Analyzing Historical Statements on British India

Let's carefully examine each statement provided to determine its historical accuracy.

Statement Analysis

• (A) English East India Company acquires ‘Diwani’ of Bengal in 1765.

  This statement refers to a significant event in the history of British rule in India. Following the Battle of Buxar in 1764, the Treaty of Allahabad was signed in August 1765. This treaty granted the English East India Company the Diwani rights (the right to collect revenue and administer civil justice) of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa from the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II. Thus, this statement is historically accurate.

• (B) Santhals rebelled in 1865.

  The Santhal Rebellion, also known as the Santhal Hul, was a major tribal uprising against the British and zamindars in present-day Jharkhand. This rebellion took place in the years 1855–1856, not 1865. Therefore, this statement is incorrect.

• (C) Permanent Settlement was introduced in 1790.

  The Permanent Settlement of Bengal was a land revenue system introduced by Lord Cornwallis. While preparatory steps and a decennial (ten-year) settlement were initiated around 1790, the Permanent Settlement, making the land revenue fixed in perpetuity, was finally introduced in 1793. Therefore, stating it was introduced in 1790 is inaccurate.

• (D) Regulating Act was passed in 1770.

  The Regulating Act was a significant piece of legislation passed by the British Parliament to control the affairs of the East India Company in India. This act was passed in the year 1773, not 1770. Thus, this statement is incorrect.

• (E) The report of the Deccan Riots Commission was presented to the British Parliament in 1878.

  The Deccan Riots occurred in 1875 in parts of Bombay Presidency, primarily against the exploitation by moneylenders. A commission was appointed to investigate the causes of these riots. The report of the Deccan Riots Commission was indeed submitted and presented to the British Parliament in 1878. Therefore, this statement is correct.

Summary of Correct Statements

Based on the analysis:

• Statement (A) is correct: English East India Company acquired Diwani of Bengal in 1765.
• Statement (B) is incorrect: Santhal Rebellion was in 1855-1856.
• Statement (C) is incorrect: Permanent Settlement was introduced in 1793.
• Statement (D) is incorrect: Regulating Act was passed in 1773.
• Statement (E) is correct: Deccan Riots Commission report was presented in 1878.

The correct statements are (A) and (E).

Matching with Options

We need to find the option that lists (A) and (E) as the only correct statements.

• Option (a) (B), (D) Only - Incorrect.
• Option (b) (A), (E) Only - Correct.
• Option (c) (C), (E) Only - Incorrect.
• Option (d) (A), (D) Only - Incorrect.

The option listing (A) and (E) as correct is option (b).

Revision Table: Key Dates in British Indian History

Additional Information on Historical Events

Understanding these historical events and their correct timelines is crucial for studying modern Indian history, particularly the period of British rule.

• The acquisition of Diwani rights in 1765 marked the East India Company's transformation from a trading body into a territorial power. This dual administration system (Company collecting revenue, Nawab handling administration) proved problematic.
• The Santhal Rebellion highlights the impact of colonial policies on indigenous communities, particularly land alienation and exploitation by outsiders (dikus).
• The Permanent Settlement created a class of landlords (Zamindars) who became intermediaries between the state and the peasantry. While intended to ensure stable revenue, it often led to peasant hardship due to high demands and evictions.
• The Regulating Act of 1773 attempted to bring the East India Company under greater parliamentary control, establishing positions like the Governor-General of Bengal and setting up a Supreme Court in Calcutta.
• The Deccan Riots and the subsequent commission report revealed the agrarian distress caused by issues like heavy taxation and dependence on moneylenders, prompting some legislative measures later.