SEBA Class 9 Social Science (History) Chapter 5 – Beginning of the British Administration in Assam Solutions & Summary
Looking for SEBA Class 9 Social Science (History) Chapter 5 – “Beginning of the British Administration in Assam” solutions? At Ospin Academy, you will get NCERT-based textbook answers, multiple-choice questions (MCQs), and a detailed chapter summary to help you prepare for exams effectively.
📖 Chapter Overview:
This chapter explains how the British established their administration in Assam after the Treaty of Yandabo (1826). It highlights the key policies, challenges, and impacts of British rule on Assamese society and economy.
📌 Key Topics Covered:
- ⭐ Treaty of Yandabo and its impact on Assam
- ⭐ British administrative structure in Assam
- ⭐ Land revenue system and taxation policies
- ⭐ Social and economic changes under British rule
- ⭐ Role of David Scott and other British administrators
📌 Important Concepts:
- ⭐ Why did the British take control of Assam?
- ⭐ How did the British change Assam’s administration?
- ⭐ What was the impact of British land revenue policies?
- ⭐ How did Assamese society respond to British rule?
- ⭐ What were the key economic changes during British administration?
📝 How Ospin Academy Helps:
- ✅ Exam-Oriented Solutions: Fully NCERT-based Class 9 Social Science solutions.
- ✅ MCQs and Extra Questions: Important multiple-choice questions for better revision.
- ✅ Concept Clarity: Explanation with real-life examples.
- ✅ Quick Revision Notes: Key points summarized for last-minute preparation.
Access complete SEBA Class 9 Social Science (History) Chapter 5 – “Beginning of the British Administration in Assam” solutions at Ospin Academy and improve your understanding today!
Class 9 Social Science (English Medium) PDF Solutions 2025-26 | SEBA Assam
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Class 9 Social Science
Chapter – 5 (Ospin Academy)
Beginning of the British Administration in Assam
HISTORY
FIND OUT CORRECT ANSWER:
1. The Jaintia king Rajendra Singh/ Govinda Chandra/ Tirot Singh was deported to Sylthet by the British.
Ans: The Jaintia king Rajendra Singh was deported to Sylhet by the British.
2. The last Ahom king was Chandra Kanta Sinha/ Kamaleswar Sinha/ Purandhar Sinha.
Ans: The Last Ahom king was Chandra Purandar Sinha.
3. Tirot Singh was a patriot of Khasi/ Manipuri/ Jaintia
Ans: Tirot Singh was a patriot of Khasi.
SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS:
1. To which kingdom Govinda Chandra belonged?
Ans: Cachar kingdom.
2. Who was Devid Scott?
Ans: Devid Scott was the agent to the Governor General, North-East Frontier of the Brahmaputra Valley.
3. Who was the next commissioner to Devid Scott?
Ans: After David Scott’s death in 1831, T.C. Robertson was appointed to his post in April 1832.
4. Of which kingdom Tirot Singh was the Siyem?
Ans: Tirot Singh was a Siyem of the Khasi Hills.
5. What was the title of the Muttock king?
Ans: Barsenapati.
6. According to the instruction of Jenkins who lost the kingdom?
Ans: The Ahom king Purandhar Singha lost the kingdom of upper Assam in 1838 due to the non-payment of yearly tribute to the British administration.
7. What were the districts that Jenkins divided into in Lower Assam?
Ans: Goalpara, Darrang and Kamrup.
Ans: The British gave a pension of Rupees 50 to Gobind Chandra, the last ruler of the Cachar Kingdom. After his assassination in 1830, the British annexed Cachar in 1832, citing the absence of a legitimate heir to the throne. This move marked the complete British occupation of the region.
LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS:
1. How was the revenue policy of Devid Scott? Discuss.
Ans: The imperialist British always looked for the colonial interest. Apart from the military and civil administration they always counted on the profit from revenue collection. British needed money to invest in the industrial sector in England. To accumulate capital British imposed new taxes in Assam.
Without finalising any concrete decision regarding the Brahmaputra Valley, British administration in Assam did not think of any radical change in the collection of revenue. In upper Assam the paik system was abolished and all the paiks had to pay a sum of rupees three for the cultivated lands, homestead and gardens. The old staff of the Khel were entrusted to collect such revenues. In upper Assam the general management of revenue was bestowed on Janardan Barbarua, high official of Ahom times. He was assisted by Hazarika, Saikia and Bora. Later on the kheldars were assigned to the task of collecting revenue in their respective places. Districts were
now divided into Mauzas and officers were appointed to collect revenue.
Revenue collection of Nagaon and Raha were intrusted to Aradhan Rai and Latapani Phukan respectively. At first British gave responsibility to the aristocratic class of the Ahom with the hope that they would co-operate the British in Assam. Lower Assam
was brought under the direct administration of the British. The petty kingdoms of Darrang, Dimoriya (Dimarua), Beltola. Rani etc. had paid the revenue in fixed rate.
During the tenure of David Scott separate revenue system was arranged for Lower Assam and Upper Assam. Scott retained the parganas in Lower Assam. Each pargana was kept under the charge of a Choudhury. In collecting the revenue Sheristadar, Tahbildar, Patwaris and Thakurias were appointed. A separate unit was formed comprising Nagaon and Raha for revenue collection. This unit was placed under jurisdiction of Gauhati. Apart from land revenue, Scott also imposed
professional taxes on different professions. Weavers, goldsmiths, fishermen, brassworkers etc. had to pay taxes to the British Government in Assam. Scott also imposed taxes on the rent free lands like Devotter Brahmotter and Dharmottar. From these lands half of the tax was collected, called contribution.
Survey of land in Lower Assam was completed during the time of David Scott. Under the supervision of Captain Matthews the task was completed. Lands were classified as Basti land, Arable land, Barren land etc. The process of implementation of this kind of taxation was quick in some places and it took time in some other places.
Lands used for opium cultivation was taxed heavily. Scott informed the supreme Government about the possibility of collecting more tax from Lower Assam. In Lower Assam a tax of rupees two (gadhan) was imposed on each paik for which he was to receive three puras of land (gamati). Apart from it each male had to pay poll tax. This tax was called in Kamrup poll tax or paik tax or plough tax (as it was levied on the number of ploughs), in Darrang it was called mess-pots and in Nagaon it was called a capitation tax.
2. What steps were adopted in the matters of judiciary during the time of Devid Scott?
Ans: During his reign, some panchayats were formed with the local people to settle minor civil and criminal disputes. With the assistance of the panchayats, important cases were tried by the Commissioner’s Assistants. If someone was dissatisfied with the panchayat’s decision, they could file an appeal with the commissioner. David Scott entrusted the trial of important civil cases in upper Assam to Lombodar Barphukan. The Junior Commissioner tried criminal cases. In Lower Assam, two civil courts and one criminal court were established.
David Scott also reformed the police system in Assam. He maintained cordial relations with the Moamariyas and Singhphos. As an efficient administrator David Scott attained an honourable position in contemporary Assam is still remembered with regards.
(i) David Scott intrusted with Lombodar Barphukan the trial of important civil cases in upper Assam.
(ii) In Lower Assam two civil courts and one criminal court were established. David Scott also reformed the police system in Assam.
(iii) He also maintained cordial relations with the Moamariyas and Singphos. He laboured hard and personally supervised all the matters.
(iv) His health was ruined and died in 1831 A.D. As an efficient administrator David Scott attained an honorable position in contemporary Assam is still remembered with regards.
3. How was the revenue administration of Robertson?
Ans: The revenue reforms were implemented by Robertson. In Assam, a land revenue tax is levied based on the quality of the land. To end the oppression of exactions, a revenue system was established to fix rates based on the quality and quantity of land, as well as to ensure the details of cultivators’ names and addresses. On this foundation, he established the system of issuing pattas to cultivators.
Gold-washing from river was given to contractors. Rivers and natural tanks were given on leases and thereby the government earned a lot of cash, but the common people could not fish there.
Jenkin’s administration also imposed tax on the grazing lands, forest wood, bamboo, chom tree etc. Moreover Jenkins increased the income of the government by imposing stamp duty in 1858 A.D., income tax in 1860 A.D., import duty and licence tax etc. in Assam.
Districts were divided into some revenue units called “Tangani’ and were placed under Phukan, Rajkhowa and Baruah. They were assisted by Hazarika, Saikias and Boras. They got a part of the total revenue collected. Later on, Tanganis were replaced by the formation of Mauzas and were managed by the ‘Mauzadars’. Apart from the aristocratic people, respected common people were also appointed as Mauzadars. This helped to reduce the class distinction in Assamese society.
On the other hand the aristocratic classes were discontented to work or listen under this type of Mauzadars. They regarded it disgraceful. Jenkins thought that the aristocratic classes centered in Jorhat might create disturbances, so he shifted the District Head Quarter from Jorhat to Sivasagar. Because the communication of Sivasagar was better than Jorhat. River Bhogdoi was less deep and not suitable for communication unlike Dikhow and its (Bhogdoi) flood washed the town.
Increased taxes, imposition of new taxes made all classes of people enraged (discontented) with the British. Being unable to pay tax the aristocratic classes of
people left most of the land barren. Their lives became deplorable. The worst sufferers were the common people and the peasants. Jenkins banned opium cultivation in Assam but opium in other way could be purchased from government owned store. It stopped the income of the opium cultivators in Assam. By this ban on opium Jenkins increased revenue in reality and compelled the cultivators to work in the tea gardens. Moreover the opium-eaters could not live without opium. They were compelled from government stores.
The drug (opium) was consumed in a large scale in Assam. Opium addiction ruined Assamese people both physically and mentally. Agricultural economy in Assam deteriorated rapidly. Money lending system started in Assam. A class of
interest-exploiter. Mahajan rose in Assam. Thus it is seen that the reforms of Jenkins improved the condition of the British traders as well as the British government rather than the local Assamese people.
4. What were the steps adopted by Major Jenkins regarding the welfare of Assam?
Ans: Major Jenkins was an American author and pseudoscientific researcher. He is best known for his works that theorize certain astronomical and esoteric connections of the calendar systems used by the Maya civilization of pre-Columbian Mesoamerica.
He made various arrangements of administrative convenience and welfare of Assam, and is
known to have worked hard for the progress of the region.
Following steps were adopted by Major Jenkins regarding welfare of Assam:
(i) He made survey Cachar, Manipur and Assam and pointed out that Assam should be used for the cultivation of sugarcane and indigo.
(ii) He made many plans for the progress of Assam. His name was associated with tea, coal and oil industries.
(iii) He also abolished many check post that created hurdle in the free flow of Assam-Bengal trade relations.
(iv) He for the time steamship sailed in the mighty Brahmaputra.
(v) He also paid a attention for the transport and communication, spread of education, establishment of English medium schools in many town of Assam.
Q.5: How did Jenkins divide Assam into districts?
Ans: Jenkings divided Assam into four different districts. They are:
(i) Goalpara, (ii) Kamrup, (iii) Darrang. (iv) Nowgong.
Goalpara, including the Garo Hills was administered from Rongpur. After the Burmese war during the time of David Scott Goalpara came under his jurisdiction. Goalpara was made a new district separating from Rangpur. Later on, Garo Hills was separated from Goalpara and a new district was formed. Again when regular steam ship started sailing from Goalpara headquarter was shifted to Dhubri. Dhubri was the last port at that time.
River Manah to the west and river Barnadi to the eastern boundary, district Kamrup was constituted comprising both the banks of the Brahmaputra, and Gauhati (Guwahati) was made the headquarter of Kamrup.
Earlier, the western territory under the kingdom of Darrang was newly declared as Darrang district. Its headquarter was at first in Mangaldoi. But this place was regarded unhealthy. Often it was flooded. So, in 1836 the headquarter was shifted from Mangaldai to Tezpur.
In old records, Nowgong district is mentioned as Khagarijan. At that time this district was extended upto Dhansiri river to the east. Nowgong was the headquarter of Khagarijan. In 1834 A.D. this headquarter was shifted to Rangagara, later on Puranigudam was made headquarter. After some days again Nowgong town was declared headquarter.
Q.6: Who was Tirot Singh? Why did he rise against the British?
Ans: Tirot Singh was the chief of Khasi. The British did not help Tirot Singh in his dispute with the king of Rani, rather they stood for the king of Rani. That is why he raised himself against the British. In 1829, Tirot Singha with a bond of Khasis attacked the British and killed two British officers. This led to a war between the Khasis and the British.
Short Notes
1. Tularam Senapati:
Ans: Tularam Senapati was a significant ruler of the Khasi Hills in Meghalaya who opposed British attempts to expand their influence in the region. He maintained independence in his territory while resisting British incursions. He allied with other tribal leaders to preserve the autonomy of the Khasi states. His leadership became symbolic of the resistance against colonial aggression in the northeastern region.
2. Purandar Sinha:
Ans: Purandar Sinha was the last titular king of the Ahom dynasty in Assam. Following the Burmese invasions and the Treaty of Yandabo in 1826, the British took control of Assam. However, in 1833, Purandar Sinha was briefly reinstated as the ruler of Upper Assam under British supervision. His rule was short-lived, as the British annexed the entire region in 1838, citing administrative inefficiency and security concerns.
3. Tirot Singh:
Ans: Tirot Singh, the chief (Siyem) of Nongkhlaw, played a key role in resisting British colonial expansion in Meghalaya. When the British sought to construct a road through Khasi territory to connect Assam with Sylhet, Tirot Singh opposed the project as it threatened their sovereignty. This led to the Khasi uprising of 1829. Although he fought bravely, he was eventually captured and exiled to Dhaka, where he died in 1835. He remains a celebrated figure in Meghalaya’s history.
4. Gomdhar Konwar:
Ans:Gomdhar Konwar was a member of the Ahom royal family who led a rebellion against the British in Assam in 1828. Dissatisfied with British control following the Treaty of Yandabo, he organized an armed revolt with the help of local chiefs and soldiers. Although the rebellion was suppressed and Gomdhar Konwar was captured, his efforts are remembered as one of the first acts of resistance against British rule in Assam.
5. Occupation of Singpho Kingdom by the British:
Ans: The Singpho Kingdom, located in the northeastern part of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, was known for its fiercely independent rulers. The Singphos resisted British domination and frequently engaged in skirmishes with British forces. However, the British, with their superior military power, managed to subdue the kingdom and brought it under their control, incorporating it into their administrative framework by the mid-19th century.
6. British Occupation of Jaintia Kingdom:
Ans: The Jaintia Kingdom, located in present-day Meghalaya, came under British rule in 1835. The annexation was justified by the British as a response to alleged human sacrifices practiced by the Jaintia rulers and their hostility toward colonial authority. The British abolished the monarchy and incorporated the region into their administrative system. This marked the end of the Jaintia Kingdom’s independence and the extension of British control over the Khasi-Jaintia Hills.
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