Class 7 Civics Chapter 3

Chapter 3 Civics How the State Government Works?

1. Use the terms ‘constituency’ and ‘represent’ to explain who an MLA is and how is the person elected?
Answer: A state is divided into several constituencies on the basis of population. Every constituency elects one representative for the Legislative Assembly. The person elected as representative represents that particular constituency. He/She is called as a Member of Legislative Assembly Le. MLA. An MLA is elected through a general election. He/She may be a member of a recognised political party or independent. One who gets the maximum votes becomes the MLA of that constituency.

2. How did some MLAs become Ministers? Explain.
Answer: The party which is elected in majority for the Legislative Assembly forms the government. As per constitutional provisions the ruling party elects its leader who is called the Chief Minister as the head of the government. The Chief Minister, in consultation with the Governor, constitutes a cabinet which includes members of his/her party as ministers. The MLAs who become ministers are allotted with a portfolio. Here the MLAs turned ministers become accountable for the entire state for that particular portfolio.

3. Why should decisions taken by the Chief Minister and other ministers be debated in the Legislative Assembly?
Answer: The decisions taken by the Chief Minister and other ministers must be debated in the Legislative Assembly. It is because during debate it is discussed whether a particular decision is in interest of the people at large or net. It is also discussed whether it is urgent or not, how much would it cost the government, is there anything objectionable for any particular community, etc.

4. What was the problem in Patalpuram? What discussion/actions was taken by the following? Pill in the table.

Answer: Patalpuram was facing acute crisis of water

5. What is the difference between the work that MLAs do in the Assembly and the work done by government departments?
Answer: The difference between the work that MLAs do in the Assembly and the work done by government departments is that every department is headed by a minister who is also an MIA. The minister approves any work done or proposed by the department. The department is responsible for the projections and complition of the work where as MLAs or ministers coordinate between the Assembly and the departments.

Class 8 Civics Chapter 3

Class 8 Civics Chapter 3 Why do we Need a Parliament

Q1 Why do you think our nationalist movement supported the idea that all adults have a right to vote?

Ans: People had lived in fear of the British government and did not agree with many of the decisions taken by the Britishers under colonial rule.

1. People were subjected to injustice and could not voice their opinions.
2. They faced great danger if they tried to criticise the decisions of the British government.
3. With the coming of independence, everyone became the citizens of a free country. The freedom movement changed this situation and the nationalists began to openly criticise the British government and make demands for freedom and equality.
4. They demanded that there must be elected members in the legislature with a right to discuss the budget and ask questions.
5. This did not mean that the government could do what it felt like, it meant that the government had to be sensitive to people’s needs and demands. The dreams and aspirations of the freedom struggle were made concrete in the Constitution of independent India.
6. These ideas were included in the Constitution of independent India that laid down the principle of universal adult franchise, i.e. that all adult citizens of the country have the right to vote. That way, the citizens can participate in forming the government and they can monitor its functioning.

Hence, the nationalist movement supported the idea of universal adult franchise, so that the people can form the government and take part in its decision making processes.

Class 8 History Chapter 3

Chapter 3 History Ruling the Countryside

1. Match the following:

ryot	village
mahal	peasant
nij	cultivation on ryot’s lands
ryoti	cultivation on planter’s own land

Ans :

ryot	peasant
mahal	village
nij	cultivation on planter’s own land
ryoti	cultivation on ryot’s lands

2. Fill in the blanks:

(a) Growers of woad in Europe saw ______ as a crop which would provide competition to their earnings.

Ans: Growers of woad in Europe saw indigo as a crop which would provide competition to their earnings.

(b) The demand for indigo increased in late-eighteenth-century Britain because of ________.

Ans: The demand for indigo increased in the late-eighteenth-century Britain because of the expansion of cotton production as a result of industrialisation, which in turn created an enormous demand for cloth dyes.

(c) The international demand for indigo was affected by the discovery of __________.

Ans: The international demand for indigo was affected by the discovery of synthetic dyes.

(d) The Champaran movement was against __________.

Ans: The Champaran movement was against indigo planters.

3. Describe the main features of the Permanent Settlement.

Ans: In order to get a stable revenue income, most of the East India Company’s officials believed that investment in land had to be encouraged and agriculture had to be improved. This led to introduction of permanent settlement in 1793. The main features of the Permanent settlement were:

1. The amount of revenue was fixed permanently, that is, it was not to be increased in ever in future.
2. It was felt that this would ensure a regular flow of revenue into the Company’s coffers and at the same time encourage the zamindars to invest in improving the land.
3. Since the revenue demand of the state would not be increased, the zamindar would benefit from increased production from the land.
4. Under this system revenue had been fixed so high that the zamindars found it difficult to pay.
5. Even when the income of zamindars increased with the expansion of cultivation, the company had no chance of gain because it could not increase a revenue demand that had been fixed permanently.
6. The system proved oppressive for the cultivators.

4. How was the mahalwari system different from the Permanent Settlement?

Ans :

Mahalwari Settlement	Permanent Settlement
The mahalwari system, devised by Holt Mackenzie, came into effect in 1822, in the North Western provinces of the Bengal Presidency.	The Permanent Settlement was introduced in 1793 by Lord Cornwallis.
It was devised as an alternative to the Permanent Settlement.	It was aimed at ensuring stable revenue for the East India Company.
The village headmen were in charge of collecting revenue.	The rajas and taluqdars were in charge of collecting revenue.
The revenue amount was not fixed, and was to be revised periodically. The estimated revenue of each plot within a village was added up to calculate the revenue that each village or mahal had to pay.	The revenue amount was fixed and was never to be increased in the future.

5. Give two problems which arose with the new Munro system of fixing revenue.

Ans: Two problems which arose with the new Munro system of fixing revenue were:

• Driven by the desire to increase the income from land, revenue officials fixed too high a revenue demand.
• Peasants were unable to pay the revenue as the crop failed in the countryside and villages became deserted in many regions.

6. Why were ryots reluctant to grow indigo?

Ans: The ryots were reluctant to grow indigo because:

1. The planters paid a very low price for indigo.
2. The ryots were not in a position to even recover their cost, earning a profit was a far-fetched idea. This meant that the ryot was always under debt.
3. The planters insisted that the peasants cultivate indigo on the most fertile parts of their land, but the peasants preferred growing rice on the best soils after an indigo harvest. The land could not be used for sowing rice, the ryots were reluctant to grow indigo.

7. What were the circumstances which led to the eventual collapse of indigo production in Bengal?

Ans: The ryots in Bengal got fed up with the coercive methods the planters used with them and finally refused to grow indigo. They became violent. They not only refused to pay rents to the planters, but also attacked indigo factories armed with swords and spears, bows and arrows. Meanwhile the local zamindars and village headmen also began to favour the indigo ryots. They mobililsed the indigo peasants and fought pitched battles with the lathiyals, the lathi-wielding strong men maintained by the planters. In other places even the zamindars went around villages urging the ryots to resist the planters. Worried by the rebellion, the government brought in the military to protect the planters from assault, and set up the Indigo commission to enquire into the system of indigo production. The commission held the planters guilty and criticised them for the coercive method they used with indigo cultivators. It declared that indigo production was not profitable for ryots. The commission asked the ryots to fulfill their existing contracts but also told them that they could refuse to produce indigo in future. After this revolt, indigo production collapsed in Bengal.

Class 8 Geography Chapter 2

Class 8 Geography Chapter 2 Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation & Wildlife

Q.1: Answer the following questions. 
(i) Which are the two main climatic factors responsible for soil formation? 
(ii) Write any two reasons for land degradation today. 
(iii) Why is land considered an important resource? 
(iv) Name any two steps that government has taken to conserve plants and animals. 
(v) Suggest three ways to conserve water.

Ans : (i) Temperature and rainfall are the two main climatic factors responsible for soil formation.
(ii) Deforestation and the indiscriminate use of chemical pesticides and fertilisers in agricultural lands are two factors contributing to land degradation.
(iii) Land is among the most important natural resources. It provides habitation to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Human beings use land for various purposes such as agriculture, forestry, mining, building houses and roads, and setting up industries.
(iv) Two steps that the government has taken to conserve plants and animals:
(a) Has set up national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and biosphere reserves for protecting natural vegetation and wildlife; for example, the Kaziranga National Park in Assam.
(b) Has banned the killing of lions, tigers, deer, great Indian bustards and peacocks. It has also prohibited the trade of the species of plants and animals protected under the international agreement CITES.
(v)Three ways to conserve water:
(a) Rain-water harvesting
(b) Reducing wastage of water
(c) Replenishing ground water by promoting afforestation.

 Q.2: Tick the correct answer. 

(i) Which one of the following is NOT a factor of soil formation? 
(a) time 
(b) soil texture 
(c) organic matter 
(ii) Which one of the following methods is most appropriate to check soil erosion on steep slopes? 
(a) shelter belts 
(b) mulching 
(c) terrace cultivation 
(iii) Which one of the following is NOT in favour of the conservation of nature? 
(a) switch off the bulb when not in use 
(b) close the tap immediately after using 
(c) dispose polypacks after shopping

Ans : (i)-(b)
(ii)- (c)
(iii)-(c) 

Q.3: Match the followings : 
(i) Land use          (a) prevent soil erosion 
(ii) Humus            (b) narrow zone of contact 

                                     between the lithosphere, 

                                     hydrosphere and atmosphere 
(iii) Rock dams         (c) productive use of land 
(iv) Biosphere          (d) organic matter deposited 

                                         on top soil 

                                  (e) contour ploughing

Ans : 

(i)-(c) 
(ii)-(d)
(iii)-(a)
(iv)-(b) 

Q.4: State whether the given statement is true or false. If true, write the reasons. 
(i) Ganga–Brahmaputra plain of India is an overpopulated region. 
(ii) Water availability per person in India is declining. 
(iii) Rows of trees planted in the coastal areas to check the wind movement is called intercropping. 
(iv) Human interference and changes of climate can maintain the ecosystem.

Ans : (i) Ganga−Brahmaputra plain of India is an overpopulated region.
This statement is true. Plains and river valleys offer suitable land for agriculture. Hence, these are densely-populated areas of the world.
(ii) Water availability per person in India is declining.
This statement is true. Though water is present in abundance, fresh water is a scarce resource. Water availability is a serious problem in many regions of the world. Due to the wastage of water, deforestation, and the pollution and depletion of fresh water reserves (such as rivers and ground water), the availability of water is fast declining.
(iii) Rows of trees planted in the coastal areas to check the wind movement is called intercropping.
This statement is false. The described process is called shelter belts.
Intercropping is the process in which different crops are grown in alternate rows, and are sown at different times to protect the soil from rain wash.
(iv) Human interference and changes of climate can maintain the ecosystem.This statement is false. Human interferences and climatic changes for the most part adversely affect the balance of the ecosystem.

Class 9 History Chapter 2

Class 9 History Chapter 2 Socialism in Europe and the Russian Revolution

Discuss

Q.1: What were the social, economic and political conditions in Russia before 1905?

Ans : The Social, economic and political conditions in Russia before 1905 was backward:

Social Conditions: 85% of Russia's population was agriculturist. The industry was existent, but rarely in which most of was privately owned. Workers were divided on the basis of their occupation. They mainly migrated to cities for employment in factories. The peasant community was deeply religious but did not care much about the nobility. They believed that land must be divided amongst themselves. 

Economic Condition: Russia was going through bad period economically. Prices of essential good rises while real wages decreased by 20% leading to the famous St.Petersburg strike. This strike started a series of events that are together known as the 1905 Revolution. During this revolution, there were strikes all over the country, universities closed down, and various professionals and workers established the Union of Unions, demanding the establishment of a constituent assembly.

Political Condition: Political parties were illegal before 1914. The Russian Social Democratic Workers Party was founded in 1898 by socialists who respected Marx's ideas. In 1903, this party was divided into groups - Mensheviks and Bolsheviks. The Bolsheviks, who were in majority, were led by Lenin who is regarded as the greatest thinker on socialism after Marx. 

Q.2: In what ways was the working population in Russia different from other countries in Europe, before 1917?

Ans : The working population in Russia was different from other countries in Europe before 1917 because not all Russian workers migrated from the villages to work in the industrial sector. Some of them continued to live in villages and went to work daily, to the towns. They were a divided group, socially and professionally, and this showed in their dress and manners too. Metal workers were the "aristocrats" of the working class because their occupation demanded more training and skill. Nevertheless, the working population was united on one front - strikes against work conditions and employer tyranny. 

Q.3: Why did the Tsarist autocracy collapse in 1917?

Ans : The Tsar first dismissed the initial Dumas and then packed the parliament with the conservatives. During the First World War, the Tsar took decisions without consulting the Duma. Large scale casualties of Russian soldiers in the war further alienated the people from the Tsar. Burning of crops and buildings by the retreating Russian armies created a huge shortage of food in Russia. All of these led to the collapse of the Tsarist autocracy in 1917. 

Q.4: Make two  lists: one with the main events and the effects of the February Revolution and the other with the main events and effects of the October Revolution. Write a paragraph on who was involved in each, who were the leaders and what was the impact of each on Soviet history.

Ans : February Revolution:

22nd February: Factory lockout on the right bank took place,

25th February: Duma was dissolved.

27th February: Police Headquarters ransacked. Regiments support the workers. Formation of Soviet.

2nd March: The Tsar abdicated his power. The Soviet and Duma leaders formed a Provisional Government for Russia.

The February Revolution had no political party at its forefront. It was led by the people themselves. Petrograd had brought down the monarchy, and thus, gained a significant place in Soviet history. Trade Unions grew in number.

October Revolution:

16th October: A Military Revolutionary Committee was appointed by Soviet.

24th October: The uprising against provisional government begins. Military Revolutionary Committee controls the city by night and ministers surrender. The Bolshevik gained power.

The October Revolution was primarily led by Lenin and his subordinate, Trotsky and involved the masses who supported these leaders. It marked the beginning of Lenin's rule over the Soviet, with the Bolsheviks under his guidance. 

Q.5: What were the main changes brought about by the Bolsheviks immediately after the October Revolution?

Ans : The main changes which were brought about by the Bolsheviks immediately after the October Revolution:

Banks and Industries were nationalised. Land was declared social property, thereby allowing peasants to seize it from the nobility.

In urban areas, houses were partitioned according to family requirements

Old aristocratic titles were banned, and new uniforms were designed for the army and the officials. New uniforms were introduced for the army and the officials.

 

Q.6: Write a few lines to show what you know about:

(l) Kulaks

(ii) The Duma

(iii) Women workers between 1900 and 1930.

(iv) The Liberals.

(v) Stalin's collectivization programme.

Ans : (i) It is the Russian term for wealthy peasants who Stalin believed were hoarding grains to gain more profit. By 1927-28 the towns of Soviet Russia were facing an acute problem of grain supplies. Kulaks were thought to be partly responsible for this. Also to develop modern farms and run them along industrial lines the Party under the leadership of Stalin thought it was necessary to eliminate Kulaks.

(ii)  During 1905 Revolution, the Tsar allowed the creation of an elected consultative parliament in Russia. This elected consultative parliament in Russia was called Duma.

(iii) They made up 31% of the factory labour force by 1914 but were paid almost half and three-

 quarters of the wages given to men. However, interestingly, it was the women workers who led the way to strikes during the February Revolution.

(iv) They espoused a nation that was tolerant towards all religions; one that would protect individual rights against the government. Although the liberals wanted an elected parliamentary form of governance, they believed that the right to vote must only belong to men, and that too the ones who were property holders.

(v) Stalin believed that collectivization of agriculture would help in improving grains supplies in Russia. He began collectivization in 1929. All peasants were forced to cultivate in collective farms (kolhoz). The bulk of land and implements were transferred to the ownership of the collective farm. Many peasants protest such attempts and destroyed livestock to show their anger. Collectivization did not bring the desired results in the food supply situation turned even worse in subsequent years. 

Class 9 History Chapter 1

Class 9 History Chapter 1 The French Revolution.

Question 1: Describe the circumstances leading to the outbreak of revolutionary protest in France.
Answer 1: Following are some of the causes which had a cumulative effect to result in revolution in France:
(a) The war with Britain for an independent America: This war led to mounting debt on the
French monarchy. This necessitated imposition of new taxes on the public.
(b) Privilege based on birth: People got privileges and position based on their lineage and not on their merit. This led to resentment among common people.
(c) Concentration of power among the privileged: People belonging to the first and second estate had all the power and money. Masses were at the mercy of this privileged class.
(d) Subsistence Crisis: Rising population and less grain production resulted in demand supply gap of bread, which was the staple diet. Wages did not keep pace with rising prices. It was becoming difficult for people.
(e) Growing Middle Class: Because of increased overseas trade a new class emerged. This class
was wealthy not because of birth but because of its ability to utilize opportunities. People of
the middle class started raising their voice for an end to privileges based on lineage.

All of this led to a general sense of resentment among people. Certain thinkers of the period spread awareness through various media. Some from the privileged classes also advocated a switch to democracy. So, finally there was revolution in France.

Question 2: Which groups of French society benefited from the revolution? Which groups were forced to relinquish power? Which sections of society would have been disappointed with the outcome of the revolution?
Answer 2: Peasants and artisans of French society benefited from the revolution. Clergy, nobles and church had to relinquish power. It is obvious that those who had to forego power and privileges would have been disappointed. People from the first and the second estate must have been disappointed a lot.

Question 3: Describe the legacy of the French Revolution for the peoples of the world during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
Answer 3: The ideas of liberty and democratic rights were the most important legacy of the French Revolution. These spread from France to the rest of Europe during the nineteenth century, where feudal systems were abolished. Further these ideas spread to different colonies of the European nations. Colonised people interpreted and moulded these ideas according to respective needs. This was probably like seed for an end of colonization in many countries. By the mid of 20th century major part of the world adopted democracy as the preferred mode of rule and the French Revolution can be termed as the initiation point for this development.

Question 4: Draw up a list of democratic rights we enjoy today whose origins could be traced to the French Revolution.
Answer 4: The following fundamental rights, given in the Indian constitution can be traced to the French Revolution:
- The right to equality
- The right to freedom of speech and expression
- The right to freedom from exploitation
- The right to constitutional remedies.

Question 5: Would you agree with the view that the message of universal rights was beset with contradictions? Explain.
Answer 5: The major contradiction in the message of universal rights as per the French Constitution of 1791 was the total ignorance of women. All rights were given to men. Apart from that the presence of huge number of people as passive citizens, without voting rights, was like not putting into practice what you preach. In other words it can be said that although the declaration of universal rights was a good starting point but it left much to be desired.

Question 6: How would you explain the rise of Napoleon?
Answer 6: After France became a republic in 1792, the then ruler, Robespeirre, gave more privileges to the wealthier section of society. Further, he was a sort of autocrat himself. This led to reign of terror for the following many years. After Robespeirre’s rule came to an end a directory was formed to avoid concentration of power in one individual. Members of the directory often fought among themselves leading to total chaos and political instability. This created a political vaccum in France. This was a conducive situation and Napoleon Bonaparte took the reign of power as a military dictator.

Class 8 History Chapter 2

Class 8 History Chapter 2 From Trade to Territory

Question. 1. Match the following:

Answer.

Question.2. Fill in the blanks:
(a) The British conquest of Bengal began with the Battle of …………
(b) Haider All and Tipu Sultan were the rulers of …………..
(c) Dalhousie implemented the Doctrine of ……………
(d) Maratha kingdoms were located mainly in the part of …………… India.
Answer. (a) Plassey (b) Mysore (c) Lapse (d) Western

Question.3. State whether true or false:
(a) The Mughal empire became stronger in the eighteenth century.
(b) The English East India Company was the only European company that traded with India.
(c) Maharaja Ranjit Singh was the ruler of Punjab.
(d) The British did not introduce administrative changes in the territories they conquered.
Answer. (a) False (b) False (c) True (d) False

Question.4. What attracted European trading companies to India?
Answer. (a) The fine qualities of cotton and silk produced in India. (b) Indian spices such as pepper, cloves, cardamom and cinnamon.

Question.5. What were the areas of conflict between the Bengal Nawabs and the East India Company?
Answer.(a) The Bengal nawabs asserted their power and autonomy and refused to grant the Company concessions,
(b) They demanded large tributes for the Company’s right to trade,
(c) They denied the Company any right to mint coins,
(d) They stopped the Company from extending its fortifications
(e) Accusing the Company of deceit, they claimed that the Company was depriving the Bengal government of huge amounts of revenue and undermining the authority of the nawab. It was refusing to pay taxes, writing disrespectful letters, and trying to humiliate the nawab and his officials.
These were the areas of conflict between the Bengal Nawabs and the East India Company.

Question.6. How did the assumption of Diwani benefit the East India Company?

Answer. The Mughal emperor, in 1765, appointed the Company %s the Diwan of the provinces of Bengal. The Diwani allowed the Company to exploit the vast revenue resources of Bengal. This solved a major problem that the company had earlier faced. Although its trade had expanded, it had to buy most of the goods in India with gold and silver imported from Britain. The overflow of gold from Britain stopped after the assumption of Diwani. Now revenue from India could finance Company expenses. These revenues they used to purchase cotton and silk textiles in India, maintain Company troops and meet the cost of building the Company fort and offices at Calcutta.

Question.7. Explain the system of ‘subsidiary alliance’.
Answer. Under the system of ‘subsidiary alliance’, Indian rulers were not allowed to have their independent armed forces. They were to be protected by the Company, but had to pay for the ‘subsidiary forces’ that the Company was supposed to maintain for the purpose of this protection. If the Indian rulers failed to make the payment, the part of their territory was taken away as penalty. The states which had to lose their territories on this ground were Awadh and Hyderabad.

Question.8. In what way was the administration of the Company different from that of Indian rulers?
Answer. The administration of the Company was different from that of the Indian rulers in the following ways:
(a) The Company divided its admini¬strative units called Presidencies. There were three Presidencies— Bengal, Madras and Bombay. In India, districts were the main administrative units.
(b) Each presidency was ruled by a Governor. Districts were ruled by the Collectors.
(c) The supreme head of the administration of the Company was the Governor-General. But in India, the head of the administration was the king. .
(d) The main job of the Governor-General was to introduce administrative reforms while the main job of the Collector was to collect revenue and taxes- and maintain law and order in his district.

Question.9. Describe the changes that occurred in the composition of the Company’s army.
Answer. Several changes occurred in the composition of the Company’s army:
(a) The Company began recruitment for its own army, which came to be known as the sepoy army.
(b) As the warfare technology changed from the 1820s, the cavalry recruitments of the Company’s army declined.
(c) The soldiers of the Company’s army had to keep pace with changing military requirements and its infantry regiments now became more important.
(d) In the early 19th century the Birtish began to develop a uniform military culture. Soldiers were increasingly subjected to European style training, drill and discipline that regulated Their life for more than before.

Question 10. After the British conquest of Bengal, Calcutta -grew from a small village to a big city. Find out about the culture, architecture and the life of Europeans and Indians of the city during the colonial period.
Answer:
Hints: Visit school library or get information from internet.
Indians were influenced by the British culture, architecture and life style.

• Culture : British influence began.
• Architecture : Influenced by the British Architecture (fortification of the city,churches etc.). Rich Indians started constructing bunglows in English style.
• Life: English education, English clothes, became to be popular.

Question 11.
Collect pictures, stories, poems and information about any of the following—the Rani of Jhansi, Mahadji Sindhia, Haidar Ali, Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Lord Dalhousie or any other contemporary ruler of your region.
Answer:
The Rani of Jhansi: Collect information and photographs
Hints:

1.  Early childhood
2. Early marriage
3. Death of husband
4. Adopted son
5. Fight with British
6. Died fighting with   the British.
7. History would always remember her.

Rani of Jhansi LakshmiBai

1. Rani Of Jhansi:

Lakshmibai was born probably on 19 November 1828 in the holy town of Varanasi in a Marathi brahmin family. Her father was Moropant Tambe. Her father worked for a court of Peshwa of Bithoor district. Peshwa brought Manikarnika up like his own daughter. The Peshwa called her “Chhabili”, which means “playful”.

She was educated at home and was more independent in her childhood than others of her age; her studies included archery, horsemanship, and self-defence.

Rani Lakshmibai was accustomed to ride on horseback accompanied by a small escort between the palace and the temple. The Rani Mahal, the place of Rani Lakshmibai, has now been converted into a museum.

She died, fighting British Army bravely, to save her state Jhansi.

Mahadaji Scindia - Ruler of Gwalior

2. Mahadaji Shindhia

Mahadaji Shinde (1730-1794 A.D.) also spelled as Mahadji Scindia or Mahadaji Scindia, was a Maratha ruler of the state of Gwalior in central India.

Mahadaji was instrumental in resurrecting Maratha power in North India after the Third Battle of Panipat in 1761, and rose to become a trusted lieutenant of the

Peshwa, leader of the Maratha Empire. During his reign, Qwalior became the leading state in the Maratha Empire and one of the foremost military powers in India.

He accompanied Shah Alarm II (Mughal Badshah) in 1771 to Delhi in order to restore the Mughals in Delhi. The Marathas were practically at that time ruling Delhi.

He annihilated the power of Jats of Mathura and during 1772-73 and destroyed the power of Pashtun Rohillas in Rohilkhand and captured Najibabad. His role during the ‘First Anglo Maratha War was greatest from the Maratha side since he humbled the British in Central India, single handed, which resulted into the Treaty of Salbai in 1782, where he mediated between the Peshwa and the British.

Hyder Ali

3. Hyder Ali Of Mysore

Hyder Ali (1721-1782) was the sultan and de facto ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore in southern India. Born Hyder Naik, he distinguished himself militarily, eventually drawing the attention of Mysore’s rulers. Rising to the post of Dalavayi (commander-in-chief) to Krishnaraja Wodeyar II, he came to dominate the titular monarch and the Mysore government. He became the de facto ruler of Mysore as Sarvadhikari (Chief Minister) by 1761. He offered strong anti-colonial resistance against the military advances of the British East’India Company during the First and Second Anglo Mysore Wars and he was the innovator of military use of the ‘iron-cased Mysorean rockets.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh

4. Maharaja Ranjit Singh

Ranjit Singh was born to Sardar Maha Singh and Raj Kaur on 13 November, 1780, in Gujranwala, Punjab (now in Pakistan).

As a child he suffered from smallpox which resulted in loss of one eye. At the time, much of Punjab was ruled by the Sikhs under a Confederate Sarbat Khalsa system, which had divided the territory among factions known as misls Ranjit Singh’s father was the  commander of the Sukerchakia Misl and controlled a territory in the west Punjab based around his headquarter at Gujranwala.

In 1799, Ranjit Singh captured Lahore (now in Pakistan) from the Bhangi Misl and later made it his capital. This was the first important step in his rise to power. In the following years, he brought the whole of the central Punjab from the Sutlej to the Jhelum under his sway. This area includes, north of Satluj (Jullundhar, Amritsar, Pathankot etc.); and Lahore, Multan etc. of Pakistan.

Lord Dalhousie

5. Lord Dalhousie

A governor general of India (1848 to 1856):Lord Dalhousie is one the most negatively remembered personality in the rule of East India Company. He ruled India with his full efficiency from 1848 to 1856 A.D. In India he was famous for various negative and positive reasons.
Positive:

1. Starting of Railway in 1853 A.D. for the first time, between Bombay to Thane.
2. Starting of postal and telegraph services in India.
3. Starting of widow remarriage in 1856 A.D.
4. Completion of Ganges Canal.
5. Reform in Indian civil services.

Negative

1. East India Company captured the princely state of Punjab in 1849 A.D.
2. Second Anglo-Burmese War.
3. Doctrine of Lapse (Most Controversial).
4. Annexation of Awadh.