Class 9 Social History Chapter 5 Beginning of British Administration in Assam
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Part I: History
Beginning of British Administration in Assam
Lesson-Based Questions &Answers
Short Answer Type Questions
Choose the correct answer:
1. The British exiled the king of the Jaintia kingdom Rajendra Singha/ Govinda Chandra / Tirot Singha to Sylhet.
Ans: Rajendra Singha.
2. The last Ahom king of Assam was Chandrakanta Singha / Kamaleswar Singha / Purandar Singha / Jogeswar Singha.
Ans: Chandrakanta Singha.
3. Tirot Singha was a Khasi / Manipuri / Jaintia patriot.
Ans: Khasi.
Answer briefly:
1. Govinda Chandra was the king of which kingdom?
Ans: Govinda Chandra was the king of Cachar.
2. Who was David Scott?
Ans: He was a British officer. Later, he became a Commissioner.
3. Who was the successor of David Scott as Commissioner?
Ans: Robertson was the successor of David Scott.
4. Tirot Singha was the Syiem (chief) of which state?
Ans: Tirot Singha was the Syiem of the Khasi state.
5. What was the title of the king of the Matak kingdom?
Ans: The title of the Matak king was “Bar Senapati.”
6. According to Jenkins’ advice, who lost the throne?
Ans: According to Jenkins’ advice, Purandar Singha lost the throne.
7. Into which districts did Jenkins divide Lower Assam?
Ans: Jenkins divided Lower Assam into Goalpara, Kamrup, and Darrang districts.
8. Whom did the British grant a pension of fifty rupees and occupy Cachar?
Ans: The British granted a pension of fifty rupees to Gambhir Singh and occupied Cachar Essay Type Question-Answers
1. What was the revenue policy of David Scott?
Ans: David Scott introduced separate revenue systems for Lower and Upper Assam. In Lower Assam, he did not make major changes in the existing system. The pargana system under Chaudhuris was retained, and officials like Chirstadars, Patwaris, and Thakurias were appointed to collect revenue. However, for areas like Nagaon and Raha, a separate administrative unit was created under Guwahati. Lands were classified into different categories, such as residential areas, sali paddy fields, ahu paddy fields, and mustard cultivation areas for revenue purposes. Higher taxes were imposed on opium cultivation.
In Upper Assam, the Paik system was abolished and replaced with a tax of three rupees per person. Former Khel officials were assigned revenue collection duties, assisted by Hazarikas, Saikias, and Baruas. Later, revenue areas were divided into districts and mouzas, and officials were appointed for tax collection.
2. What judicial arrangements were made during the administration of David Scott?
Ans: During David Scott’s administration, Panchayats composed of local people were formed to settle civil and criminal cases. Serious crimes were judged by the Commissioner’s assistants with the help of Panchayats. Appeals could be made to these assistants if people were dissatisfied with Panchayat decisions.
In Upper Assam, civil judicial authority was given to Lambodar Barphukan, while criminal cases remained under British officials. In Lower Assam, two courts for civil cases and one court for criminal cases were established.
3. What was the revenue system during Robertson’s time?
Ans: During Robertson’s time, reforms were introduced in the revenue system. Taxes were assessed based on the quality of land. Detailed records were maintained regarding land quality, size, and ownership to prevent irregularities in tax collection.
House tax, poll tax, and plough tax remained unchanged. To prevent corruption, detailed surveys of land, houses, and forests were conducted. Peasants were given land pattas and revenue receipts. These reforms benefited the peasants and increased revenue collection.
4. What welfare measures were taken by Major Jenkins for Assam?
Ans: Major Jenkins introduced several welfare measures. He removed border check-posts that hindered trade between Assam and Bengal. He introduced steam navigation on the Brahmaputra River to improve communication.
He promoted education by establishing English-medium schools in Guwahati and Sivasagar. He opposed the appointment of Bengali officials and encouraged the recruitment of local people. He also focused on improving roads and communication.
Thus, Jenkins implemented various welfare measures for Assam.
5. How did Jenkins divide Assam into districts?
Ans: Major Jenkins divided the Brahmaputra Valley into four districts: Goalpara, Kamrup, Darrang, and Nagaon.
Kamrup district was formed by areas between the Barnadi River in the east and the Manas River in the west, covering both banks of the Brahmaputra. Darrang district was formed from territories previously under the DarrangRaja, with its headquarters initially at Mangaldai and later shifted to Tezpur. Goalpara was separated from Rangpur and made a new district. After annexing Cachar, the British made it a district with Silchar as its headquarters. Later, Sivasagar and Lakhimpur were also made districts. Each district was administered by a Deputy Commissioner.
Thus, Jenkins reorganized Assam into several administrative districts.
6. Who was Tirot Singha? Why did he oppose the British?
Ans: Tirot Singha was the Syiem (chief) of the Khasi Hills. After the British acquired Assam following the Treaty of Yandaboo, they wanted to connect the Brahmaputra Valley of Assam with the Surma Valley through the Khasi Hills. For this purpose, they obtained permission from the Rani state to construct a road. After part of the road was constructed, the Khasi chiefs feared that their independence would be curtailed and opposed the project. Moreover, when the British did not support Tirot Singha in his conflict with the Rani, he attacked the British in 1828 with his forces. The conflict continued until 1833, after which the Khasis were defeated and forced to surrender, and the Khasi Hills came under British control.
10. Write short notes:
(a) Tularam Senapati:
Ans: Tularam Senapati was the commander of Govinda Chandra, the king of Cachar. As Govinda Chandra had no heir, Tularam became the ruler of Cachar after his death. However, the British recognized him only as a subordinate ruler of North Cachar.
(b) Purandar Singha:
Ans: Purandar Singha was the son of Brajanath Gohain. He had taken refuge in British-controlled areas along with his father since 1809. In 1818, during the second Burmese invasion, the Burmese installed him as the king of Assam.
(c) Tirot Singha:
Ans: Tirot Singha was the Syiem of the Khasi Hills. After the Treaty of Yandaboo, the British aimed to establish communication between the Brahmaputra Valley and the Surma Valley through the Khasi Hills. Although they initially obtained permission, the Khasi chiefs opposed the project fearing loss of independence. When the British failed to support Tirot Singha in his conflict with the Rani, he attacked them in 1828. After prolonged conflict till 1833, he was defeated, and the Khasi Hills came under British rule.
(d) Gomdhar Konwar:
Ans: Gomdhar Konwar was the son of Phena Konwar, a descendant of Swargadeo Suhungmung. He declared himself king to restore the independence of Assam and led a rebellion. His associates included Dhananjay Borgohain, Harnath, Piyali Phukan, and others. In 1828, he appealed to the British to leave Assam, but when they refused, he advanced towards Mariani. He was defeated by British officer Lieutenant Rutherford, and many rebels surrendered. Gomdhar fled to the Naga Hills but later surrendered due to his mother’s efforts. He was sentenced to seven years of imprisonment, marking the end of his rebellion.
(e) British annexation of the Singpho territory:
Ans: The Singpho territory lay between the Dihing and Tengapani rivers to the east of the Matak kingdom. The Singphos accepted British authority, but occasionally revolted under the influence of Ahom nobles. The British suppressed these revolts and established control over the region.
(f) British annexation of the Jaintia kingdom:
Ans: After acquiring Assam, the British initially maintained friendly relations with Jaintia king Rajendra Singha. However, due to disturbances caused by the Jaintias in British-controlled areas, the British annexed the Jaintia kingdom in 1835 and exiled Rajendra Singha to Sylhet.
Additional Questions and Answers
1. According to the Treaty of Yandaboo, Gambhir Singh was recognized as the king of which state?
Ans: Manipur.
2. For administrative convenience, into which two main divisions did the British divide Assam?
Ans: Upper Assam and Lower Assam.
3. In which year was the force named “Assam Light Infantry” formed?
Ans: In 1826.
4. Under whose supervision was the land survey of Lower Assam conducted?
Ans: Under the supervision of Captain Matthews.
5. What is meant by “Paik tax”?
Ans: During the time of David Scott, people had to pay a per-head tax, which was known as “Paik tax.”
6. Which British officer removed the check-post from Kandahar?
Ans: David Scott.
7. Name the three states annexed by the British under Jenkins due to failure to pay revenue.
Ans: Matak kingdom, Kachari kingdom, and Purandar’s territory.
8. What was Nagaon district referred to as in old records?
Ans: Khagrizan.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. Who was the last Ahom king of Assam?
(a) Purandar Singha
(b) Chandrakanta Singha
(c) Jogeswar Singha
(d) Kamaleswar Singha
Ans: (b)
2. Who was the king of Cachar during the beginning of British rule?
(a) Gambhir Singh
(b) Govinda Chandra
(c) Purandar Singha
(d) Tularam
Ans: (b)
3. Who was David Scott?
(a) Burmese general
(b) Ahom king
(c) British officer
(d) Khasi chief
Ans: (c)
4. What position did David Scott later hold?
(a) Governor
(b) Commissioner
(c) Collector
(d) Judge
Ans: (b)
5. Who succeeded David Scott as Commissioner?
(a) Jenkins
(b) Robertson
(c) Rutherford
(d) Matthews
Ans: (b)
6. Tirot Singha was the chief of which region?
(a) Jaintia Hills
(b) Khasi Hills
(c) Naga Hills
(d) Cachar
Ans: (b)
7. Why did Tirot Singha oppose the British?
(a) Religious issues
(b) Trade disputes
(c) Road construction through Khasi Hills
(d) Taxation
Ans: (c)
8. In which year did Tirot Singha attack the British?
(a) 1826
(b) 1827
(c) 1828
(d) 1830
Ans: (c)
9. When did the conflict with Tirot Singha end?
(a) 1830
(b) 1831
(c) 1832
(d) 1833
Ans: (d)
10. Who was the Syiem of Khasi Hills?
(a) Rajendra Singha
(b) Tirot Singha
(c) Govinda Chandra
(d) Gomdhar Konwar
Ans: (b)
11. What was the title of the Matak king?
(a) Barphukan
(b) Burhagohain
(c) Bar Senapati
(d) Phukan
Ans: (c)
12. Who lost the throne based on Jenkins’ advice?
(a) Chandrakanta Singha
(b) Purandar Singha
(c) Jogeswar Singha
(d) Govinda Chandra
Ans: (b)
13. Into how many main parts was Assam divided for administration?
(a) Two
(b) Three
(c) Four
(d) Five
Ans: (a)
14. What were the two divisions of Assam?
(a) East and West
(b) Upper and Lower Assam
(c) North and South
(d) Hills and Plains
Ans: (b)
15. Which districts were formed in Lower Assam?
(a) Kamrup, Darrang, Nagaon
(b) Goalpara, Kamrup, Darrang
(c) Sivasagar, Lakhimpur, Nagaon
(d) Cachar, Jaintia, Goalpara
Ans: (b)
16. Who divided Assam into districts?
(a) David Scott
(b) Robertson
(c) Jenkins
(d) Rutherford
Ans: (c)
17. What was the headquarters of Darrang district initially?
(a) Tezpur
(b) Mangaldai
(c) Guwahati
(d) Sivasagar
Ans: (b)
18. Later, where was the headquarters of Darrang shifted?
(a) Guwahati
(b) Tezpur
(c) Nagaon
(d) Silchar
Ans: (b)
19. What system was abolished in Upper Assam?
(a) Zamindari system
(b) Paik system
(c) Ryotwari system
(d) Mahalwari system
Ans: (b)
20. What replaced the Paik system?
(a) Land tax
(b) Head tax
(c) Trade tax
(d) Income tax
Ans: (b)
21. How much tax was imposed per person in Upper Assam?
(a) 1 rupee
(b) 2 rupees
(c) 3 rupees
(d) 5 rupees
Ans: (c)
22. Who supervised land survey in Lower Assam?
(a) Jenkins
(b) Scott
(c) Captain Matthews
(d) Robertson
Ans: (c)
23. Which force was formed in 1826?
(a) Assam Rifles
(b) Assam Light Infantry
(c) Bengal Army
(d) Khasi Regiment
Ans: (b)
24. What was the purpose of forming Panchayats?
(a) Tax collection
(b) Military training
(c) Judicial settlement
(d) Trade regulation
Ans: (c)
25. Who handled criminal cases in Upper Assam?
(a) Panchayats
(b) British officers
(c) Kings
(d) Villagers
Ans: (b)
26. What was introduced on the Brahmaputra for transport?
(a) Boats
(b) Steamships
(c) Ferries
(d) Bridges
Ans: (b)
27. Where were English-medium schools established?
(a) Tezpur and Nagaon
(b) Guwahati and Sivasagar
(c) Silchar and Goalpara
(d) Dibrugarh and Jorhat
Ans: (b)
28. Who opposed the appointment of Bengali officials?
(a) Scott
(b) Robertson
(c) Jenkins
(d) Tirot Singha
Ans: (c)
29. Which kingdom was annexed by the British in 1835?
(a) Cachar
(b) Jaintia
(c) Manipur
(d) Matak
Ans: (b)
30. Who was exiled to Sylhet by the British?
(a) Tirot Singha
(b) Rajendra Singha
(c) Govinda Chandra
(d) Purandar Singha
Ans: (b)
31. What was the main objective of British road construction through Khasi Hills?
(a) Religious spread
(b) Trade with Burma
(c) Connect Brahmaputra and Surma Valleys
(d) Military training
Ans: (c)
32. Which administrative feature continued in Lower Assam underScott?
(a) Paik system
(b) Pargana system
(c) Zamindari system
(d) Ryotwari system
Ans: (b)
33. Which crops were considered for revenue classification?
(a) Tea and coffee
(b) Sali and Ahu paddy
(c) Cotton and jute
(d) Wheat and barley
Ans: (b)
34. What was imposed on opium cultivation?
(a) Lower tax
(b) No tax
(c) Higher tax
(d) Fixed tax
Ans: (c)
35. Who was given civil judicial authority in Upper Assam?
(a) Jenkins
(b) Lambodar Barphukan
(c) Robertson
(d) Matthews
Ans: (b)
36. What reform did Robertson introduce in revenue?
(a) Uniform tax
(b) Land-based tax assessment
(c) Trade tax
(d) Military tax
Ans: (b)
37. What documents were given to peasants under Robertson?
(a) Identity cards
(b) Land pattas and receipts
(c) Trade licenses
(d) Tax exemption papers
Ans: (b)
38. Which river was used for steam navigation?
(a) Barak
(b) Brahmaputra
(c) Manas
(d) Dihing
Ans: (b)
39. What was the role of Deputy Commissioners?
(a) Military leaders
(b) Religious heads
(c) District administrators
(d) Judges only
Ans: (c)
40. What was a major outcome of British administrative reforms?
(a) Decline in revenue
(b) Increase in revenue
(c) End of taxation
(d) Economic collapse
Ans: (b)
