NCERT Solutions For Class 8 History Chapter 2: From Trade to Territory-The Company Establishes Power (Free PDF)

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 History Chapter 2: From Trade to Territory The Company Establishes Power and aims to provide students with insightful solutions. Our subject matter experts have offered simple and accurate answers for the exercises in the History book ¨Our Pasts-III.¨ 

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 History, Chapter 2 – From Trade to Territory The Company Establishes Power not only includes solutions but also provides explanations for incorrect questions wherever needed. The answers are designed in an easy-to-understand manner to help students grasp the topics easily. Students can use these varieties of  NCERT solutions and learn more about these interesting topics comprehensively. 

We hope that the PDF of NCERT Solutions for Class 8 History will be helpful for the students. 

Download NCERT Class 8 History Chapter 2 ¨From Trade to Territory The Company Establishes Power¨ (Notes PDF)

Download NCERT Solutions For Class 8 History Chapter 2 ¨From Trade to Territory The Company Establishes Power¨ (Free PDF)

Check Out NCERT Solutions Class 8 History of Other Chapters 

Chapter 1	Chapter 2	Chapter 3	Chapter 4
Chapter 5	Chapter 6	Chapter 7	Chapter 8

Important Questions and Answers in NCERT Class 8 History Chapter 2 ¨From Trade to Territory The Company Establishes Power¨

Let us look at NCERT Solutions Class 8 History Chapter 2 ¨From Trade to Territory The Company Establishes Power¨ for within the lesson. Our subject experts have answered these questions accurately and as per the latest guidelines of CBSE.

1. What were the main reasons behind the conflict between the British East India Company and the Bengal Nawabs?  Ans. The main reasons for the conflict were disputes over economic control, taxation, and military presence. The Company wanted to expand its trade and authority in Bengal, which clashed with the Nawabs’ desire to maintain their power and revenue. 2. Explain the significance of the Battle of Plassey in the establishment of British power in India. Ans. The Battle of Plassey was significant because it marked the decisive victory of the British East India Company over the Nawab of Bengal. This victory allowed the Company to establish its dominance in Bengal and paved the way for its further expansion across India. 3. How did the British East India Company establish its control over Bengal after the Battle of Plassey?  Ans. After the Battle of Plassey, the Company gained control over Bengal by securing favourable treaties with local rulers, installing puppet Nawabs, and gradually expanding its military and administrative presence in the region. 4. Discuss the economic policies of the British East India Company in Bengal and their impact on the local economy. Ans. The Company imposed heavy taxes, monopolized trade, and exploited local resources, leading to economic hardship for the people of Bengal. Indian artisans and craftsmen suffered as their traditional industries declined due to competition from British goods. 5. Describe the role of Robert Clive in the expansion of British power in India. Ans. Robert Clive played a crucial role in the expansion of British power by winning key battles like Plassey and Buxar. He also implemented policies that strengthened the Company’s control over Indian territories and resources. 6. What were the consequences of the British victory in the Battle of Buxar? Ans. The British victory in the Battle of Buxar further solidified Company control over Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa. It allowed the Company to extract more resources and revenue from these regions, consolidating its power in India. 7. How did the British East India Company’s policies affect Indian artisans and craftsmen? Ans. The Company’s policies negatively impacted Indian artisans and craftsmen by flooding the market with cheap British goods, which led to a decline in demand for local products and loss of livelihoods. 8. Explain the concept of “subsidiary alliance” and its implications for Indian rulers.  Ans. A subsidiary alliance was a diplomatic strategy employed by the British East India Company to control Indian princely states. Under this arrangement, Indian rulers had to accept British troops and British control over their foreign affairs in exchange for protection. 9. Discuss the social and economic changes that occurred in Bengal under British rule.  Ans. Under British rule, Bengal experienced significant social and economic changes, including the decline of traditional industries, the imposition of new land revenue systems, and the introduction of English education and legal systems. 10. What were the major challenges faced by the British East India Company in establishing its power in India? Ans. The major challenges faced by the Company included resistance from local rulers, competition from other European powers, and the need to navigate complex political and social dynamics in India. Despite these challenges, the Company gradually expanded its control and influence over Indian territories.

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NCERT Solutions Class 8 History Chapter 2 ¨From Trade to Territory The Company Establishes Power¨ 

The solutions for Chapter 2 of ‘Our Pasts-III’ are given below. Herein we have tried our best to give NCERT Solutions Class 8 History Chapter 2 “From Trade to Territory: The Company Establishes Power” to questions in the ‘Exercise’ part of the lesson.

1. Match the following:
Diwani	Tipu Sultan
Tiger of Mysore	Right to collect land revenue
Faujdari Adalat	Sepoy
Rani Channamma	Criminal Court
Sipahi	Led an anti-Britishmovement in Kitoor

Answers: 

Diwani	Right to collect land revenue
Tipu Sultan	Tiger of Mysore
Faujdari Adalat	Criminal Court
Sepoy	Sipahi
Rani Channamma	Led an anti-British movement in Kitoor

2. Fill in the blanks: (a) The British conquest of Bengal began with the Battle of ________. (b) Haidar Ali and Tipu Sultan were the rulers of _______. (c) Dalhousie implemented the Doctrine of ______. (d) Maratha kingdom were located mainly in the ___________ part of India.  Answers:  (a) The British conquest of Bengal began with the Battle of Plassey. (b) Haidar Ali and Tipu Sultan were the rulers of Mysore. (c) Dalhousie implemented the Doctrine of Lapse. (d) Maratha kingdoms were located mainly in the western part of India.

3. State whether true or false: (a) The Mughal empire became stronger in the eighteenth century. (b) The English East India Company was the only European company that traded with India.(c) Maharaja Ranjit Singh was the ruler of Punjab. (d) The British did not introduce administrative changes in the territories they conquered. Answers:  (a) False: The Mughal empire weakened in the eighteenth century due to internal strife, external invasions, and the rise of regional powers. (b) False: While the English East India Company was one of the prominent European trading companies in India, it was not the only one. Other European powers like the Portuguese, Dutch, and French also had trading interests in India. (c) True: Maharaja Ranjit Singh was indeed the ruler of Punjab during the early 19th century. (d) False: The British introduced significant administrative changes in the territories they conquered in India, including reforms in revenue collection, legal systems, and governance structures. These changes were aimed at consolidating British control and facilitating efficient administration.

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Let’s Discuss – Question Answer

4. What attracted European trading companies to India? Ans. European trading companies were attracted to India primarily due to its lucrative trade opportunities, including the abundance of valuable commodities such as spices, textiles, and precious metals. Additionally, India’s strategic location along major trade routes made it a desirable hub for commerce and profit.

5. What were the areas of conflict between the Bengal nawabs and the East India Company? Ans. The Bengal Nawabs and the East India Company clashed over several issues: 1. Economic Control: The East India Company wanted to control trade and collect taxes in Bengal, which the Nawabs saw as a threat to their own power and revenue. 2. Military Presence: The Company started building forts and maintaining a military presence in Bengal, which the Nawabs viewed as an encroachment on their authority and sovereignty. 3. Taxation: There were disagreements over taxation policies. The Company often imposed heavy taxes on local merchants, causing resentment among the people and the Nawabs. 4. Land Rights: The Company started acquiring land rights and trading privileges, further diminishing the authority of the Nawabs and affecting the local economy. 5. Allegiance: The Nawabs expected loyalty and tribute from the Company, but the Company acted independently, sometimes even allying with rival factions, which fueled mistrust and conflict.

6. How did the assumption of Diwani benefit the East India Company? Ans. The assumption of Diwani benefited the East India Company by granting it the right to collect land revenue in Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha. This provided the Company with a stable and substantial source of income, enabling it to finance its operations, maintain its army, and expand its influence in India.

7. Explain the system of “subsidiary alliance”. Ans. The system of “subsidiary alliance” was a political strategy employed by the East India Company to control Indian princely states without direct annexation.  Under this arrangement, Indian rulers were required to accept British protection, maintain a British military presence in their territories, and pay for the maintenance of British troops. In return, the Company promised to protect the state from external threats.  However, this often led to the loss of autonomy for the Indian rulers and increased British influence in their internal affairs.

8. In what way was the administration of the Company different from that of Indian rulers? Ans. The administration of the Company differed from that of Indian rulers in several ways. Unlike Indian rulers, who often relied on traditional feudal structures and local intermediaries for governance, the Company established a centralised administrative system with European officials holding key positions of power.  Furthermore, the Company introduced legal reforms, revenue collection methods, and bureaucratic institutions that reflected European administrative practices.

9. Describe the changes that occurred in the composition of the Company’s army. Ans. The composition of the Company’s army underwent significant changes over time. Initially, the army consisted primarily of sepoys, or Indian soldiers, trained and equipped by the Company.  However, as warfare technology evolved, the Company began to recruit more European soldiers and focus on building a professional infantry force. This shift was influenced by changing military tactics and the Company’s expanding territorial ambitions.

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Let’s Do 

Question: After the British conquest of Bengal, Calcutta grew from a small village to a big city. Find out about the culture, architecture, and life of Europeans and Indians of the city during the colonial period. Ans. During the colonial period, Calcutta changed a lot because of the British. The culture, buildings, and how people lived were different from before: Culture:  – People from Europe and India mixed their cultures. They started new clubs and had fun together.  – In Calcutta, many smart people started talking and writing about important things. They made the city more interesting. Buildings: – Calcutta had buildings that looked like a mix of Europe and India. Some were big and fancy, like the Victoria Memorial and St. Paul´s Cathedral. – Rich people had large houses with big gardens. The market and offices were in busy areas. Life of Europeans: – Most people in Calcutta were Indians. They lived in different areas and did different jobs like trading and farming. – Even though life was tough, Indians still made the city better with their markets, temples, and communities. Altogether, it can be said that during the Colonial period, Calcutta was a busy but and exciting place. The mix of cultures, fancy buildings and diverse communities made the city unique and lively.

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Breakdown of Class 8 History Chapter 2 ¨From Trade to Territory The Company Establishes Power¨

Here is the summary of the chapter ¨From Trade To Territory The Company Establishes Power.¨ Students are advised to go through the points and breakdown once. 

Establishment of the First English Factory in Bengal (1651) 1. The first English factory was set up on the banks of the river Hugli in 1651. 2. This marked the beginning of English trade in Bengal, laying the foundation for future British involvement in the region. 3. Initially focused on trade, the English factory gradually expanded its operations, attracting merchants and traders to settle nearby. Expansion and Conflict with Bengal Nawabs 1. Trade expansion led to conflicts with the Bengal Nawabs over privileges and revenue. 2. The Bengal nawabs, asserting their power and autonomy, resisted Company demands and accused it of undermining their authority. 3. Tensions escalated, leading to confrontations and ultimately the Battle of Plassey in 1757, a turning point in British expansion in India. Consequences of the Battle of Plassey 1. The Battle of Plassey resulted in a British victory and established Company dominance in Bengal. 2. The Company’s territorial ambitions grew, leading to further conflicts with Indian rulers and expansion into other regions. Manipulation of Indian States and Annexations 1. The Company employed political, economic, and diplomatic methods to extend its influence and annex Indian kingdoms. 2. Policies like the “subsidiary alliance” and the Doctrine of Lapse were used to control Indian states and annex their territories. 3. Military confrontations and wars, such as those with the Marathas and Tipu Sultan, also contributed to territorial expansion. Transformation into a Colonial Power 1. The Company transitioned from a trading entity to a territorial colonial power, controlling significant portions of India. 2. Administrative reforms, technological advancements, and military strength facilitated this transformation. 3. By the mid-19th century, the Company exercised direct rule over large territories and populations, solidifying British control over India. Cultural and Architectural Impact 1. Colonial rule brought significant changes to Indian cities like Calcutta, leading to architectural fusion and cultural exchange. 2. European presence influenced urban development, governance, and intellectual discourse in colonial cities. 3. Landmarks like the Victoria Memorial and St. Paul’s Cathedral symbolized British imperialism and cultural interaction in colonial Calcutta. Challenges and Resistance 1. Indians faced socio-economic challenges, discrimination, and loss of autonomy under British rule. 2. Resistance movements, like the Indian Rebellion of 1857, emerged in response to British policies and oppression. 3. Despite challenges, cultural exchange and intellectual development flourished, shaping colonial society and urban life. Important Dates and Events : 1690: Founding of Calcutta as a British trading post. 1757: Battle of Plassey, establishing British control over Bengal. 1772: Beginning of administrative reforms under Warren Hastings. 1835: Establishment of the Calcutta Medical College. 1857: The Indian Rebellion against British rule, impacting life in Calcutta.

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