Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 163

The EEIC acquired the undisputed right to trade in ....., Bihar and Orrisa.

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider the historical context of the East India Company's territorial acquisitions.

Correct Answer: C) Bengal

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Bank PO, Civil Services

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

The East India Company (EEIC) was a British company that played a significant role in the colonization of India. The EEIC was granted various territorial rights through a series of treaties and acquisitions. One of the most important regions where the EEIC acquired undisputed rights to trade was Bengal, along with Bihar and Orissa.

The EEIC's control over Bengal began with the Battle of Plassey in 1757, where the Company defeated the Nawab of Bengal, Siraj-ud-Daulah. This victory led to the EEIC gaining control over the rich and fertile province of Bengal. The Company's control over Bengal was further solidified with the Treaty of Allahabad in 1765, which granted the EEIC the right to collect revenue in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa. This right was known as the Diwani, and it gave the EEIC complete control over the administration and trade in these regions.

The EEIC's control over Bengal was crucial for its economic interests in India. Bengal was known for its rich agricultural production, particularly in rice and jute, and it was also a center for textile manufacturing. The Company's control over the region allowed it to exploit these resources and establish a monopoly over the trade in these goods. The EEIC's control over Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa was a significant part of its territorial expansion and consolidation of power in India.

It is important to note that the EEIC's control over these regions was not without resistance. There were several uprisings and rebellions against the Company's rule, such as the Indian Rebellion of 1857, which ultimately led to the dissolution of the EEIC and the direct rule of India by the British Crown. However, the EEIC's undisputed rights to trade in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa were a crucial part of its historical legacy in India.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Awadh was not the region where the EEIC acquired undisputed rights to trade. Awadh was under the control of the Nawabs and was not directly governed by the EEIC until later.
  • Option B: Calcutta was an important trading post for the EEIC, but the question specifically asks about the regions where the EEIC had undisputed rights to trade, which includes Bengal, not just Calcutta.
  • Option C: The EEIC acquired undisputed rights to trade in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa. This was a significant part of the Company's territorial expansion and control in India.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect because the EEIC did have undisputed rights to trade in specific regions, namely Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa.

Mnemonic: BENGAL: Bengal, East India Company's main territorial right.

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