📚 Part of: Ancient Indian History Mcqs: Early Civilizations & Islamic Architecture

Under which of the following treaties British India secured Diwani rights in Bengal?

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Correct Answer: A) Allahbad.

Exam Relevance: UPSC Civil Services, IAS Prelims, State PSC Exams, History Exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes:

The Treaty of Allahabad, signed in 1765, was a significant agreement between the East India Company and the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II. It granted the East India Company the Diwani rights, which allowed them to collect revenue in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa. This treaty marked a crucial step in the British consolidation of power in India.

Common Mistakes:
  • Confusing the Treaty of Allahabad with other treaties signed during the same period, such as the Treaty of Alinagar or the Treaty of Benaras.
  • Misunderstanding the significance of Diwani rights and their role in the British control over Indian territories.
  • Not recognizing the specific year and context in which the Treaty of Allahabad was signed.
Explanation:

The Treaty of Allahabad, signed in 1765, was a significant agreement between the East India Company and the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II. This treaty marked a crucial step in the British consolidation of power in India, particularly in the region of Bengal. The treaty granted the East India Company the Diwani rights, which allowed them to collect revenue in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa. The Diwani rights were essentially the right to collect land revenue, which was a critical source of income and power in the region.

The context of the Treaty of Allahabad is important to understand. In the mid-18th century, the Mughal Empire was in decline, and the East India Company was expanding its influence in India. The Battle of Plassey in 1757 had already weakened the Nawab of Bengal, Siraj-ud-Daulah, and the East India Company had established a strong foothold in the region. However, the Company still needed formal recognition and authority to collect revenue, which was provided by the Treaty of Allahabad.

The Treaty of Allahabad was not the only treaty signed during this period. Other treaties, such as the Treaty of Alinagar (1757) and the Treaty of Benaras (1775), were also significant but did not involve the Diwani rights of Bengal. The Treaty of Alinagar was a peace treaty between the East India Company and the Nawab of Bengal, Siraj-ud-Daulah, after the Battle of Plassey. The Treaty of Benaras was an agreement between the East India Company and the Maharaja of Benaras, but it did not involve the Diwani rights of Bengal.

Understanding the Treaty of Allahabad and the Diwani rights is crucial for comprehending the British consolidation of power in India. The Diwani rights provided the East India Company with a significant source of revenue, which they used to further expand their influence and control over Indian territories. This treaty was a turning point in the history of British India, marking the beginning of the East India Company's direct rule over large parts of the subcontinent.

In summary, the Treaty of Allahabad, signed in 1765, granted the East India Company the Diwani rights, which allowed them to collect revenue in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa. This treaty was a pivotal moment in the British consolidation of power in India and is the correct answer to the question.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: The Treaty of Allahabad, signed in 1765, granted the East India Company the Diwani rights, which allowed them to collect revenue in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa. This treaty was a pivotal moment in the British consolidation of power in India, making this the correct answer.
  • Option B: The Treaty of Alinagar, signed in 1757, was a peace treaty between the East India Company and the Nawab of Bengal, Siraj-ud-Daulah, after the Battle of Plassey. It did not grant Diwani rights, which were secured later through the Treaty of Allahabad.
  • Option C: The Treaty of Faizabad, signed in 1756, was an agreement between the Nawab of Awadh and the East India Company. It did not involve the Diwani rights of Bengal, which were secured through the Treaty of Allahabad in 1765.
  • Option D: The Treaty of Benaras, signed in 1775, was an agreement between the East India Company and the Maharaja of Benaras. It did not involve the Diwani rights of Bengal, which were secured through the Treaty of Allahabad in 1765.

Mnemonic: Allahabad - A for Acquisition of Diwani rights

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