Day-2 Answer Writing Challenge : Model Answer

Question: 1. Explain the role of Bengal Bombay & Madras presidencies in gaining control & administering parts of India?

Answer: 

Introduction

The Bengal, Bombay, and Madras Presidencies played significant roles in the British colonization of India and the administration of various regions during the British Raj. Each presidency had its own unique history and responsibilities in gaining control and administering parts of India:

1. Bengal Presidency:
   • Established in the late 18th century, the Bengal Presidency was one of the earliest British administrative divisions in India. It encompassed a vast territory, including present-day West Bengal, Bangladesh, Bihar, and Orissa.
   • The British East India Company initially sought to gain control over Bengal due to its economic significance. Bengal was known for its fertile lands, prosperous agriculture, and lucrative trade, making it a valuable source of revenue for the Company.
   • The Battle of Plassey in 1757 and the Battle of Buxar in 1764 were pivotal events that allowed the British East India Company to gain control over Bengal, marking the beginning of British dominance in India.
   • The administration of the Bengal Presidency was marked by the introduction of revenue reforms, codification of laws, and the establishment of British-controlled administrative structures.
2. Bombay Presidency:
   • The Bombay Presidency was established in the 17th century when the British acquired Bombay (present-day Mumbai) from the Portuguese as part of a dowry agreement.
   • This presidency primarily covered the western regions of India, including present-day Maharashtra, Gujarat, and parts of Karnataka.
   • Bombay served as an important trading and strategic center for the British, facilitating their control over western India and access to maritime trade routes.
   • The Bombay Presidency was involved in the administration of regions known for their trade and industrial activities. It played a significant role in the development of ports, infrastructure, and urban centers in western India.
3. Madras Presidency:
   • The Madras Presidency, established in the 17th century, covered the southern parts of India, including Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and parts of Karnataka.
   • The British established their presence in Madras primarily for its strategic location and as a base for trade with Southeast Asia.
   • The administration of the Madras Presidency focused on governance, education, and the propagation of British values, leading to the spread of English education in the region.
   • Madras was known for its educational institutions, and the presidency played a crucial role in the development of educational infrastructure and the promotion of the English language.

Overall, these three presidencies were instrumental in the British East India Company’s efforts to gain control over India. They served as centers of British colonial administration, helping to establish British rule and influence across different regions of the Indian subcontinent. Over time, the British Raj expanded its control, eventually uniting these presidencies and other territories into a single administrative entity known as British India.