The modern Period in Indian History

Grade VIII

1. THE MODERN PERIOD IN INDIAN HISTORY GRADE VIII

2. INTRODUCTION The natural wealth of India has always attracted invaders from different parts of the world. TURKS

3. INTRODUCTION Division of Indian history has been done on the basis of the reign of different rulers during different periods of time. However this division of history is not the same through out the world. For example, in European history, the 16 th cent has been marked as the beginning of the modern period.

4. An outline of the time frame Ancient Period Medieval Period Modern Period Aurangzeb's death in 1707 is marked as the beginning of the modern period in Indian history. By late 18 th cent British became dominant in India. British ruled India for 200 years and brought about many changes in all the spheres of the country. Between 1857 to 1914 British empire reached its zenith in India. The INC was formed in 1885 with an aim to unite people of India. In 1915, Gandhi returned from South Africa and a wave of nationalism sweft off the whole of India.

5. IMPORTANCE OF DATES IN HISTORY Dates are important in the study of history as they help us to understand events in a chronological order. But the usage of time period is considered to be more helpful than dates. It is difficult to assign dates to social, political and cultural changes that occurred during a particular period. Therefore a span of time is used to describe such changes.

6. PERIODISATION The historians prefer to divide history according to different periods. This is known as periodization. It helps them to understand political, social, cultural and economic aspects of a particular period. It also helps them to compare and contrast different societies and cultures. The division of history into ancient, medieval and modern periods has been done by the historians to emphasize on the social, economic, political and cultural changes that took place during each period. There is no definite start or cut off dates for these periods, but they have a slow fading and evolving pattern of transformation. 18 th cent is generally considered as the beginning of the modern period in India and further divided into Colonial and post colonial periods.

7. THE MODERN PERIOD IN THE INDIAN HISTORY Mughal empire witnessed downfall in 18 th cent. The regional kingdoms became powerful, emerged and declared independent. Due to political unrest and instability, the European trading companies like Dutch, French and English, captured Indian territories. Farrukshiyar granted rights to the BEIC to conduct duty free trade in Bengal

8. THE MODERN PERIOD IN THE INDIAN HISTORY Siraj-ud-Daulah , the Nawab of Bengal and the French Trading Co became upset. In 1757, Gne Robert Clive led the British army in the Battle of Plassey and defeated the combined Bengal and French forces.

9. Battle of Plassey , 23 rd June, 1757

10. One of the French Guns captured by British in Battle of Plassey

11. The Battle of Buxar After the Battle of Buxar in 1764, the EIC established rule in India and later expanded its control over the whole sub continent. British exploited the resources of our country, levied high taxes, monopolised trade and followed the divide and rule policy from 1764 to 1857

12. The Revolt of 1857 and other landmarks The Revolt of 1857 has been termed as the First War of Independence by Indian Historians. British called it as Sepoy Mutiny. It was an important historical event because the EIC was dissolved and India was brought under the direct rule of the British Crown after the revolt was suppressed by the British.

13. This policy destroyed

14. The Revolt of 1857 and other landmarks The introduction of western education, railways and postal services united the Indian masses and led to the rise of nationalism in India. The 1 st political institution, the INC was founded in the year 1885.

15. The Revolt of 1857 and other landmarks The introduction of western education, railways and postal services united the Indian masses and led to the rise of nationalism in India. The 1 st political institution, the INC was founded in the year 1885.

16. The Revolt of 1857 and other landmarks

17. Developments in the World RENNAISANCE INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION NATIONALISM

18. Developments in the World

19. STUDY OF THE MODERN PERIOD There are two types of sources which help in studying the modern period in India. Primary Sources Secondary Sources

20. Primary Sources Administrative Records Eyewitness Accounts Archaeological Records Diaries and Accounts of Travelers Surveys Legal Documents