User:Fowler&fowler/India ISC High School Class 11 and 12 History Syllabus

The syllabus is also available at this web site.

The Rise and Growth of British Power (1740-1798)

 * Indian States and Society in the 18th century: position and interests of European trading companies in India
 * This should be taught in context of the eighteenth century debate on anarchy vs dynamism and the process of transformation of English East India Company from traders to colonial masters. The break-up of the Mughal Empire (a general account) and rise of the regional powers – basic outline of the Marathas, Sikhs (excluding Ranjeet Singh), Bengal, Awadh, Mysore, Hyderabad and the Carnatic. Foreign trading companies : Portuguese and Dutch very briefly, the English and French Companies in more detail (i.e. establishment and growth of their settlements in India).
 * The Anglo-French struggle in the South: 1740-1763
 * The First, Second and Third Wars can be taught briefly, in connection with each cause of British success and French failure.
 * Bengal: review of main events from the accession of Siraj-ud-Daulah to the defeat of the Indian powers at Buxar (1764); impact and significance of Battles of Plassey and Buxar; political arrangement made by Robert Clive.
 * This should be done in some detail, emphasizing the causes of the conflict (the conflict over the abuse of trading privileges, the minting of money, etc). The significance of the two major battles should be briefly explained. Clive’s arrangements after the Treaty of Allahabad – the Grant of Diwani: the dual government and its disastrous result on Bengal: the famine should be briefly touched upon.
 * Growth of British power under Warren Hastings: Marathas, Mysore and Awadh.
 * The Regulating Act should be briefly explained as a background. Maratha, Mysore and Awadh wars to be dealt with briefly. Only reasons behind the conflict between Indian powers and the British powers and the results to be covered.
 * Cornwallis and Mysore
 * Pitt’s India Act and the policy of non-intervention should be briefly explained. An outline of the war and the terms of the Treaty of Seringapatam, its significance.

The Ascendancy of British Power (1798-1818)

 * Expansion under Lord Wellesley: subsidiary alliances, wars, annexation of territories of subordinated rulers; elimination of French threat. Appraisal.
 * Background to Wellesley should be briefly explained: the reasons for giving up the policy of non-intervention and the revival of the French threat. The subsidiary alliances should be done in some detail: the main terms of the alliance; the results for the States which signed; a few examples of States which did; the advantages for the British. Annexation of territories of previously subordinated rulers – just the names.  The Second Maratha War – some mention of the background and events of the Peshwa’s court leading to the Treaty of Bassein  - the events of the War and the results to be done very briefly.  The Mysore War to be done very briefly, emphasizing the end of French threat.  Short critical look at Wellesley: was the aim of paramountcy achieved?

Consolidation of British Power (1818-1857)

 * Punjab: Ranjeet Singh; the causes, events and results of the Sikh Wars.
 * Brief outline of Ranjeet Singh’s career – the Treaty of Amritsar and its significance; a brief account of the expansion of the Sikh State under Ranjeet Singh and a very brief appraisal. Causes, and results of the two Sikh Wars should be done in brief
 * Dalhousie and the policy of annexation (1848-1856). Doctrine of Lapse - annexation of Awadh; other annexations. Dalhousie as administrator and social reformer – a critical appraisal.
 * The Doctrine of Lapse should be done in detail; some important states annexed under its provisions. Other annexations need to be mentioned only. The annexation of Awadh should be done in more detail, particularly its results. A very brief look at Dalhousie's viceroyalty - a critical look at the policy of annexation and his administration.

Economic, Social and Cultural Impact of British Rule

 * Disruption of traditional economy: ruin of artisans and craftsmen; impact of British revenue policy; stagnation of agriculture; development of modern industries, poverty and famines. Colonial Forest Policy - impact on local communities.
 * A general account of the disruptive impact of the British rule on the rural and craft economy.  Revenue policy:  the Permanent Settlement and Ryotwari Settlement should be done in some detail, emphasizing the reasons behind them and their results. The Forest Acts of 1860 and 1894 and their impact to be studied critically.
 * Development of the means of transport and communication.
 * Transportation: a brief look at the development of the railways – other means can simply be mentioned.
 * Social, Cultural Policy: Impact of the new thought in Europe on Indian administrators; humanitarian measures – contribution of Lord William Bentinck and Rammohan Roy; spread of modern education. Critical look at British policy.
 * The characteristics of the new thought (rationalism, liberalism, humanism, utilitarianism) to be very briefly explained as a background to change in British policy. A short account of the main humanitarian measures, emphasizing the role of reformers like Rammohan and Vidyasagar as well as British administrators.   Modern education: a very brief outline of the events which led to the famous MI?UTE (sic) by Macaulay and the reasons for the change in British policy, Wood’s Despatch, etc.  A critical analysis of the impact of British policy

The Uprisings against British Rule

 * Early rebellions - pre 1857 revolts and civil disturbances
 * A few examples may be given of the more important rebellions like the Santhal rebellion, the Wahabis and Farazis of which any one should be touched upon.
 * The uprising of 1857
 * The causes should be done in some detail, to explain the actions of the participants in the uprising and their social composition; outbreak at Meerut and at a few other places - Delhi, Lucknow, Kanpur, Central India (Jhansi and Gwalior). There should be a detailed discussion on the nature of the uprising with reference to different approaches; short explanation of the causes of its failure. The effect on British policy should be explained: the Crown takeover and its implications: their efforts to placate the Indians and the changes in British policy should be briefly explained.

Social and Cultural Awakening during the 19th Century

 * Brahmo Samaj, Prarthana Samaj, Arya Samaj, Ramakrishna Mission, Theosophical Society
 * The study of the Brahmo Samaj, the Arya Samaj and the Ramakrishna Mission should be done in some detail, emphasizing the contribution of the founders. Others to be covered briefly.
 * The Struggle against caste: Jyotiba Phule, Narayana Guru, Veerasalingam
 * The struggle against caste: brief outline of the contribution of Jyotiba Phule, ?arayana Guru, Veerasalingam.
 * Reform movements among the Muslims (Syed Ahmad Khan), Sikhs
 * Syed Ahmad Khan and the Aligarh Movement, the Reform Movement among the Sikhs to be touched upon.

The Dawn and rise of Indian Nationalism (1885-1905)

 * Factors promoting the rise of Indian Nationalism
 * Each of the factors leading to the rise of nationalism should be discussed in some detail, particularly, the impact of British rule on different classes of Indian society, including the urban middle class. Events which quickened the growth of nationalism should also be briefly done: the Viceroyalty of Lord Lytton and the Ilbert Bill Affair.
 * Beginning of political agitation. Forerunners of the Indian National Congress at the provincial level
 * Provincial associations: growth of political associations from 1830 onwards – examples from each Presidency, with special emphasis on the Poona Sarvajanik Sabha and the Indian Association (the Indian National Conference
 * The foundation of the Indian National Congress: role of Hume and official attitude towards the Congress
 * Hume’s role should be studied critically, specially his motives for initiating the Congress and why the nationalists chose to follow his lead. A general look at the changing attitude of the British authorities from initial wariness/cautious support to open hostility.
 * The programme and achievements of the early Nationalists (Moderates)
 * The major demands of the Congress can be grouped under different headings: constitutional, administrative, economic in the context of the critique of colonialism, etc. A very brief and general idea of the main points of the Act of 1892. There should be a brief look at the methods they used and why they used these methods of protest. Finally, a short, critical appraisal of their activities.

The Growth of Radical Nationalism (at the turn of the 20th Century)

 * Causes of the rise of radical nationalism
 * The objectives and programmes of the radical nationalists; contribution of Tilak
 * Impact of Curzon's policies; Partition of Bengal and anti-Partition Movement, leading to the Swadeshi and Boycott Movement
 * Split in the Congress (1907)
 * General causes of the rise of radical nationalism: each cause should be thoroughly explained. Explain the events, which accelerated its growth: the Viceroyalty of Curzon for example, culminating in the anti-partition movement. This should be studied from two angles – as a movement in its own right, leading to the Swadeshi and Boycott Movement, in some detail and as aggravating the rift between the Moderates and Nationalists using radical means (very briefly). A very short account of the events at Surat.
 * Revolutionary dispositions
 * The growth of revolutionary dispositions should explain what led to this development and concentrate on some well-known organizations (e.g. Abhinav Bharat, Anushilan Samiti). The Government attempts to woo the Moderates; a brief look at the Act of 1909.

Communal Factors in Indian Politics (1885-1919)

 * Factors contributing to the rise of communalism
 * The role of Sir Sayyid Ahmad Khan and the Aligarh School
 * Each of the factors contributing to the rise of communalism should be explained in some depth. Regarding Sayyid Ahmad Khan, both his positive and negative contribution should be emphasized in the context of the British change of policy towards Indian Muslims.
 * Events leading up to the foundation of the Muslim League (1906); official attitude towards the League
 * The following events should be studied in the context that a section of Muslim leaders began to see themselves as a threatened minority: the Hindi-Urdu controversy; the Shimla deputation with the Muslim demands understood fully. The objectives of the League can be taken from its constitution. A brief look at the British encouragement of the League.
 * Impact of the First World War on Indian Politics
 * A brief account of why the Congress decided to support the War effort; why the Congress decided to re-admit the nationalists using aggressive means. A brief account of the Home Rule League. The revolutionary movement in India and abroad should be just touched upon, e.g. the Ghadar Party’s efforts, mention of Madame Cama, etc. TheCongress-League Pact; the Montagu Declaration of 1917, and its promises should be explained.

The years of Gandhian Leadership of the National Movement

 * The launching of the passive resistance movement by Gandhi; background and main features of the movement
 * A general background of the development of Gandhian ideas of non-violence and satyagraha in South Africa. Brief summaries of the three localised satyagrahas: Champaran, Ahmedabad, and Kaira district.
 * Montague-Chelmsford reforms; agitation against Rowlatt Act. Jalianwala Bagh massacre (1919) and Gandhi's first Non-Cooperation Movement (1919-1922)
 * A general account of the 1919 Act with particular reference to dyarchy; the reasons for the Rowlatt Act and its main features in brief – both these should be seen as part of the dual policy followed by the British. A general account of the satyagraha against the Act, leading to the outrage at Jalianwala Bagh and the aftermath of it on Punjab. The background to the launching of the Non-Cooperation Movement should explain about the origin of the Khilafat Movement, and why Gandhi decided to support it, as well as redress of the Punjab wrongs. There should be a connected chronological account of the progress of the Movement until its suspension after Chauri Chaura
 * Suspension of Non-Cooperation and formation of the Swaraj party - contribution of Swarajists (1922-1927)
 * A very brief account of the differences between the pro-changers and no-changers; a general account of the foundation, electoral success and activities of the Swaraj Party with a quick critical appraisal.
 * Simon Commission: its boycott and the demand for Dominion status by 1929; Lahore session and declaration of 'Poorna Swaraj' as the Congress objective
 * A general chronological sequence should be followed: the reasons for sending the Commission in 1927 as well as its boycott should be briefly explained.  A general account of the agitation against the Commission as well as a very brief account of the Nehru Report.  The Lahore Session should be set against the expiry of the deadline by the Congress; the main points of the Poorna Swaraj Resolution.
 * The second Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-1934): main features; the Round Table Conference in London; deliberations and outcome
 * A general, chronological account; however, some mention must be made of the main features of the Gandhi-Irwin Pact. The 1st and 2nd Round Table Conferences can be put very briefly in context. The resumption of the Movement, the Poona Pact (in the context of the Communal Award) should be touched upon.
 * An appraisal of Gandhi's contribution to the freedom movement
 * Critical assessment of Gandhi’s role in the Freedom Movement – his methodology (Satyagraha, Non-violence, mass participation, etc.).

The Last Phase (1935-1947)
between the Congress and the Muslim League; the rift which led to the ousting of Subhash Bose should be done briefly. The outbreak of World War II and the resignation of the Congress ministries, the deadlock up to the August offer should be covered briefly. reasons behind  it. A compact account of the movement, its repression and a brief analysis of its significance is needed. Subhash Bose: his escape and years in Germany should be touched upon; also the background in South East Asia (the IIL/INA); his revival of the INA should be emphasized, a brief account of its operations and eventual defeat. A brief look at its significance. 1947; arrival of Mountbatten – Mountbatten Plan – main features: acceptance of the Plan by major political parties; Indian Independence Act: main features. Reasons why the Congress accepted partition.
 * Important political developments: growth of socialist ideas, trade union activities, Kisan Sabha movement; increasing interest by Congress in world affairs; States Peoples’ struggle. Growth of communalism. Participation of women in the national movement
 * These developments can be done briefly; the growth of communalism in the 1930s with the demand for a separate State for Muslims (the idea of Pakistan) should be done in more detail. Women’s awareness and participation in the National Movement to be studied.
 * 1935 Act and provincial autonomy: Congress ministries; rift between Congress and the League; split in the Congress; Forward Block; growth of communalism; August offer of 1940; Jinnah's two-nation theory 
 * The 1935 Act can be briefly covered, except for Provincial Autonomy which should be explained in a little more detail. A critical account of the election of 1937 and Congress ministries. A brief look at the growing rift
 * National Movement during the Second World War: failure of Cripps Mission; Quit India resolution; arrest of Congress leaders; violent public reaction; Government repression of revolt of 1942; Subhash Chandra Bose and the INA
 * Reasons for sending the Cripps Mission should be briefly explained along with the general points of his proposals. Reasons for the rejection of his proposals should lead directly to the Quit India Resolution and the
 * Post-war struggle (1945-1947): changed attitude of British Government; the Cabinet Mission Plan proposals; Congress and League reaction; direct action by League; communal riots; Atlee's declaration of 1947; the Mountbatten Plan; partition and independence
 * Changes in the attitude of the British government after World War II – Wavell Plan and its failure: Cabinet Mission – major provisions. Election to the Constituent Assembly and the results – controversy between Congress and League over the question of grouping – Muslims League’s Direct action and boycott of Constituent Assembly – communal riots.  League’s decision to join Interim Government.  1947: Atlee’s Declaration of 20th February

Post Independence India (1947- 1962)

 * Problems of partition: causes of dispute with Pakistan
 * The following problems should be discussed generally. The refugee problem, the transfer of assets and the river waters dispute; origin of the Kashmir problem. The role of Sardar Patel in reorganisation and integration of states with special reference to Junagarh, Hyderabad.
 * Foreign policy: Reasons for following the policy of Non- Alignment
 * Reasons for following a non-aligned policy in the context of the Cold War to be discussed briefly. The Panchsheel and Bandung Conferences should be touched upon; the early years of the NAM and its main aims.