GK Questions and Answers on the British Conquest of India

John Mildenhall, a merchant adventurer, was the first Englishman who arrived in India in 1599 AD, by the overland route, ostensibly for the purpose of trade with Indian merchants. The English East India Company was formed by the group of merchants known as the ‘Merchant Adventures’ in 1600 AD. After establishing their factories in the south and west India, the company started to focus on east India, particularly Bengal a significant province Mughal empire, and later on emerging as the ruler from the trader.

1. Who among the following influence British to come to India?

A. Portuguese

B. Danes

C. Dutch

D. French

Ans: A

Explanation: Arrival of the British and the establishment of British East India Company was the outcome of the Portuguese traders who earn enormous profit by selling their merchandise in India. Hence, A is the correct option.

2. Who authorise British East India Company to trade in the East?

A. Queen Elizabeth IV

B. Queen Elizabeth I

C. Queen Elizabeth III

D. Queen Elizabeth II

Ans: B

Explanation: The British East India Company received a royal charter from Queen Elizabeth I on December 31, 1600 AD authorizing it to trade in the East. Queen was herself a share holder in the East India Company. Hence, B is the correct option.

3. Who among the following sent by East India Company to the court of the Mughal emperor to secure royal patronage?

A. Thomas Munro

B. Thomas Roe

C. Captain William Hawkins

D. None of the above

Ans: C

Explanation: In 1608 AD, the British East India Company sent Captain William Hawkins to the court of the Mughal emperor to secure royal patronage. He succeeded in getting royal permit for the Company to establish its factories at various places on the Western coast of India. Hence, C is the correct option.

GK Questions and Answers on the European conquest of India

4. Who was the Mughal Emperor when first British enter into the Mughal Court to secure royal patronage?

A. Akbar I

B. Aurangzeb

C. Babar

D. Jahangir

Ans: D

Explanation: In 1608 AD, the East India Company sent Captain William Hawkins to the court of the Mughal emperor Jahangir to secure royal patronage. He succeeded in getting royal permit for the Company to establish its factories at various places on the Western coast of India. Hence, D is the correct option.

5. Who among the following British diplomate sent by Emperor James I of England to Jahangir’s court, with a plea for more concession for the Company?

A. Thomas Munro

B. Thomas Roe

C. Captain William Hawkins

D. None of the above

Ans: B

Explanation:  In 1615 AD, Sir Thomas Roe was sent by Emperor James I of England to Jahangir’s court, with a plea for more concession for the Company. Hence, B is the correct option.

6. Which of the following Island received as dowry to Charles II of England  and given to the East India Company in 1668 AD for 10 pounds per year?

A. Bombay

B. Dadra & Nagar Haveli

C. Lakshadweep

D. Pumban Island

Ans: A

Explanation: In 1662 AD, when Charles II of England married a Portuguese princess Katherine, and received the island of Bombay as dowry which he immediately gave to the East India Company in 1668 AD for 10 pounds per year. Hence, A is the correct option.

GK Questions and Answers on the Administrative and Economic Policies in British India

7. Who among the following established a factory at Sutanuti and the Zamindari of the three villages of Sutanuti, Kalikata and Govindapur?

A. Francis Dey

B. Francois Caron

C. Job Charnock

D. Captain Hawkins

Ans: C

Explanation: Job Charnock established a factory at Sutanuti and the Zamindari of the three villages of Sutanuti, Kalikata and Govindapur. These villages later grew into the city of Calcutta.

8. Match the following

          Set I

a. First Carnatic War

b. Second Carnatic War

c. Third Carnatic War

d. Battle of Plassey

         Set II

1. Dupleix

2. Muzaffar Jung and Chanda Sahib

3. Count de Lally

4. Siraj-ud-Daulah

Code:

        a      b      c      d

A.    1      2      3      4

B.    4      3      2      1

C.    3      4      2      1

D.    1      3      2      4

Ans: A

Explanation:  The correct match is given below-

First Carnatic War: Dupleix

Second Carnatic War: Muzaffar Jung and Chanda Sahib

Third Carnatic War: Count de Lally

Battle of Plassey: Siraj-ud-Daulah

9. In which place in India, British started Dual system of Government?

A. Madras

B. Bengal

C. Bombay

D. Pondicherry

Ans: B

Explanation: The Dual System of Government started in Bengal. The company acquired both Diwani and Nizamat rights from the Nazam-ud-Daulah. Hence, B is the correct option.

10. Who among the following annexed the Punjab as British territory after the Second Anglo-Sikh War?

A. Warren Hasting

B. Robert Clive

C.  Eyre Coote

D. Lord Dalhousie

Ans: D

Explanation: After the death of Ranjit Singh in 1839 AD, the first Anglo-Sikh War began. Sikhs were defeated and signed the Treaty of Lahore. In the Second Anglo-Sikh War, Lord Dalhousie annexed Punjab as a British Territory.

1000+ GK Questions & Answers on Indian History