Question

what could be the reasons for the confidence ofvthevbrotiah rulers about their position in India before may 1857

Answer 1

Since the mid-eighteenth century, the power of the nawabs and rajas was on its decline. The presence of British Residents in the courts further eroded their authority and curtailed their freedom to administer their kingdoms. The various kingdoms were forced to disband their armies and enter into a subsidiary alliance with the British.

Answer 2

The British became confident about their position in India because of the following reasons:

a. The Mughal rulers, after the death of Aurangzeb, were not strong and powerful. Hence, it was easier for the British to annex states.

b. The disunity among nawabs and the Mughal rulers helped the British have a firm stronghold over Indian society, starting from Bengal.

c. The policies, like Subsidiary Alliance, helped British annex territories one after another, without the use of any military power.

d. The revolt of 1857 was crushed by the British leading to their supremacy over Indian society.