Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 388

The Governor General who accepted the Diwani of BENGAL in 1765

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider the key events and figures in the early British rule in India.

Correct Answer: A) Robert Clive.

Exam Relevance: CBSE, UPSC, SSC, CLAT

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

The Diwani of Bengal was a crucial event in the history of British colonialism in India. It refers to the grant of the right to collect land revenue in the provinces of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa to the British East India Company. This event occurred in 1765, following the Battle of Buxar, which was a significant military victory for the British East India Company over the combined forces of the Nawab of Bengal, the Nawab of Awadh, and the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II.

Robert Clive, also known as Clive of India, was the Governor General of Bengal at the time and played a pivotal role in securing the Diwani for the British East India Company. Clive was a key figure in the early stages of British colonialism in India, having previously led the British forces to victory in the Battle of Plassey in 1757, which established British control over Bengal.

The Diwani of Bengal was a significant shift in the British approach to India. Prior to this, the British East India Company had primarily been involved in trade and commerce. The acquisition of the Diwani marked the beginning of direct British governance and the establishment of a revenue collection system that would later form the basis of British administrative control over large parts of India.

Understanding the historical context of the Diwani of Bengal is essential for comprehending the broader narrative of British colonialism in India. It is important to recognize the key figures involved, such as Robert Clive, and the events that led to the British East India Company's increasing control over Indian territories. This event set the stage for further British expansion and consolidation of power in India, leading to the eventual establishment of the British Raj.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is correct. Robert Clive, also known as Clive of India, accepted the Diwani of Bengal in 1765. This event was a pivotal moment in the British East India Company's control over India, as it allowed the Company to collect land revenue in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa.
  • Option B: This option is incorrect. Lord Dalhousie was a later Governor General of India, known for his policy of annexation and the introduction of the Doctrine of Lapse. He was not involved in the Diwani of Bengal in 1765.
  • Option C: This option is incorrect. Thomas Munro was a British administrator in India, known for his reforms in Madras Presidency. He was not involved in the Diwani of Bengal in 1765.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect. Lord Cornwallis was a Governor General of India who implemented significant administrative reforms, including the Permanent Settlement in 1793. He was not involved in the Diwani of Bengal in 1765.

Mnemonic: Remember "Clive and Diwani" for the year 1765.

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