90. After which decisive battle did the East India Company increasingly appoint political Residents at Indian courts?
[DSSSB Jail Warder, 12 June 2024]
(A) Battle of Buxar
(B) Battle of Haldighati
(C) Battle of Talikota
(D) Battle of Khanwa
Answer: (A) Battle of Buxar
Explanation: The Battle of Buxar in 1764 demonstrated Company military superiority over the joint forces of Bengal, Awadh and the Mughal emperor. The Company increasingly used political agents to monitor and influence princely administrations. Its consequences are best understood through the treaty negotiations and Company revenue arrangements that followed.
89. What was the government established by Maharaja Ranjit Singh commonly called?
[PSSSB Senior Assistant, 28 January 2024]
(A) Sarkar-i-Khalsa
(B) Ashtapradhan
(C) Nizamat
(D) Diwani
Answer: (A) Sarkar-i-Khalsa
Explanation: Ranjit Singh consolidated the Sikh kingdom centred on Lahore and projected authority through the Sarkar-i-Khalsa. His administration drew together different religious and social communities while building a formidable professional army. This history belongs to the Company’s final phase of major territorial conquest in northwestern India.
88. During which years was the Second Anglo-Afghan War fought?
[SSC GD Constable, 27 February 2024]
(A) 1839–1842
(B) 1845–1846
(C) 1878–1880
(D) 1885–1887
Answer: (C) 1878–1880
Explanation: The Second Anglo-Afghan War began in 1878 after a frontier and diplomatic crisis. The conflict reflected British strategic anxiety about Russian influence in Central Asia and control of approaches to India. British decisions were also shaped by anxiety over imperial rivalry and the security of India’s frontier.
87. Which ruler fought against the British at the Battle of Porto Novo in 1781?
[SSC MTS, 28 October 2024]
(A) Haidar Ali
(B) Maharaja Ranjit Singh
(C) Mir Qasim
(D) Baji Rao II
Answer: (A) Haidar Ali
Explanation: At Porto Novo in July 1781, British forces commanded by Eyre Coote defeated Haidar Ali’s army during the Second Anglo-Mysore War. The wider war continued until the 1784 Treaty of Mangalore. The military conflict was part of a prolonged contest over sovereignty and Company influence in southern India.
86. In which year did the First Anglo-Afghan War end?
[SSC JE, 7 June 2024]
(A) 1839
(B) 1842
(C) 1857
(D) 1878
Answer: (B) 1842
Explanation: The First Anglo-Afghan War began in 1839 and ended in 1842 after severe British losses and retreat. The intervention sought to impose Shah Shuja while displacing Dost Mohammad Khan. British decisions were also shaped by anxiety over imperial rivalry and the security of India’s frontier.
85. The Battle of Plassey was fought between the Company and which Indian ruler?
[WBPSC Food Sub-Inspector, 16 March 2024]
(A) Siraj ud-Daulah
(B) Tipu Sultan
(C) Ranjit Singh
(D) Baji Rao II
Answer: (A) Siraj ud-Daulah
Explanation: The Bengal nawab Siraj ud-Daulah fought Company forces led by Robert Clive in June 1757. Mir Jafar’s non-cooperation was pivotal, and the nawabship passed under growing Company influence afterward. This episode helped shape the transfer of influence from Bengal’s court to Company officials and allied merchants.
84. Which sepoy is closely associated with an early outbreak of the 1857 revolt at Barrackpore?
[SSC GD Constable, 21 February 2024]
(A) Mangal Pandey
(B) Birsa Munda
(C) Sidhu Murmu
(D) Alluri Sitarama Raju
Answer: (A) Mangal Pandey
Explanation: Mangal Pandey attacked British officers at Barrackpore in March 1857 and was executed in April. His action preceded the large-scale uprising that began at Meerut in May. The legislation illustrates expanding parliamentary involvement in the structures and powers of colonial government.
83. In which year did the Second Anglo-Burmese War begin?
[RRB Technician Grade I, 19 December 2024, Shift 3]
(A) 1852
(B) 1824
(C) 1826
(D) 1885
Answer: (A) 1852
Explanation: The Second Anglo-Burmese War opened in 1852 amid tensions over maritime trade and colonial intervention. British victory led to annexation of Pegu, extending Company control over Lower Burma. Britain’s eastward expansion linked military conquest with the strategic pursuit of ports and river trade.
82. Arrange chronologically: A First Anglo-Burmese War; B First Anglo-Maratha War; C Second Anglo-Mysore War; D Anglo-Nepal War.
[CUET PG History, 13 March 2024, Shift 2]
(A) A–B–C–D
(B) A–D–C–B
(C) B–C–D–A
(D) C–B–D–A
Answer: (C) B–C–D–A
Explanation: The First Anglo-Maratha War began in 1775, the Second Anglo-Mysore War in 1780, the Anglo-Nepal War in 1814 and the First Anglo-Burmese War in 1824. These dates establish the sequence. The military conflict was part of a prolonged contest over sovereignty and Company influence in southern India.
81. Who commanded East India Company troops at the Battle of Buxar?
[SSC CGL, 17 July 2023, Shift 2]
(A) Robert Clive
(B) Hector Munro
(C) Eyre Coote
(D) Lord Cornwallis
Answer: (B) Hector Munro
Explanation: Major Hector Munro commanded Company forces during the October 1764 battle. They defeated the alliance of Mir Qasim, Shuja ud-Daulah and Shah Alam II, clearing the way for the Treaty of Allahabad. Its consequences are best understood through the treaty negotiations and Company revenue arrangements that followed.
