The question asks to identify the traditional Indian industry whose destruction by British policies led to widespread unemployment and economic discontent before 1857. This requires knowledge of the economic impact of British colonial rule on various Indian industries.
C) Handicrafts and handloom textiles — India was a major producer and exporter of high-quality textiles and handicrafts. British policies, including discriminatory tariffs, the influx of cheaper machine-made British goods, and the deliberate suppression of Indian manufacturing, led to the decline and destruction of these traditional industries. This resulted in the displacement of millions of artisans and weavers, causing widespread unemployment, poverty, and significant economic discontent, which was a major factor contributing to the unrest before 1857.
The question asks to identify the primary grievance of Indian peasantry that contributed significantly to the Revolt of 1857. To answer this, we need to recall the socio-economic conditions imposed by British rule on the agricultural sector leading up to the revolt.
D) Heavy land revenue assessments and harsh collection methods – This was indeed the most significant economic grievance of the Indian peasantry. The British land revenue policies, irrespective of the system (Permanent, Ryotwari, Mahalwari), were designed to extract maximum revenue. The assessments were often exorbitant, fixed in cash, and collected rigidly, even during times of crop failure or economic distress. This led to widespread indebtedness, loss of land, and impoverishment among the peasantry, making it a primary cause of their discontent and participation in the Revolt of 1857.
The question asks to identify the region where taluqdars, who lost their estates after British annexation, became significant supporters of the Revolt of 1857. This requires knowledge of the socio-political impact of British annexation policies on different regions of India, particularly focusing on the landed aristocracy.
Correct Option: A) The annexation of Awadh in 1856 by the British on the pretext of misgovernance led to the widespread dispossession of its powerful taluqdars. These taluqdars, who had lost their lands and traditional authority, became staunch opponents of British rule and played a crucial role in leading the Revolt of 1857 in the region,
The question asks to identify the primary form of British economic exploitation that contributed to the Revolt of 1857. This requires understanding the nature of British economic policies in India before the revolt.
Correct Option: B) Drain of wealth from India to Britain through tribute, profits and unequal trade
This option accurately describes the core of British economic exploitation. The "Drain of Wealth" theory highlights how India's resources were siphoned off to Britain without commensurate returns. This included:
This systematic transfer of wealth and resources severely impoverished India and was a major underlying cause of the widespread discontent that culminated in the Revolt of 1857.
The question asks to identify the class that lost its source of patronage due to the British annexation of Indian states, contributing to the discontent leading up to 1857. This requires understanding the socio-economic impact of British policies, particularly annexation, on different segments of Indian society.
D) Skilled artisans and handicraftsmen — The annexation of Indian states led to the dissolution of native courts, which were the primary patrons of skilled artisans and handicraftsmen. These rulers and nobles commissioned luxury goods, fine textiles, jewelry, and other handcrafted items. With their removal, these artisans lost their main source of income and market, leading to widespread unemployment and impoverishment, thus contributing significantly to the discontent before 1857.
The question asks about the group that was discontented by the Inam Commission of 1852 in the Bombay Presidency, which contributed to the Revolt of 1857. This requires knowledge of British administrative policies, particularly land revenue reforms, and their social impact leading up to the 1857 revolt.
C) Religious and educated classes holding rent-free lands — The Inam Commission specifically targeted rent-free land grants (inams). The resumption of these lands directly impacted the religious and educated classes, as well as other traditional elites, who held these grants. This caused significant economic hardship and social resentment, making them a key group contributing to the discontent that fueled the Revolt of 1857.