that in order to preserve the work done
by the famous writers and poets in different languages, the languages should be promoted. The literature

40
they produced must be kept alive for the coming generations. Works like of Munir Niazi, Atta Shad, Ashfaq
Ahmad and others in areas of regional languages should be protected. So because of this thinking, govt. of
Pakistan had made every possible attempt to promote the regional languages.

Secondly, some languages played an important role in the history of Pakistan. For example, Pushto
literature had played a very important part in creating opposition to British rule and in the movement for
independence. There to elevate the standard of such languages, govt. of Pakistan has tried to promote the
regional languages since 1947.

Thirdly, at the time of partition, there were some languages that were at the brink of decline. Like Balochi,
which was at its decline at the time of partition. So govt. felt that it should be kept alive and not lost forever.
Hence the language was promoted.

Q: How successful has been the promotion of local languages in Pakistan been since 1947? Give
reasons for your answer. [14]

Since 1947, the Pakistan government has took strong measures for the development and promotion of its
regional languages, Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashto and Balochi, though some others like Brohi, Persian, Kashmiri
and Siraiki are also spoken.

Punjabi, which is widely understood in Punjab, Azad Kashmir and few areas of N.W.F.P, has been
promoted by the Govt. through media. Punjabi films, dramas and theatres have been become very popular.
Newspaper, journals and magazines have also been very significant in promoting Punjabi culture &
literature. New poets and writers like Munir Niazi, Ahmad Rahi, S.Kunjahi, Ashfaq Ahmad, Bano Qudsia
and others have produce master pieces of poetry and writings in Punjabi. The Holy Quran has also been
translated into Punjabi by M.Ali Faiq. Punjabi is taught up to MA level in Punjab University and Punjab
Academy has translated and produced many books in Punjabi. This way round its promotion is quite
significant.

Pashto, language spoken in N.W.F.P, has also been given due important in promotion and development.
Peshawar University was established after 3 year of independence where Pashto is taught up to MA level.
Pashto Academy was set up in 1954 which has prepared a well-renowned dictionary under Maulana
A.Qadir. Pashto dramas and films have also gained importance. Pashto papers, journals and books have
also helped Pashto language to promote. New writers & poets have also added to this contribution by
producing classic poetry and stories Pashto typewriter has also been prepared. Hence Pashto has greatly
been promoted over the year.

Sindhi, spoken in Sindh, have also been nourished and nurtured through promotion and
development since 1947. Sindhi literary board was set up in 1948 which had produced many books with
coordination of poets like F.N Bux and G. Allone. Sindhi library in Karachi has helped Sindhi literature
spread. Many folk writings have also been produced. Bazm-e-Talib-ul-Muola have been set up which
translates books into Sindhi. Sindhiology Dept. in Jamshoro University and development & promotion of
Sindhi literature and culture through modern means. Example: TV, radio, newspapers e.t.c. After 1947
large numbers of Urdu speaking refugees were settled in Sindh. Sindhi- Speaking people feared their

41
language and culture were being destroyed. After riots in 1972, in support of preserving their language and
culture, the govt. guaranteed the special importance of the Sindhi language.

Balochi language which was at its decline before partition was given special attention for its promotion.
Radio Pak Karachi now also broadcast in Balochi. Quetta TV centre have been producing marvellous
dramas to help, develop and translate many books to Balochi and new poets like Atta Shad and writers
have greatly contributed towards its promotion. Balochi literary Association was set up and there are now
weekly and monthly magazines published in the language.

Thus, Pakistan has been very successful in promotion of its local languages. These languages have
developed a lot due to Government policies designed for this purpose. On the other hand, poets & writers
have also aided in this promotion and development.

Q- Why did Pakistan choose Urdu as its national language? [7]

 It carries immense importance for all Pakistanis since it has been considered to be the language of all
Muslims for 300 years. During the Mughal period, a lot of Mughal kings like Badar Shah Zafar took
keen interest to promote the Urdu language. It was widely used during the Mughal era. It was
understood and spoken in various parts of the sub-continent because when the Muslims travelled they
spread their language. Therefore due to this it was chosen to be the national a language of Pakistan.
 It was the language associated with the Pakistan Movement throughout its struggle with the British and
the Hindus. When Muslim League was formed it gave great importance to the development of Urdu
language, this was one their major goals too.
 Due the efforts of the poets and writers, Urdu had spread widely. Its link to the Islamic religion has also
been very important, most notably with the translation of the Quran into Urdu by Shah Abdul Qadir.
Many religious books have been written in the twentieth century and this has also helped develop unity
amongst the Muslims. After Independence it was felt that the language was the uniting force behind the
nation and the government is committed to using at all levels in society.
(Refer to page # 47 of Nigel Kelly)

Q How successful has been the promotion of the following regional languages in Pakistan between
1947 and 1988:
(i) Punjabi;
(ii) Pushto;
(iii) Sindhi?

Explain your answer with reference to all three of the languages. [14]

42
Q ‘Sindhi was promoted more than any other regional language between 1947 and 1988’. Do you
agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer. [14]
Explains promotion of more than1 language
(Sindhi to be included for maximum marks).
Also produces a judgment or evaluation.
After Independence, steps were taken to promote Sindhi e.g. the Sindhi Literary Board was set up in 1948
which has printed many books and magazines in the language.
Punjabi is the local language of the Punjab. It was a popular language amongst the Sufi poets who used it
for their romantic folk poetry. These poems contributed greatly to the popularity of Punjabi.
After Independence, steps were taken for the promotion and development of the language in other parts of
the province.
The Government have ensured its development by giving support to those institutions who are using it.
Pushto literature was boosted after Independence since the poets had contributed a great deal to the
freedom struggle.
The Baluchi language has also been promoted by its broadcasting on the radio. The establishment of the
Quetta Television Station has also helped to promote it.

Q Source:
Urdu became the national language after Independence in 1947. The Quaid was keen to promote Urdu as
he saw it as an important unifying force in the new country. However, he also recognised the importance of
regional languages and was keen to promote them. One of these was Balochi.
How has the Pakistan government promoted the development of Balochi since 1947? [3]
Radio Pakistan Karachi broadcasts in Balochi, Balochi Literary Association set up, weekly and monthly
magazines published, Quetta TV station, development of Balochi literature, writers and poets e.g. Atta
Shad, Ishq Shamin, Gul Khan Nazir and Azad Jamal Din

43