📚 Part of: West Bengal Gk: Colonial History & Cultural Landmarks Mcq

Consider the following Statements: The vast resources of Bengal was used wisely by EEIC for the benefit of the state. The English East India Company became the absolute rulers of Bengal in 1765. Based on the Except-The government in Bangladesh is struggling to meet the needs of millions of refugees that have fled there. Which of the following statement(s) is/are true?

Category: West Bengal Gk

Correct Answer: D) Only 2, 3.

Exam Relevance: West Bengal GK, UPSC, Civil Services, State PSC

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes:

The English East India Company (EEIC) gained control over Bengal in 1765, becoming the absolute rulers. This historical context is crucial for understanding the colonial period in West Bengal. The current situation in Bangladesh, particularly the refugee crisis, is a contemporary issue that highlights the ongoing challenges in the region.

Common Mistakes:
  • Confusing the historical timeline of the EEIC's rule over Bengal.
  • Misunderstanding the current political and social issues in Bangladesh.
  • Overlooking the distinction between historical and contemporary contexts.
Explanation:

To understand the context of the statements provided, it is essential to delve into the historical and contemporary aspects of West Bengal and Bangladesh.

The English East India Company (EEIC) was a British company that played a significant role in the colonization of India. In 1765, the EEIC gained control over the administration of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa through the Treaty of Allahabad. This treaty marked the beginning of the EEIC's absolute rule over Bengal, which lasted until the Indian Rebellion of 1857. The EEIC's rule was characterized by exploitation and mismanagement, leading to economic decline and famines in the region. The company's primary objective was to extract resources and wealth from Bengal to benefit the British economy, not to improve the welfare of the local population.

The second statement, "The English East India Company became the absolute rulers of Bengal in 1765," is historically accurate. The EEIC's control over Bengal was solidified through the Treaty of Allahabad, which granted them the right to collect revenue from the region. This marked the beginning of direct British rule in India, which would eventually lead to the establishment of the British Raj.

The third statement, "The government in Bangladesh is struggling to meet the needs of millions of refugees that have fled there," refers to a contemporary issue. Bangladesh has been facing a significant refugee crisis due to the influx of Rohingya refugees from Myanmar. The Rohingya are a Muslim minority group who have faced persecution and violence in Myanmar, leading to their mass exodus to Bangladesh. The Bangladeshi government has been struggling to provide adequate shelter, food, and healthcare to the large number of refugees, which has put a strain on the country's resources and infrastructure.

In conclusion, the correct answer is (D) Only 2, 3. The EEIC did become the absolute rulers of Bengal in 1765, and the current government in Bangladesh is indeed struggling with the needs of millions of refugees. The first statement is incorrect as the EEIC's rule was marked by exploitation rather than wise use of resources for the benefit of Bengal.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is incorrect because it includes the first statement, which is not true. The EEIC did not use the resources of Bengal wisely for the benefit of the state; instead, they exploited the resources for their own profit, leading to economic decline in Bengal.
  • Option B: This option is incorrect because it includes the first statement, which is not true. The EEIC's exploitation of Bengal's resources did not benefit the state but rather led to economic hardship and famine.
  • Option C: This option is incorrect because it includes the first statement, which is not true. The EEIC's rule was marked by exploitation rather than wise use of resources for the benefit of Bengal.
  • Option D: This option is correct because it includes only the second and third statements. The EEIC did become the absolute rulers of Bengal in 1765, and the current government in Bangladesh is indeed struggling with the needs of millions of refugees.

Mnemonic: EER: English East India Rule

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