State of Politics, Culture and Economy on the Eve of British Conquest
State of Politics, Culture and Economy on the Eve of British Conquest
Section titled “State of Politics, Culture and Economy on the Eve of British Conquest”2020-04-27 12:39 :45
Politics
Section titled “Politics”- Weakening of centralised Mughal empire, dispersal of political power but no collapse
- Constant adjustment b/w centripetal/centralised kingship and centrifugal/local loyalties
- Rise of Vaishnavism in Bengal; Firangi Mahal in Lucknow as rationalist Islamic thought
- Deccani sufi culture in Hyderabd and Arcot, Sringeri Math by TS
- Hundis used, indigenous bankers, extensive fin network
Culture
Section titled “Culture”Education
Section titled “Education”- Education was linked to one’s culture and religion for both Hindus and Muslims
- Chatuspatis or Tols came up in Bengal. Kasi, andia, Mithila, Utkala were centres for Sanskrit learning
- Bernier described Kasi as Athens of India.
- Perisan and Arabic learning centres were Madrasahs. Azimabad/Patna was an imp centre
- Elementary education was taught in Pathshalas and Makhtabs and subjects were reading, writing and arithmetic.
Arts and Literature
Section titled “Arts and Literature”- Emergence of strong regional principalities -> development of local cultural forms
- Asaf ud Daula builth the Great Imambara for celebrating Muharram festival.
- Sawai Jai Singh built pink city of Jaipur and 5 astronomical observatories.
- Ranjit Singh renovated Golden Temple.
- Vernacular Languages dev.
- Chritian Missionaries set up the printing press and vernacular Bible was printed and circulated.
- Danish missionary Ziegenbelg composed Tamil version of the Bible
Economy
Section titled “Economy”- Basic unit was still self-sufficient and self-governing village community. Its link with state was land revenue and they(village community) lasted when nothing else seemed to last.
- Town handicrafts had a world wide market
- Cotton from Dacca, Ahmedabad Masulipatnam; Silk from Murshidabad, Agra, Lahore, Gujarat; Woolen Shawls and Carpet; Gold and Silver Jewellery, metal work and utensils, arms etc were produced and exported.
- Trade eventually brought into existence of merchant-capitalists and banking system into play. Jagath Seths, Nagar Seths, Chetties in the south etc -> some pre condition of the rapid growth of capitalism did exist.
- Absence of codified laws and lack of political stability was limiting factors
Misc.
- “The Battle of Plassey that decided the fate of Bengal was won by Clive through intrigues.” Explain. [2014, 15m]
- The political disintegration was responsible for the socio---economic decline in India during the 18th century.” Comment [2017, 20 Marks]