SCERT Assam Class 8 Social Science Chapter 20 – “The Fall of the Ahom Kingdom in Assam and the Rise of the British” Summary & Solutions
SCERT Assam Class 8 Social Science (English Medium) Chapter 20 – “The Fall of the Ahom Kingdom in Assam and the Rise of the British” solutions are now available at Ospin Academy. We provide SCERT-based textbook solutions, multiple-choice questions (MCQs), and a complete chapter summary to help students with their exam preparation.
📖 Chapter Overview:
This chapter explores the decline of the Ahom dynasty in Assam, the Burmese invasion, and the eventual British takeover.
- Decline of the Ahom Kingdom: Internal conflicts, weak rulers, and economic struggles.
- Burmese Invasion: Burmese occupation and the devastation of Assam.
- British Involvement: Treaty of Yandabo (1826) and the establishment of British rule.
📌 Key Topics Covered:
- What led to the downfall of the Ahom kingdom?
- How did the Burmese invasion affect Assam?
- What was the Treaty of Yandabo?
- How did British rule begin in Assam?
📝 How Ospin Academy Helps:
- Complete Solutions: SCERT Assam Class 8 Social Science Chapter 20 answers.
- MCQs & Extra Questions: Useful for exams and self-assessment.
- Easy Explanations: Concept clarity with simple language.
- Quick Revision Notes: Key points for last-minute preparation.
SCERT Assam Class 8 Social Science (English Medium) Chapter 20 – “The Fall of the Ahom Kingdom in Assam and the Rise of the British” solutions are available at Ospin Academy. Access full notes now!
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Class 8 Social Science
Chapter – 20 Ospin Academy
The Fall of the Ahom Kingdom in Assam and the Rise of the British
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Exercise |
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1. Answer the following questions:
(a) Since when did the shakta cult receive a new lease of life in Assam?
Ans: The Shakta cult received a new lease of life in Assam primarily during the Bhakti movement, which gained momentum from the 15th century onwards. This movement revitalised devotion to Shakti (the Divine Feminine) and other deities across various regions of India, including Assam.
(b) Who ascended the Ahom throne after Swargadeo Lakhmi Singha?
Ans: Swargadeo Chandrakanta Singha.
(c) Who was the British Governor General when Captain Welsh came to Assam?
Ans: Lokenath Gohain.
(d) Who was the last king of the Ahoms?
Ans: Purandar Singha.
(e) In which year was the treaty of Yandaboo signed?Ans: 1826.
2. Arrange in sequence:
(a) The first rebellion of the Moamoria.
Ans: The shakta cult of Hinduism is said to be a new lease of life from the time of Swargadeo Lakhmi Singha in the middle of the 18th century. It was during the reign of this king. The custom of cremating dead bodies began and the traditional customs of the Deodhais was given up and Hindu rituals were introduced in worship. The Vaishnavite Mahantas on the other hand, were a powerful class belonging to the upper class of society. In Lakhmi Singha’s court, there was a controversial officer called Kirti Chandra Borbaruah. He was a strict follower of the shakta cult. One day, Borbaruah insulted a Moamoriya Mahanta before the king himself. This is believed to have led to the first rebellion of the Moamoria. In the beginning, the Moamoriyas had defeated the king but later they were suppressed by the king’s forces. Swargadeo Lakhmi Singha died soon after this rebellion.
(b) The second Burmese invasion.
Ans: After the death of Lakhmi Singha, Gaurinath Singha became the king. This Swargadeo was completely against the Moamoriyas. Meanwhile, the Moamoriyas too were waiting for a chance to avenge their first defeat. In 1782 A.D. the Moamoriyas, suddenly attacked the Ahom capital Gurgaon one night. Swargadeo Gaurinath Singha was able to save his life by escaping to Rangpur. The rebels created havoc and butchered anyone who came their way. The Ahom forces however, held out against the Moamoriyas from Rangpur under the command of Ghanashyam Borbaruah. At the death of Borbaruah, his son Purnananda became the Burhagohain. Purnananda was successful in suppressing the second Moamoriya rebellion.
(c) The arrival of Captain Welsh in Assam.
Ans: After Captain Welsh had left, the British had stayed away from Assam and her politics. But when the Burmese entered the British occupied regions, they were forced to react. After their occupation of Assam, the Burmese entered Manipur and Cachar also. So far the Company had followed its policy of non interference in the internal politics of other states but the Burmese aggression forced them to change their stand. Another important happening was that the British had given shelter to many refugees from Burmese occupied Arakan and also to the Ahom kings Chandra Kanta and Purandar Singha. The Burmese king was therefore unhappy with the Company. So. the Burmese troops began to attack the Company occupied regions of Goalpara, Chattagram, Sylhet and loot the people. The British representative of East India, David Scott advised the Company to attack Burma. In 1824A.D. the Governor General Lord Armherst declared war against Burma.
(d) The third Burmese invasion.
Ans: Although chance to avenge their first defeat. In 1782 A.D. the Moamoriyas, suddenly attacked the Ahom capital Gurgaon one night. Swargadeo Gaurinath Singha was able to save his life by escaping to Rangpur. The rebels created havoc and butchered anyone who came their way. The Ahom forces however, held out against the Moamoriyas from Rangpur under the command of Ghanashyam Borbaruah. At the death of Borbaruah, his son Purnananda became the Burhagohain. Purnananda was successful in suppressing the second Moamoria rebellion.
3. Tick the Correct Answer:
(a) Lord Cornwallis came to Assam to suppress the Moamoria rebellion.
Ans: False.
(b) Kirti Chandra Barbaruah was a strict invision of Assam.
Ans: False.
(c) Badopaya was the Burmese king at the time of the first Burmese invasion of Assam.
Ans: True.
(d) According to the terms of the treaty of Yandaboo the British had received Arakan, Tenasserim and Yeh.
Ans: True.
(e) Badan Chandra Borphukan was killed by Ruchinath Burhagohan.
Ans: True.
4. Write short answers (within fifty words).
(a) What were the causes of the first Moamoria rebellion?
Ans: The shakta cult of Hinduism is said to be a new lease of life from the time of Swargadeo Lakhmi Singha in the middle of the 18th century. It was during the reign of this king. The custom of cremating dead bodies began and the traditional customs of the Deodhais was given up and Hindu rituals were introduced in worship. The Vaishnavite Mahantas on the other hand, were a powerful class belonging to the upper class of society. In Lakhmi Singha’s court, there was a controversial officer called Kirti Chandra Borbaruah. He was a strict follower of the shakta cult. One day, Borbaruah insulted a Moamoriya Mahanta before the king himself. This is believed to have led to the first rebellion of the Moamoria. In the beginning, the Moamoriyas had defeated the king but later they were suppressed by the king’s forces. Swargadeo Lakhmi Singha died soon after this rebellion.
(b) What were the causes of the third Burmese invasion?
Ans: In 1782 A.D. the Moamoriyas, suddenly attacked the Ahom capital Gurgaon one night. Swargadeo Gaurinath Singha was able to save his life by escaping to Rangpur. The rebels created havoc and butchered anyone who came their way. The Ahom forces however, held out against the Moamoriyas from Rangpur under the command of Ghanashyam Borbaruah. At the death of Borbaruah, his son Purnananda became the Burhagohain. Purnananda was successful in suppressing the second Moamoria rebellion.
(c) What were the two conditions of the treaty of Yandaboo.
Ans: The two condition of the treaty of Yandaboo are mentioned below:
(i) The Burmese focus were responded by a force when they tried to cross the frontier.
(ii) its was singed between governance lagaing maha min and general campbell.
5. Write short notes.
(a) Kirti Chandra Borbaruah.
Ans: Kirti Chandra Barbaruah was an eminent figure known for his significant contributions to literature and education in Assam, India.
(b) Purnananda Burhagohain.
Ans: Purnananda was succeeded by his son Ruchinath. Ruchinath lacked his father’s qualities. Meanwhile, the invaders continued their advance, defeating the Assamese army. Ruchinath failed to induce Chandrakanta Singha to retreat and was left alone with his adherents for Guwahati.
(c) Badan Chandra Borphukan.
Ans: Badan Chandra Borphukan was a key figure in the history of the Ahom kingdom, which ruled Assam for several centuries. He served as the Borphukan, or Prime Minister, during the reign of Swargadeo Rajeswar Singha (reigned 1751-1769). Badan Chandra Borphukan is notable for his military and administrative prowess, playing a significant role in defending the kingdom against external threats and maintaining internal stability during a crucial period in Ahom history. His leadership and contributions are remembered as pivotal in the political and military affairs of the Ahom state during the 18th century.
6. Who was Captain Welsh? Why did he come to Assam and what was its outcome?
Ans: The Assam proper i.e.the Brahmaputra Valley came under the British contact during the tenure of the Ahom King Gaurinath Singh(1769-80) when he sought for military help to control the uprising of the Moamarias. Lord Cornwallis, the then Governor General sent Capt. Welsh in September,1792.
Captain Welsh led the British forces that invaded Assam and defeated the Burmese forces in a series of battles. The outcome of the conflict was the Treaty of Yandabo in 1826, which concluded the First Anglo-Burmese War. As a result of this treaty, Assam came under British control, marking the beginning of British administration in the region. This event also paved the way for Assam to become an integral part of British India, significantly altering its political and administrative landscape for the next century.
7. “The struggle for power between Badan Chandra Borphukan and Purnananda Buragohain helped the Burmese to come to Assam”-How far is this statement true?
Ans: Badan Chandra Borphukan and Purnananda Buragohain were two prominent figures in the Ahom kingdom during the early 19th century. Badan Chandra Borphukan was the Borphukan (a high-ranking official) of Guwahati, and Purnananda Buragohain was the Buragohain (prime minister) of the Ahom kingdom.
The rivalry between these two powerful leaders created significant political instability within the Ahom kingdom. Badan Chandra Borphukan’s ambitions and the resulting factionalism weakened the internal unity of the kingdom.
8. Why do you think the British had not tried to bring the whole of Assam under their control after the signing of Yandaboo? Give your opinion.
Ans: The British did not immediately attempt to bring the whole of Assam under their control after the signing of the Treaty of Yandabo in 1826:
(i) Economic Considerations: Assam was known for its tea and other valuable resources, which the British began to exploit in the mid-19th century. Initially, the focus may have been more on economic exploitation rather than direct political control, especially considering the administrative complexities involved.
(ii) Local Dynamics: Assam had a distinct socio-political structure with the remnants of the Ahom kingdom and various ethnic groups. The British may have initially adopted a policy of indirect rule through alliances with local elites, rather than outright annexation, to maintain stability and leverage local support.
SCERT Assam Class 8 Social Science Chapter 20 – Fall of the Ahom Kingdom FAQs
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