Question

Describe the changes that occurred in the composition of the Company’s army.

NCERT Class 8th Social Science Ch 2 From trade to Territory?

Answer 1

THE NUMBER OF BRITISH TROOPS IN INDIA WAS NEVER VERY LARGE WITH THE BRITISH IN THE RATIO AS LOW AS ONE IN FOUR THOUSAND. LORD DALHOUSIE HAD RECOMMENDED THAT MORE BRITISH SOLDIERS SHOULD BE RECRUITED IN THE ARMY. THIS COULD NOT COME THROUGH. THUS, IT MADE IT EASIER FOR THE LARGE NUMBER OF INDIAN SOLDIERS TO TAKE UP ARMS AGAINST THE BRITISH.

Answer 2

The English East India Company created its own militia in India most commonly known as the ‘Sepoy Army’. Through this formation, the English East India Company made successful attempts to reduce its cavalry and increased its infantry. The soldiers of this force were trained in Sword-fight and archery. Alike the Mughal states, the Company also hired a large number of armed peasants who were prepared as licensed soldiers. In the early nineteenth century, the British began to grow regular military training. These soldiers were given the training prevalent in Europe, drill and discipline