Mysore under Hyder Ali and Tipu
- Remove intermediaries(Deshmukhs) and introduce a direct collection of taxes by the state through state officials who got salaries and not commissions.
- This allowed more income for the state and low taxes for peasants as now no commission of intermediaries.
- This increased the financial strength of the state immensely.
- Did detailed field surveys to asses land revenue demand, therefore, preventing over-assessments.
- To maximize the land revenue system tipu modernized the irrigation system, introduced sericulture, and promoted crash crops.
- Land under Jagirdari was minimized.
- Tipu protected peasants from corruption and oppression of officials via effective supervision.
- Even Tipu's enemy accepted that his population was the most prosperous.
- In 1793, Tipu set up a state commercial cooperation to set up factories in and outside Mysore.
- The PSU set up 30 trading centres in and outside Mysore and even outside India, for example in Muscat(Oman), and Mysore began international trade in lucrative goods like sandalwood, Pepper, rice, silk, sulfur, cardamom, etc.
- Tipu's revenue model and his fiscal policies are also called military fiscalism as a huge amount of wealth was generated by the state to build a strong military and in this respect, Mysore behaved like EIC.
- Tipu sent ambassadors to France for importing foreign technology and to build an alliance against the British.
- Tipu introduced rockets in the military and was used in 1799(4th Anglo-Mysore war) which EIC copied and developed in 1806.
- However, dreams were bigger than resources, and constant warfare with Indian neighbours and EIC drained resources.
- This was because Mysore wanted to dominate the whole of south India and its trade, therefore developing rivals with Indian neighbours and EIC respectively.
- Tipu declared independence from the Mughals formally, For example, minted coins in his name and used his name in Khutba/Friday prayers.
- Tipu requested Farman/decree from the ottoman empire's khalifa who was also a religious had of the Muslim world, declaring Tipu as a ruler independent from the Mughals.
Travancore
- Always maintained independence from the Mughals.
- Marthanda Varma:
- The important ruler was Marthanda Varma who by 1740 setup a strong centralized state by subjugating the local chiefs, he did some territorial expansion and built a west-like military with modern weapons, and in 1741 removed the Dutch from Cochin, who were there since 1669.
- He forced EIC to trade on his terms.
- He established a state monopoly over the pepper trade of Malabar and later all trade on the Malabar coast.
- Trade profits were utilized for military, agriculture, transport, and communication.
- Under Rama Varma, Travancore became the centre of art and scholarship but declined militarily.
- In 1766 Hyder Ali attacked and annexed Malabar and Calicut then Tipu attacked and this contributed to the 3rd Anglo-Mysore war as EIC was an ally of Travancore.
- After Rama Verma, Travancore came under British influence.
- In 1800, a British resident was stationed in the court.
- In 1805 Travancore signed a subsidiary/subordinate alliance with EIC that led to EIC control over foreign policy and military, in return for help in suppressing a revolt in the army by Nair troops due to low salaries.
- In 1809, PM/Devan Velu Thampi led a revolt by peasants and Nair troops against EIC, due to interference in the domestic affairs by British residents which was crushed by EIC.
The advent of Europeans
- Colonialism was originally associated with settlement by foreigners, that is converting a newfound land into a colony.
- These foreign settlers established their domination and exploited indigenous people in the economic, political, and cultural domains.
- colonialism implies the domination of economic, political, social, and cultural by foreigners of indigenous people.
- Foreigners may be in form of foreign settlers, businesses, and foreign states or foreign institutions.
- For example post decolonization after WW2, neo-colonialism began ex-colonies now had political independence legally but they were still dominated and exploited by ex-colonial powers and international institutions like IMF and the world banks
- As these newly independent nations were economically weak and therefore dependent on foreign aid and loans
- Which were tied with conditionalities that prevented these nations from following independent policies, therefore this was colonialism in a new form, Hence the name neo-colonialism
- Imperialism is when there is the use of the military or its threat
- In imperialism, there is usually a loss of sovereignty and is usually done by a foreign state, therefore empire-building via territorial annexations is a feature of imperialism usually.
- Colonialism and imperialism are used interchangeably.
- Old colonialism/imperialism existed pre-industrialization of western Europe, that is pre-1870.
- Pre-1817, it was motivated by Gold, Glory, and God.
- God represented the motive of spreading Christianity.
- Glory represented empire building.
- Gold represented economic motives and led to economic exploitation via loot of wealth and resources, plantation systems, trade of lucrative crops from the colony to the rest of the world, and the lucrative slave trade.
- Where Africans were sold as slaves in the Americas for cheap labour in the plantation system.
The topic of the next class: Advent of Europeans
1. What was the primary objective of Tipu Sultan's revenue model?
a) Maximizing agricultural productivity
b) Increasing trade and commerce
c) Financing military expansion
d) Providing welfare programs for peasants
Answer: c) Financing military expansion
2. How did Tipu Sultan modernize the irrigation system in Mysore?
a) Introducing canals and reservoirs
b) Implementing drip irrigation techniques
c) Promoting rainwater harvesting
d) Constructing underground pipelines
Answer: a) Introducing canals and reservoirs
3. What was the purpose of Tipu Sultan's state commercial cooperation?
a) To promote international trade
b) To establish a monopoly over lucrative goods
c) To strengthen diplomatic relations with other countries
d) To generate revenue for the state
Answer: a) To promote international trade
4. Which goods were traded by Mysore under Tipu Sultan's state commercial cooperation?
a) Sandalwood, pepper, rice, silk, sulfur, cardamom
b) Tea, coffee, cotton, indigo, opium
c) Spices, textiles, precious stones, ivory
d) Timber, minerals, medicinal herbs, jute
Answer: a) Sandalwood, pepper, rice, silk, sulfur, cardamom
5. What term is used to describe Tipu Sultan's revenue model and fiscal policies?
a) Military fiscalism
b) Agrarian socialism
c) Capitalist exploitation
d) Welfare economics
Answer: a) Military fiscalism
6. How did Tipu Sultan utilize the wealth generated by the state?
a) Investing in agriculture and infrastructure
b) Promoting education and cultural development
c) Building a strong military
d) Implementing social welfare programs
Answer: c) Building a strong military
7. What foreign country did Tipu Sultan seek alliances with against the British?
a) France
b) Ottoman Empire
c) Portugal
d) Netherlands
Answer: a) France
8. Which military innovation did Tipu Sultan introduce in his army?
a) Rockets
b) Tanks
c) Aircraft
d) Machine guns
Answer: a) Rockets
9. Why did constant warfare drain the resources of Mysore under Tipu Sultan?
a) To maintain control over the whole of South India
b) To dominate the trade in the region
c) To expand the territorial boundaries of Mysore
d) To establish alliances with Indian neighbors
Answer: a) To maintain control over the whole of South India
10. How did Tipu Sultan declare independence from the Mughals?
a) Minting coins in his name
b) Requesting a Farman from the Ottoman Empire
c) Seeking recognition from the British East India Company
d) Conquering territories previously under Mughal rule
Answer: a) Minting coins in his name
11. Which ruler played a significant role in establishing a centralized state in Travancore?
a) Marthanda Varma
b) Rama Varma
c) Hyder Ali
d) Tipu Sultan
Answer: a) Marthanda Varma
12. How did Marthanda Varma force the East India Company to trade on his terms?
a) Imposing heavy tariffs on British goods
b) Establishing a state monopoly on trade
c) Threatening military action against the Company
d) Offering favorable trading concessions
Answer: c) Threatening military action against the Company
13. What led to the 3rd Anglo-Mysore war between Travancore and the East India Company?
a) Annexation of Malabar and Calicut by Hyder Ali
b) British interference in domestic affairs of Travancore
c) Rebellion by Nair troops against low salaries
d) Rivalry over control of the pepper trade
Answer: b) British interference in domestic affairs of Travancore
14. When did Travancore come under British influence?
a) After the reign of Marthanda Varma
b) After signing a subsidiary alliance with the East India Company
c) After the defeat in the 3rd Anglo-Mysore war
d) After the revolt led by PM Devan Velu Thampi
Answer: b) After signing a subsidiary alliance with the East India Company
15. What was the main motive behind colonialism during the pre-industrialization era?
a) Gold
b) Glory
c) God
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
16. How did colonialism contribute to economic exploitation in colonies?
a) Loot of wealth and resources
b) Plantation systems
c) Lucrative slave trade
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
17. What is neo-colonialism?
a) Settlement by foreigners in newly discovered lands
b) Dominance and exploitation of ex-colonies by former colonial powers
c) Economic, political, and cultural domination by indigenous people
d) Decolonization of ex-colonies and their independence
Answer: b) Dominance and exploitation of ex-colonies by former colonial powers
18. What is the difference between colonialism and imperialism?
a) Colonialism involves settlement by foreigners, while imperialism involves military dominance
b) Colonialism is motivated by economic exploitation, while imperialism focuses on territorial annexation
c) Colonialism refers to pre-1870 domination, while imperialism refers to post-1870 domination
d) Colonialism is associated with political control, while imperialism involves cultural assimilation
Answer: a) Colonialism involves settlement by foreigners, while imperialism involves military dominance
19. What were the motives of old colonialism/imperialism?
a) Gold, Glory, God
b) Economic dominance, political control, cultural assimilation
c) Exploitation of wealth and resources, empire building, spread of Christianity
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
20. What form of colonialism emerged after decolonization?
a) Settler colonialism
b) Neo-colonialism
c) Industrial colonialism
d) Cultural colonialism
Answer: b) Neo-colonialism
21. Which European power did Marthanda Varma remove from Cochin in 1741?
a) British
b) Dutch
c) French
d) Portuguese
Answer: b) Dutch
22. What did Marthanda Varma establish a state monopoly over in Travancore?
a) Tea trade
b) Coffee trade
c) Pepper trade
d) Silk trade
Answer: c) Pepper trade
23. How were trade profits utilized in Travancore under Marthanda Varma?
a) Military expansion
b) Agriculture development
c) Transport and communication improvement
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
24. Who signed a subsidiary alliance with the East India Company in Travancore?
a) Marthanda Varma
b) Rama Varma
c) Devan Velu Thampi
d) Tipu Sultan
Answer: b) Rama Varma
25. What led to the revolt by peasants and Nair troops against the East India Company in Travancore?
a) British interference in domestic affairs
b) Low salaries of Nair troops
c) Imposition of heavy taxes on peasants
d) Suppression of cultural practices
Answer: a) British interference in domestic affairs
26. What is the term used to describe the domination of economic, political, social, and cultural aspects by foreigners in colonialism?
a) Imperialism
b) Cultural assimilation
c) Economic exploitation
d) Foreign intervention
Answer: a) Imperialism
27. What is the term used to describe the post-1870 form of domination and exploitation of ex-colonies by former colonial powers?
a) Neo-colonialism
b) Settler colonialism
c) Industrial colonialism
d) Decolonization
Answer: a) Neo-colonialism
28. How were newly independent nations economically impacted in the post-colonial era?
a) They were economically prosperous due to newfound independence.
b) They were economically dependent on foreign aid and loans.
c) They achieved economic self-sufficiency.
d) They established lucrative trade networks.
Answer: b) They were economically dependent on foreign aid and loans.
29. Which international institutions are mentioned as examples of neo-colonial domination?
a) United Nations
b) World Bank
c) International Monetary Fund (IMF)
d) World Trade Organization (WTO)
Answer: b) World Bank and c) International Monetary Fund (IMF)
30. How did old colonialism/imperialism differ from the pre-industrialization era?
a) It was motivated by economic gain only.
b) It focused on political control and territorial annexation.
c) It was driven by cultural assimilation and religious conversion.
d) It primarily targeted indigenous populations.
Answer: b) It focused on political control and territorial annexation.
31. What was the motive behind the old colonialism/imperialism's "Gold" aspect?
a) Economic exploitation and wealth accumulation
b) Spread of Christianity
c) Empire building
d) Political dominance
Answer: a) Economic exploitation and wealth accumulation
32. What motivated the establishment of colonial settlements in the pre-industrialization era?
a) Desire for political power
b) Need for agricultural land
c) Quest for religious freedom
d) Lust for riches and trade routes
Answer: d) Lust for riches and trade routes
33. What was the economic system prevalent in colonies during old colonial
ism/imperialism?
a) Mercantilism
b) Capitalism
c) Socialism
d) Feudalism
Answer: a) Mercantilism
34. What is the term for the use of military force by a foreign state to establish dominance?
a) Colonialism
b) Imperialism
c) Mercantilism
d) Neocolonialism
Answer: b) Imperialism
35. Which continent was most affected by the slave trade during the era of old colonialism/imperialism?
a) Europe
b) Africa
c) Asia
d) Americas
Answer: b) Africa
36. How did colonialism impact indigenous cultures?
a) Cultural assimilation
b) Preservation of cultural diversity
c) Respect for indigenous traditions
d) Encouragement of cultural exchange
Answer: a) Cultural assimilation
37. What led to the emergence of neo-colonialism after decolonization?
a) Political independence of ex-colonies
b) Economic prosperity of ex-colonies
c) Continued domination and exploitation by former colonial powers
d) Decentralization of power in ex-colonies
Answer: c) Continued domination and exploitation by former colonial powers
38. What did colonial powers gain from the establishment of colonies?
a) Access to resources and markets
b) Cultural enrichment
c) Technological advancements
d) Political stability
Answer: a) Access to resources and markets
39. What impact did colonialism have on indigenous economies?
a) Boosted industrialization
b) Enhanced economic development
c) Disrupted traditional economic systems
d) Encouraged local entrepreneurship
Answer: c) Disrupted traditional economic systems
40. How did colonialism contribute to the spread of Christianity?
a) Through the establishment of missionary schools and churches
b) Through cultural assimilation
c) Through economic dominance
d) Through military conquest
Answer: a) Through the establishment of missionary schools and churches
Question 1:
Discuss the economic and military policies of Tipu Sultan in Mysore and their impact on the state's development and relations with foreign powers.
Answer 1:
Tipu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore, implemented various economic and military policies that significantly shaped the state's development and its relations with foreign powers. Economically, Tipu Sultan aimed to maximize the state's revenue and promote trade. He removed intermediaries and introduced a direct collection of taxes, which increased the income for the state and reduced the burden on peasants. Additionally, he conducted detailed field surveys to assess land revenue demands, preventing over-assessments. This helped in ensuring fair taxation and fostering prosperity among the peasants.
To enhance the economic strength of Mysore, Tipu Sultan modernized the irrigation system, promoted sericulture, and introduced cash crops. These initiatives aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and diversifying the state's revenue sources. Furthermore, Tipu Sultan established a state commercial cooperation, setting up trading centers both within and outside Mysore. This facilitated international trade in lucrative goods like sandalwood, pepper, rice, silk, and cardamom. Mysore's trade network extended to regions such as Muscat (Oman), enhancing its economic influence.
In terms of military policies, Tipu Sultan adopted innovative strategies to strengthen his forces. He introduced rocket technology in his military, which was used during the 4th Anglo-Mysore war in 1799. The East India Company later adopted and further developed this technology. Tipu Sultan's military fiscalism was evident in his revenue model, where a significant portion of the wealth generated by the state was allocated to building a strong military. This approach resembled the East India Company's focus on military and fiscal expansion.
Tipu Sultan also sought foreign alliances to counter British influence. He sent ambassadors to France to import foreign technology and establish an alliance against the British. His efforts to modernize the military and expand territorial control were driven by his aspiration to dominate South India's trade and establish Mysore as a powerful regional force.
However, Tipu Sultan's dreams of expansion and rivalry with Indian neighbors and the East India Company strained Mysore's resources. Constant warfare and conflicts drained the state's wealth and weakened its position. Despite his ambitious policies, Tipu Sultan's military campaigns and subsequent confrontations with the British eventually led to his defeat and the establishment of British dominance in the region.
Question 2:
Examine the evolution of Travancore under Marthanda Varma and its subsequent relationship with the East India Company, highlighting the key socio-economic and political developments.
Answer 2:
Travancore, under the rule of Marthanda Varma, witnessed significant socio-economic and political transformations. Marthanda Varma played a crucial role in centralizing the state's power by subjugating local chiefs, thus establishing a strong and centralized state. He undertook territorial expansion and built a modernized military with access to advanced weaponry.
Marthanda Varma introduced several reforms to improve the state's economy. One notable reform was the removal of intermediaries (Deshmukhs) in the tax collection process. This shift allowed for direct collection of taxes by state officials, who received salaries instead of commissions. As a result, the state's financial strength increased, and the burden of taxes on peasants reduced. Marthanda Varma also implemented a state monopoly over the pepper trade in Malabar and later extended it to cover all trade on the Malabar coast. The profits from trade were utilized for various developmental activities, including military expansion, agriculture development, and improvements in transport and communication.
During Marthanda Varma's reign, Travancore maintained a level of independence from the Mughals. The state forced the East India Company to
trade on its terms, exhibiting a degree of autonomy in its dealings. However, following Marthanda Varma's rule, Travancore came under increasing British influence. In 1800, a British resident was stationed in the Travancore court, marking the beginning of closer ties between the state and the East India Company.
In 1805, Travancore signed a subsidiary alliance with the East India Company. This agreement granted the Company control over Travancore's foreign policy and military, while providing assistance to suppress a revolt in the army led by Nair troops. The subsidiary alliance led to the British exerting greater influence over Travancore's affairs, impacting its political autonomy.
In 1809, a revolt led by PM Devan Velu Thampi erupted in Travancore. This uprising was fueled by grievances against the interference of British residents in the state's domestic affairs. However, the revolt was eventually crushed by the East India Company, solidifying their control over Travancore.
Overall, the trajectory of Travancore under Marthanda Varma reflected a period of consolidation and prosperity. The state's centralized administration, economic reforms, and military advancements contributed to its growth and influence. However, the subsequent alliance with the East India Company marked a shift towards increasing British control, ultimately altering the political landscape of Travancore.
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