British Expansion in India: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Modern History)

Explanation

The British East India Company established forts to secure trade routes, defend against rival European powers, and later assert political control over territories.

Option (b) is correct: Fort St George Was constructed in 1644 in Madras (Chennai), was the first fort built by the British in India. It marked the beginning of British colonial expansion and served as a major administrative and military base for the East India Company in South India. Options(a), (c) and (d) are incorrect:

Fort William, located in Calcutta (now Kolkata), was built later in 1696 and served as the British administrative headquarters in Bengal. Fort St David, located near Cuddalore in Tamil Nadu, was acquired by the British in 1690 and became a secondary stronghold after Fort St George. Fort St Angelo in Kannur (Kerala), was constructed by the Portuguese, not the British.

Explanation

Option (c) is correct: The First Factory Act was enacted in 1881 during the tenure of Lord Ripon. It marked the beginning of labor reforms in India by limiting the working hours of women and children in factories. The act also allowed local governments to implement and enforce rules to ensure compliance, making it a significant step towards improving labor conditions. Options(a), (b) and (d) are incorrect:

Lord Lytton (1876-1880) is known for the Vernacular Press Act and the grand Delhi Durbar of 1877, he did not initiate labor reforms. Lord Bentinck (1828-1835) is famous for his abolition of Sati and other social reforms, his tenure predates the Factory Act. Lord Canning (1856-1862) was the first Viceroy of India, remembered for the Revolt of 1857 and administrative changes following it, but unrelated to the Factory Act.

Explanation

The governance of British India underwent significant changes over time, with key administrative reforms reshaping the roles and designations of officials.

Statement 1 is incorrect: Robert Clive, often referred to as the "founder of the British Empire in India," served as the Governor of Bengal twice (1757-1760 and 1765-1767). However, he was not the first Governor-General of Bengal. This title belongs to Warren Hastings, who was appointed as the first Governor-General of Bengal under the Regulating Act of 1773.

Statement 2 is correct: William Bentinck became the first Governor-General of India in 1833 under the Charter Act, which extended the Governor-General of Bengal’s authority to all British territories in India.