Topic: Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues.
1. The volatile political situation and rivalry among local powers in a region can create favourable conditions for political intervention by external actors, including the British. Explain the reasons for British conquest of India. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Easy
Reference: Chapter 5 – A Brief History of Modern India by Rajiv Ahir (Spectrum Publishers) , Insights on India
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1.
Key Demand of the question:
To explain the causes of British Success in India.
Directive word:
Explain – Clarify the topic by giving a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the context. You must be defining key terms wherever appropriate and substantiate with relevant associated facts.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Introduction:
Begin by mentioning the various regional powers during the advent of the British in India.
Body:
First, write about the various rivalries among major India powers to establish political supremacy in India.
Mention the reasons for success of the British in India such as their divide and rule policy, strong organisation of the military, modern strategies, many social divisive factors in regional states etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude by mentioning that the British use all the political, economic and strategic means to dethrone the local powers one by one to build a pan-Indian empire
