Welcome dear students! Today we are going to learn about India In The 18Th from Class 7 Social_Science. The 18th century was a period of transition in Indian history. India underwent many significant political, economic, social and cultural changes. Politically, with the Mughals becoming weak, local political groups began to reassert themselves and expand their area of influence. The Marathas, Hyder Ali, Tippu, the Sikhs and others came forward to establish their political supremacy. However, the British exploited the selfishness of the native kings for their own benefit and crushed them. Economically, the British brought into force many far-reaching, negative policies like Permanent Zamindari, Mahalvari and Ryotwari systems which led to economic exploitation of India by the British. To sum up, this was a period which witnessed many conflicts. Through this chapter, you will learn about the nature of the political transitory period in India. You will be able to make a list of the factors that led to the decline of the Mughals and the supremacy of the Marathas. You will also understand the reasons and the effects of the Battle of Plassey that laid a firm foundation for the establishment of the British Empire in India, along with the background of the Carnatic wars. [CHECKPOINT]
Children, the 18th century was a period of significant changes in Indian history. After Aurangzeb in the year 1707 C.E, the Mughal Empire declined rapidly. The reasons for the Mughal decline are as follows. The kings who succeeded Aurangzeb were weak and led a life of pleasure. The Persian king, Nadir Shah, led a strong expedition on the Mughal Empire and returned to his country with the leftover wealth of the Mughals in 1739 C.E. Among the objects that he looted were the famed Peacock throne and the extremely precious Kohinoor diamond. In the same way, even the attack by Ahmed Shah Abdali left the empire a huge blow. As a result of all these incidents the Mughal kingdom never recovered. Now, let us pause for a quick activity. I want you to find out where the Mughals got the Kohinoor diamond. Into whose hands did it pass from Nadir Shah? Where is it now? With the guidance of your teacher, please collect this information and discuss it in class. [CHECKPOINT]
Let us now move on to the supremacy of the Marathas. Shivaji was the founder of the Maratha Empire. He succeeded in establishing an independent alternative kingdom when the Mughal Empire and the Bahamani Kingdoms were at the height of glory. He was assisted in the efficient administration of his kingdom by eight ministers known as the Ashta Pradhans. The Peshwa was the most prominent among them. Historians identify the 18th century as the Era of Maratha Supremacy. During this period, under the leadership of the Peshwas, the Marathas emerged as a strong political and military power of India. The Prime Minister of the Maratha king was known as the Peshwa. Since the kings were weak, the Peshwas themselves carried on the administration. Seven Peshwas ruled over the Deccan and some areas of North India for around 100 years, from 1713 to 1818. [CHECKPOINT]
Let us look at the three important Maratha Peshwas. First is Balaji Vishwanath, who ruled from 1713 to 1720 C.E. He signed a treaty of Delhi with the Mughal Emperor. As a result he earned the right to collect taxes from the six subhas of the Deccan. Second is Baji Rao I, who ruled from 1720 to 1740 C.E. Baji Rao was a young man of 20 years when he came to power. He was a strong and shrewd statesman. He took advantage of the political instability of the Mughal Empire and embarked upon a plan to build a huge empire in India. Initially, he captured Hyderabad, and later Malwa, Gujarat and Bundelkhand. The most important achievement of Baji Rao was marching with his army to North India and attacking Delhi. He came to be hailed as Shivaji II. Third is Balaji Baji Rao, who ruled from 1740 to 1761 C.E. He attempted to expand the Maratha Empire not only in South India but also North India. The Maratha army was successful in invading Punjab in the north-west. He captured Orissa in the east and some areas of Tamil Nadu in the south. In this manner, the Marathas ruled as a prominent political force in India. [CHECKPOINT]
The Marathas who were engaged in expansion of their kingdom in North India, had to confront the Afghan invader, Ahmad Shah Abdali. In 1761, on 14 January, a decisive battle took place between them. This is called the Third Battle of Panipat. The Marathas were defeated in this battle. As a result of this war, the military strength of the Marathas decreased. The weakening of the Marathas gave an opportunity to the British merchants to increase their political influence in India. Now let us turn our attention to the Carnatic Wars, which took place between 1746 and 1763 C.E. Carnatic was a province of the Mughal Empire. The Europeans referred to the Coromandel coast, which includes the present-day coastal areas of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, and its hinterland as Carnatic. The competition between the British and the French to gain control over South Indian trade soon led to battles between them. The Carnatic region played a central role in the three battles that took place in the background. Hence these battles are known in history as the Carnatic wars. [CHECKPOINT]
Let us understand the causes for the war. Arcot in Tamil Nadu was the capital of Carnatic. After the demise of the Nawab of Arcot, disputes arose between Chand Saheb and Mohammad Ali about the succession to the throne. Chand Saheb requested the help of the French whereas Mohammad Ali appealed to the British for help. Thus the British and the French entered the fray. Their own far-sighted political aspirations were the reason for their entry. Clever Robert Clive was the leader of the British army. Ambitious Governor Dupleix led the French army. Finally, the British won the Third Carnatic war. As a result, the French were sidelined in India. The French were victorious in the First Carnatic war. It ended with the signing of the treaty Aix-la-Chapelle. By the end of the Second Carnatic war, the British retained their stronghold in Arcot, and the French in Hyderabad. [CHECKPOINT]
Now, let us examine the reasons for the defeat of the French. First, the French neglected trade and showed more interest in politics. On the other hand, the British focused on trade, and in order to protect their interests in trade, they entered politics. Second, the British naval force was stronger than the French naval force. Third, the British officials cooperated with one another, and paid more attention to the interests of their Company. The French officials quarrelled among themselves and refused to cooperate with one another. Fourth, the British East India Company was under private ownership, whereas the French East India Company was under government control. These factors clearly explain why the British succeeded over the French in South India. [CHECKPOINT]
Let us now study the beginning of British administration in Bengal. The British, who emerged as a political force in South India through the Carnatic wars, established their administration in Bengal too. Bengal was the richest province of the Mughal Empire. Its provincial officer, Alivardi Khan, became independent when the Mughal Empire started declining. His successor, Siraj-ud-Daula, became the Nawab of Bengal. Since Nawab Siraj was a very young man, the British ignored him, and without obtaining his permission, they strengthened the Port at Fort William at Calcutta. Besides, they abused the tax concessions on business. The Nawab concluded that the British had violated his rules and were plotting with his enemies against him. Enraged, he took control of the British warehouses. This later led to the Battle of Plassey. [CHECKPOINT]
The Battle of Plassey took place in 1757 C.E. On hearing the news about the attack by Siraj-ud-Daula, the Company officials at Madras sent an army under the leadership of Robert Clive to Calcutta. Robert Clive made use of the political instability in Bengal, by entering into secret conspiracies against the Nawab. Mir Jafar, the general of Siraj, entered into a secret treaty with Clive when he was persuaded with the offer of Nawabhood. The Nawab's General, Mir Jafar, came to an agreement with the intention of becoming the Nawab. As per the agreement, he was to give 17 crores and 70 lakh rupees to the British as soon as he became the Nawab. Aminchand, a merchant, was the mediator in this shady deal. A battle took place in 1757 C.E at Plassey between the British and Siraj-ud-Daula. Mir Jafar supported the British during the war. Finally, Siraj-ud-Daula was defeated and killed. Due to Mir Jafar's betrayal, the British became victorious. [CHECKPOINT]
Let us look at the consequences of this historic battle. With the mercy of the British, Mir Jafar became the Nawab of Bengal. However, he remained only a puppet in the hands of the British. The Company received abundant money and zamindari rights in the district called Twenty Four Parganas. This was the first area to be grabbed by the Company in India. The Battle of Plassey paved the way for the Battle of Buxar. The English, who had come as merchants, suddenly gained the authority to carry on administration over the land. The victory at Plassey led to the establishment of the British Empire in India. Before we move to the exercises, please remember these important dates. The period of Maratha supremacy in India was from 1711 to 1761 C.E. The year Nadir Shah attacked the Mughal Empire was 1739 C.E. The Battle of Plassey took place in 1757 C.E. The Third Battle of Panipat took place in 1761 C.E. [CHECKPOINT]
Now, let us practice with the exercises to strengthen your understanding. I will read each question and provide the complete answer. First, fill the blanks with suitable answers. Question one: The Peshwa who hailed as Second Shivaji was Baji Rao I. Question two: The capital of Carnatic was Arcot. Question three: The Battle of Plassey took place in 1757 C.E. Question four: The third Panipat war took place in 1761 C.E. [CHECKPOINT]
Next, answer the following in one or two sentences each. Question five: Which century is called The Era of Maratha Supremacy by historians? Answer: Historians identify the 18th century as The Era of Maratha Supremacy. Question six: Between whom did the Third Battle of Panipat take place? Answer: The Third Battle of Panipat took place between the Marathas and the Afghan invader Ahmad Shah Abdali. Question seven: Who finally won the Carnatic wars? Answer: The British finally won the Third Carnatic war, which sidelined the French in India. Question eight: Between whom did the Battle of Plassey take place? Answer: The Battle of Plassey took place between the British army led by Robert Clive and the forces of Nawab Siraj-ud-Daula. [CHECKPOINT]
Now, answer the following in two or three sentences each. Question nine: Mention the achievements of Peshwa Baji Rao I. Answer: Baji Rao I was a strong and shrewd statesman who captured Hyderabad, Malwa, Gujarat and Bundelkhand. His most important achievement was marching with his army to North India and attacking Delhi, which earned him the title of Shivaji II. Question ten: What were the causes for the Battle of Plassey? Answer: The British ignored the young Nawab Siraj-ud-Daula and strengthened the Port at Fort William in Calcutta without his permission. They also abused tax concessions on business, which led the Nawab to conclude they were plotting against him. Enraged, he took control of British warehouses, which directly triggered the battle. [CHECKPOINT]
Finally, we have an activity for you. Please collect more information about Robert Clive and Dupleix. You can read history books, visit your school library, or use educational websites to learn about their roles, leadership styles, and how they shaped the Carnatic wars and the establishment of British power in India. Share your findings with your classmates and teacher. [CHECKPOINT]
Thank you for listening! Keep revising and practicing. Goodbye! [CHAPTER_COMPLETE]