7th Standard, Social Science, History, CHAPTER 4
INDIA IN THE 18TH CENTURY (1707 – 1757C.E)
EXERCISES
I Fill the blanks with suitable answers:
1 The Peshwa who hailed as Second Shivaji was Baji Rao 1
2 The capital of carnatic was Arcot.
3 The ‘Battle of Plassey’ took place in 1757 C.E.
4 The third Panipat war took place in 1761.
II Answer the following in one or two sentences each:
1 Which century is called ‘The Era of Maratha Supremacy’ by historians?
Answer: The 18th Century is called as ‘The Era of Maratha Supremacy’ by historians.
2 Between whom did the Third Battle of Panipat take place?
Answer: The Third Battle of Panipat take place between Marathas and Ahmad Shah Abdali.
3 Who finally won the Carnatic wars?
Answer: The British were finally won the Carnatic wars.
4 Between whom did the Battle of Plassey take place?
Answer: The Battle of Plassey take place between British and Siraj-Ud-Daula the Nawab of Bengal.
III Answer the following in two or three sentences each:
1 Mention the achievements of Peshwa Baji Rao I.
Answer: Baji Rao was a strong and shrewd statesman. He took advantage of the political instability of the Mughal Empire and embarked upon a plan to build a huge empire in
India. Initially, he captured Hyderabad, and later Malwa, Gujarat and Bundelkhand. The most important achievement of Baji Rao was marching with his army to North India and attacking Delhi.
2 What were the causes for the Battle of Plassey?
Answer: The British ignored Nawab of Bengal Siraj-Ud-Daula and without obtaining his permission, they strengthened the Port at Fort William at Calcutta. Besides, they abused the tax concessions on business. The Nawab concluded that the British had violated his rules and were plotting with his enemies against him. Enraged, he took control of the British warehouses. These are the main causes for the Battle of Plassey.
Additional questions:
1. What are the reasons for the defeat of the French in Carnatic wars?
Answer: The reasons for the defeat of the French in Carnatic wars are as follows.
(i). The French neglected trade and showed more interest in politics. On the other hand, the British focused on trade, and in order to protect their interests in trade, they entered politics.
(ii). The British naval force was stronger than the French naval force.
(iii). The British officials co-operated with one another, and paid more attention to the interests of their Company. The French officials quarrelled among themselves and refused to co-operate with one another.
(iv). The British East India Company was under private ownership, whereas the French East India Company was under government control.
2. The eight ministers in the kingdom of Shivaji is known as the ‘Ashta Pradhans’.
3. Name the Three important Maratha Peshwas.
Answer: The Three important Maratha Peshwas are Balaji Vishwanath, Baji Rao I and Balaji Baji Rao.
4. What are the causes for the Carnatic war?
Answer: After the demise of the Nawab of Arcot, disputes arose between Chand Saheb and Mohammad Ali about the succession to the throne. Chand Saheb requested the help of the French whereas Mohammed Ali appealed to the British for help. Thus the British and the French entered the fray. This was the main cause for the Carnatic war.
