Q1
What was the Battle of Plassey?
AA key British victory in 1757
BA Maratha victory
CA peace treaty
DA trade agreement
CBSEClass 8 (CBSE)Social ScienceCh 2 · Topic 1
British Expansion in India
The British East India Company gradually expanded its control over India through trade, alliances, wars, and administrative policies during
Core concept
The British East India Company initially came to India for trade but gradually gained political power, especially after victories like the Battle of Plassey in 1757.
How it works
The British used a policy of alliances and treaties, like the Subsidiary Alliance, where Indian rulers accepted British protection but lost independent control over their armies and foreign policy.
Why it matters
The Doctrine of Lapse was another policy, allowing the British to annex a kingdom if its ruler died without a natural heir, further expanding British territory.
Key detail
Through a combination of military conquest, diplomacy, and administrative control, the British East India Company eventually controlled most of the Indian subcontinent by the mid-19th century.
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Quick notes
• The British East India Company initially came for trade.
• The Battle of Plassey (1757) was a key turning point.
• The Subsidiary Alliance gave rulers protection but reduced independence.
• Rulers under this alliance lost control of armies and foreign policy.
• The Doctrine of Lapse allowed annexation without a natural heir.
• These policies expanded British territory significantly.
• The British used military conquest and diplomacy together.
• By the mid-19th century, the British controlled most of India.