Just After Sunset Trivia Quiz

Answer: They suffered no setback

Sadly, this first determined effort since 1757 was wasted. The British defeated the combined forces, gaining unquestionable authority over Bengal, and considerable influence over the ruler of Awadh and the Mughal Emperors. The taxing rights of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa were also handed over to the British permanently.

Answer: Hyder Ali

Hyder Ali took over the reins of Government of Mysore in 1761. He won the First Mysore War (1767-1769) despite being vastly outmatched. It was one of the earliest victories against the British. He made the British promise to help Mysore if it was invaded by the Marathas.

The failure of the British to comply with this promise, as well as their conquest of Mahe, subsequently led to the Second Mysore War (1779-1784).

Answer: Lord Wellesley

The policy of Subsidiary Alliance, introduced by Lord Wellesley, had the following two salient points:

A ruler accepting it had to maintain British troops at his own cost as well as accept a British resident in his court.

The rulers also had to expel all non-British Europeans from his state and allow the British to supervise his relations with other Indian states.

Tipu Sultan's refusal to accept it led to the Fourth Mysore War, which he lost.

Answer: Lord Dalhousie

The "Doctrine of Lapse" introduced by Lord Dalhousie stated that heirs adopted by the Indian rulers without the consent of the East India Company could inherit only the personal properties of the ruler, whereas the state would come under their control. It also took away titles and pensions of some rulers, like the Nawabs of the Carnatic.

Answer: Both of these reasons

The British meant well by their efforts, but the Pandits and Maulavis (teachers) did not like this shift from oriental learning to Western Education. They feared they would end up jobless. They also felt that it discouraged traditional Hindu and Islamic studies.

As the Christian missionaries became active in India during that period, the people also felt that this move was to convert their children to Christianity. Hence, this move was resented.

Answer: Yes

Quite right. However, it must be remembered that it was the Brahmo Samaj which first protested against this social evil, Sati. They were supported by William Bentinck.

Same goes for the Widow Remarriage Act. Although Lord Dalhousie passed the Act, it was the Bengali reformer, Vidyasagar, who was the first to embark on this noble mission.

Answer: Bahadur Shah Jafar

The last Mughal ruler was Bahadur Shah Jafar. In 1856, Lord Canning also stated that after his death, his successors would not be allowed to use the imperial titles with their names. This decision hurt the feelings of the Muslims and led Zeenat Mahal, the wife of Bahadur Shah, to began plotting against the British.

Answer: It enabled a person, who was a convert from Hindu religion, to inherit the property of his father

This fact was unacceptable to the Hindus. This staunch attitude against change of religion had been prevalent since the ancient time. Kalapahar, one of the most controversial characters in the history of Bengal, fell victim to this attitude. The Hindus felt that this law was an incentive to give up one's religious faith. They were very unhappy about it.

Answer: True

The fact is correct. This act made the Brahmins feel that it was a danger to their caste. They named the Bay of Bengal "Kalapani" (Black Water). They were already resentful as higher ranks in the army beyond the rank of subedar ( just below that of a commissioned officer) were denied to even the most skilled of them.

This Act further strengthened their determination to rise against the British.

Answer: Enfield

The loading of the Enfield rifle involved biting the greased paper in the mouth. In January 1857, the rumours that the grease contained the fat of a cow or pig spread like wildfire in the Barrackpur regiment. As the cow was sacred to Hindus, and the pig was a taboo to the Muslims, they were convinced that it was a plot of the British to defile their religion and they rose in rebellion. Thus, the First War of Indian Independence began.