Question

Analyse the impact of the policy of annexation imposed by the British during 1850s.

Answer 1

Impact of the Policy of Annexation by the British during the 1850s:

• The British annexed regions such as Awadh and disarmed local chiefs, particularly the taluqdars.
• Under the Summary Settlement of 1856, taluqdars were removed from control over land and were declared illegal landholders.
• Their estates were taken away and redistributed, reducing their share of villages from 67% to 38%.
• Peasants were burdened with heavy revenue demands, which were increased by about 30 to 70 percent in many cases.
• These policies disrupted the rural social system, caused widespread dissatisfaction, and created deep resentment, which eventually contributed to the Revolt of 1857.