Part of: West Bengal Gk set 36

The dawani rights over Bengal were handed over to british\ by .....

Category: West Bengal Gk

Hint: Consider the historical context of British expansion in India.

Correct Answer: B) Shah alam.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Civil Services, State PSC

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

The dawani rights, which refer to the right to collect revenue, were a crucial aspect of the British East India Company's expansion in India. The transfer of these rights over Bengal to the British East India Company was a significant event in the history of British colonialism in India.

In 1765, the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II granted the dawani rights over Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa to the British East India Company. This transfer was a result of the Treaty of Allahabad, which was signed after the Battle of Buxar in 1764. The Battle of Buxar was a decisive victory for the British East India Company over the combined forces of the Nawab of Bengal, the Nawab of Awadh, and the Mughal Emperor. The treaty and the subsequent transfer of dawani rights marked the beginning of the British East India Company's direct control over a large part of the Indian subcontinent.

Shah Alam II, who was the Mughal Emperor at the time, was in a weakened position due to the internal conflicts within the Mughal Empire and the growing power of the British East India Company. The transfer of dawani rights was a strategic move by the British to consolidate their economic and political power in the region. This event is considered a pivotal moment in the history of British colonialism in India, as it allowed the British to establish a firm foothold in Bengal and eventually expand their control over much of the Indian subcontinent.

It is important to note that the transfer of dawani rights was not a straightforward or peaceful process. The British East India Company's control over Bengal was marked by various conflicts and challenges, including the resistance from local rulers and the impact of British policies on the local economy and society. However, the transfer of dawani rights remains a significant historical event that shaped the course of British colonialism in India.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Alam Khan is not the correct answer. Alam Khan was not involved in the transfer of dawani rights to the British East India Company. The transfer was made by Shah Alam II, the Mughal Emperor, in 1765.
  • Option B: This is the correct answer. Shah Alam II, the Mughal Emperor, granted the dawani rights over Bengal to the British East India Company in 1765, marking a significant step in the British consolidation of power in India.
  • Option C: This option is incorrect because Alam Khan was not involved in the transfer of dawani rights. The correct answer is Shah Alam II.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect because Shah Alam II did grant the dawani rights to the British East India Company, making him the correct figure in this historical event.

Mnemonic: Dawani to Alam: D to A

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