Question
Examine the reasons for the changing nature of the rule of the British East India Company between 1757 and 1858.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Ans:
Candidates are required to consider why the rule of the British East India Company changed over the stated period of time. There should be some attempt at a reasoned conclusion.
Indicative content
- The rule of the British East India Company spanned the period 1757 to 1858, although initially there was no interference from the British government on how it ruled India.
- Early on, the Company had been able to increase its dominance over India as a result of the defeat of other European powers there. The decline of the Mughals had also benefitted the Company. However, by the end of the 18th century the company was in trouble; the need for private armies to protect its lands had become too onerous and, alongside increased administrative costs, the financial burden became too large.
- The ability of the company to govern was also brought into question when there was a famine in Bengal (1769–1770).
- The Regulating Act of 1773 resulted in greater parliamentary control over the affairs of the Company and regulated their business in India.
- By the early 19th century India was under the rule of a Governor-General and subsequent holders of the office attempted to “reform” aspects of Indian society.
- Company rule was still primarily concerned with the preservation of its own economic interests. The practice of free trade meant that the Company’s policies were exploitative and had a negative impact on the Indian people.
- Dalhousie introduced the Doctrine of Lapse, which annexed the princely states without heirs and this acquired more territory for the Company. It also altered traditional inheritance patterns. Many Indian rulers were displaced following the annexations of Indian lands and this meant some princely states rebelled.
- Many candidates may conclude their responses by explaining how the Indian Mutiny/Revolt ended the rule of the British East India Company. The British Crown took control of India as a result of the Government of India Act 1858.
The above material is an indication of what candidates may elect to write about in their responses. However, it is not exhaustive and no set answer is required.
Examiners and moderators are reminded of the need to apply the markbands that provide the “best fit” to the responses given by candidates and to award credit wherever it is possible to do so.
Question
Evaluate the extent of opposition to colonial rule in any two Southeast Asian countries from the late 18th century to the mid-19th century.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Ans: Candidates are required to select any two Southeast Asian countries and appraise the extent to which colonial role was opposed in both of their choices. Reference can be made to British and/or Dutch and/or French and/or Spanish colonies in the region.
Indicative content
- The nature of colonial rule and its impact on indigenous communities.
- The methods used by colonists to “divide and rule”. When this was done it kept local populations weak and strengthened the position of the colonists.
- The agricultural nature of many of the indigenous societies meant they were not directly or always affected by colonial rule.
- For some people in some areas colonial rule brought benefits. The urban elite in particular often collaborated with the colonists.
- The level of opposition could be affected by the nature of the colonial leadership and the calibre of its officials.
- Policies of repression in some colonies where there was limited resistance (for example in Java and the Philippines) curbed further opposition.
- The heterogeneity of Southeast Asian society, including its religious and ethnic differences, made unified resistance more difficult.
The above material is an indication of what candidates may elect to write about in their responses. However, it is not exhaustive and no set answer is required.
Examiners and moderators are reminded of the need to apply the markbands that provide the “best fit” to the responses given by candidates and to award credit wherever it is possible to do so.
Question
With reference to two Southeast Asian countries, discuss the nature and effects of colonial rule.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Ans:
Candidates are required to select two Southeast Asian countries and offer a considered and balanced review of the nature of the colonial rule they were subject to and the effects of that rule. While it is likely that candidates will select countries with different colonial rulers, this is not a requirement of the question and any two colonized countries are acceptable. While it is possible—and acceptable—for candidates to adopt a comparative approach, this is not a requirement of the question.
Indicative content
- The political nature of colonial rule may include a comparison of the type of rule, direct or indirect; the structure of the bureaucracy; colonial military presence; the colonial powers’ policies of divide and rule and the attempts to replicate political systems and/or institutions of the colonial power. The impact colonial rule had on the existing rulers may also be discussed.
- The economic nature of colonial rule could include a discussion of taxation systems and developments in agriculture and trade/commerce. Candidates may also compare the effects of colonial rule on the economy including economic hardship, land redistribution and developments in infrastructure.
- The presence and activities of missionaries during colonial rule had a significant impact on society. Many local people converted to Christianity, which contributed to a loss of cultural beliefs and identity. Local rebellions and resistance were also a feature of colonial rule in some Southeast Asian countries in this period.
The above material is an indication of what candidates may elect to write about in their responses. However, the list is not exhaustive and no set answer is required.
Examiners and moderators are reminded of the need to apply the markbands that provide the “best fit” to the responses given by candidates and to award credit wherever it is possible to do so.
Question
Discuss the reasons why the Great Revolt (Indian Mutiny) of 1857 was so violent.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Ans:
Candidates are required to offer a considered and balanced review of the events that took place during the Great Revolt. Candidates may focus on the grievances of those who took part in the revolt, the British response—which may be deemed to have exacerbated the situation—and the impact on the revolt of local rulers, who intensified the situation by using it to advance their own interests. Candidates may argue that the revolt had largely run its course before the British fully responded.
Indicative content
- Following the attempt by one sepoy to shoot a British officer, a whole division of the 34th Bengal Native Infantry was disbanded in disgrace. Resentment in other sepoy regiments increased.
- At Meerut 85 sepoys refused to accept the new cartridges and were punished with 10 years’ hard labour. This sentence led to violence between sepoys and Europeans.
- At Cawnpore, British hostages—including women and children—were killed. British attitudes hardened and when the British regained the city large numbers of sepoys were hung or blown from canons, despite the fact that many were not directly responsible for the killings.
- However, the advancement of the rebel sepoys and the stories of the murder of European women and children resulted in many British officials abandoning their posts, which encouraged further rebellions.
- Unsure of their loyalty many British officials disarmed their sepoys but they handled this process badly leading to many previously loyal sepoys joining the rebellion.
- The revolt also provided an opportunity for many local rulers to fight each other.
- Many Shi’ite Muslims called for a jihad against the British. However, Sunni Muslims supported the British as they did not want Shia rule.
- Sikhs resented the sepoys even more than they did the British so they supported the British in regaining Delhi to ensure Mughal dominance did not return.
The above material is an indication of what candidates may elect to write about in their responses. However, the list is not exhaustive and no set answer is required.
Examiners and moderators are reminded of the need to apply the markbands that provide the “best fit” to the responses given by candidates and to award credit wherever it is possible to do so.