NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Social Science History Chapter 2 From Trade to Territory

Class 8 Social Science History Chapter 2 From Trade to Territory:- The NCERT Solutions for Class 8 History Chapter 2, "From Trade to Territory: The Company Establishes Power," provide in-depth answers to the exercises in the Our Pasts-III textbook. These solutions are specifically designed to help students prepare for their exams, offering clear and concise explanations. Whether you are looking for Class 8 History Chapter 2 question answers, these solutions ensure a strong understanding of key concepts.

If you're looking for the NCERT Solutions for Class 8 History Chapter 2, "From Trade to Territory: The Company Establishes Power," check out these detailed solutions. Explore the complete NCERT solutions for Class 8 History Chapter 2 below. These solutions are crafted in line with CBSE guidelines ensuring comprehensive and clear answers.

Before starting with the Class 8 History Chapter 2 question answers, it’s a good idea to review the chapter first. This will give you a better understanding of the content, including the rise of the company and its expansion. The From Trade to Territory Class 8 questions and answers will guide you through key concepts. Additionally, you can find Class 8 Social Science question answers to help with other subjects. 

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NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Social Science History Chapter 2 From Trade to Territory

Get the Class 8 history chapter 2 question answer below:- 

1. Match the following:

Answer.

2. Fill in the blanks:

(a) The British conquest of Bengal began with the Battle of ___________.

(b) Haidar Ali and Tipu Sultan were the rulers of ___________.

(c) Dalhousie implemented the Doctrine of ___________.

(d) Maratha kingdoms were located mainly in the ___________ part of India.

Answer.

(a) The British conquest of Bengal began with the Battle of Plassey

(b) Haidar Ali and Tipu Sultan were the rulers of Mysore.

(c) Dalhousie implemented the Doctrine of Lapse

(d) Maratha kingdoms were located mainly in the South-western part of India.

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3. State whether true or false:

(a) The Mughal empire became stronger in the eighteenth century.

(b) The English East India Company was the only European company that traded with India.

(c) Maharaja Ranjit Singh was the ruler of Punjab.

(d) The British did not introduce administrative changes in the territories they conquered.

Answer.

(a) The Mughal empire became stronger in the eighteenth century – False

(b) The English East India Company was the only European company that traded with India – False

(c) Maharaja Ranjit Singh was the ruler of Punjab – True

(d) The British did not introduce administrative changes in the territories they conquered – False

4. What attracted European trading companies to India?

Answer. European trading companies were drawn to India primarily because they sought new sources of valuable goods at lower prices, which they could then sell in Europe for higher profits. India was renowned for its high-quality cotton and silk, which were highly sought after in European markets. Additionally, spices such as pepper, cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon, which were in great demand, also contributed to the allure. These factors combined to make India an attractive destination for European traders.

5. What were the areas of conflict between the Bengal nawabs and the East India Company?

Answer. The areas of conflict between the Bengal Nawabs and the East India Company included:

Demand for Concessions: The Nawabs often refused to grant the East India Company various concessions, which the Company sought to facilitate its trade and operations.

Tribute and Revenue Disputes: The Nawabs demanded large tributes and taxes from the Company, while the Company frequently resisted these demands.

Tax Payments: The East India Company was reluctant to pay the taxes imposed by the Nawabs, leading to further disputes.

Insulting Correspondence: The Company officials engaged in disrespectful and derogatory correspondence with the Nawabs, which strained relations between the two parties.

6. How did the assumption of Diwani benefit the East India Company?

Answer. The assumption of Diwani rights provided significant benefits to the East India Company:

a. Control Over Revenue: The Company gained the authority to collect revenues from Bengal, granting it access to the region’s substantial financial resources.

b. Trade Monopoly: With the Diwani rights, the Company established a monopoly over trade in the region, which allowed it to control and benefit from the lucrative trade in Indian goods.

c. Revenue Utilisation: The revenue collected from Bengal was utilised to support and expand the Company's trade operations, including exporting Indian goods to international markets.

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7. Explain the system of “subsidiary alliance”.

Answer. The system of "subsidiary alliance" was a strategic arrangement imposed by the East India Company on Indian rulers. Under this system, Indian rulers were required to:

a. Cede Military Forces: Indian rulers had to disband their own armies and rely on the East India Company for military protection.

b. Appoint an English Resident: The Company installed an English resident (a Company official) in the ruler's court to oversee and influence the ruler’s policies.

c. Exclusive Trade Restrictions: Rulers were prohibited from allowing any other European companies to trade or establish a presence in their territories.

d. Financial Obligation: Indian rulers were obligated to pay for the maintenance of the subsidiary forces provided by the East India Company. Failure to do so could result in the Company annexing parts of their territory.

8. In what way was the administration of the Company different from that of Indian rulers?

Answer.

9. Describe the changes that occurred in the composition of the Company’s army.

Answer. The East India Company’s army, known as the Sepoy Army, underwent several significant changes in its composition:

Shift from Cavalry to Infantry: The Company's army saw a major shift from cavalry to infantry. The introduction of firearms, such as muskets and matchlocks, made infantry units more prominent and effective in battle.

Recruitment and Training: The army primarily consisted of Indian peasants who were recruited and trained by the Company to become professional soldiers. This training included European military techniques and drills.

Uniform Military Culture: The Company established a uniform military culture within the army, integrating European-style training and discipline into the soldiers' routines. This included structured drills and exercises, which were essential for maintaining the effectiveness of the infantry.

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Class 8 Social Science History Chapter 2 From Trade to Territory Summary

This History chapter 1 class 8 explores the expansion of the East India Company's control in India, transitioning from a trading company to a territorial power.

• Early Trade and Establishment:

• The East India Company began its operations in India in the early 17th century, initially focusing on trade.

• The first British factory was established in 1651 on the banks of the Hooghly River.

• Expansion of Influence:

• The Company started to expand its influence through diplomatic and military means. It established more factories and secured trading rights through treaties and alliances.

• Conflicts with Indian Rulers:

• Conflicts arose with Indian rulers due to various issues:

• Denial of concessions to the Company.

• Demands for large tributes.

• Disputes over tax payments.

• Insulting correspondence from Company officials.

• The System of Subsidiary Alliance:

• The Company introduced the Subsidiary Alliance system, which required Indian rulers to disband their armies and rely on Company forces for protection.

• Indian rulers had to pay for the maintenance of these forces and were prohibited from allowing other European powers to trade in their territories.

• Assumption of Diwani Rights:

• The Diwani rights allowed the Company to collect revenues and administer justice in Bengal. This significantly boosted the Company’s financial resources and control over trade.

• Administrative Differences:

• The East India Company’s administration was structured into presidencies, each governed by a British official.

• In contrast, Indian rulers managed their territories through a system of districts and local administrators, without the formal legislative acts introduced by the Company.

• Transformation of the Army:

• The Company’s army, known as the Sepoy Army, evolved from a cavalry-based force to one dominated by infantry, equipped with muskets and matchlocks.

• Indian peasants were trained as professional soldiers and European military practices were incorporated.

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Class 8 History Chapter 2 From Trade to Territory FAQs

1. What were the initial goals of the East India Company in India?

Ans. The East India Company initially aimed to establish trade relations and secure valuable goods like spices, silk, and cotton from India to sell in Europe for profit.

2. How did the East India Company expand its influence in India?

Ans. The Company expanded its influence through treaties, military conquest, and diplomacy. It formed alliances with local rulers, established factories, and gradually increased its territorial control.

3. What were the key reasons for conflicts between the East India Company and Indian rulers?

Ans. Conflicts arose due to the Company’s refusal to pay taxes, demands for concessions, large tributes imposed by Indian rulers, and disrespectful correspondence from Company officials.

4. What is a subsidiary alliance, and how did it impact Indian rulers?

Ans. The subsidiary alliance was a system where Indian rulers had to disband their own armies, rely on the East India Company’s forces for protection, and pay for the maintenance of these forces. This system limited the military autonomy of Indian rulers and increased Company control.

5. How did the assumption of Diwani rights benefit the East India Company?

Ans. The Diwani rights allowed the Company to collect revenues from Bengal and administer justice, providing a significant financial advantage and control over trade and administration in the region.