Read the source below carefully to answer question (a). Sir Syed Ahmad Khan was determined to improve the status of Muslims. He had a desire to re-establish good relations with the British which, he hoped, would lead to greater opportunities for Muslims. He also believed that Muslims should have good relations with Hindus. However, he was concerned about the 'Hindu-Urdu Controversy.'

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2012). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [4] Reward each correct statement with 1 mark. 2 marks can be awarded for a developed statement. Candidates might refer to: 1867, Hindus demanded Hindi be the official language instead of Urdu, Sir Syed and Muslims shocked at attack on Urdu as it had a special meaning to them. Even Hindu members of his Scientific Society wanted their journal published in Hindi. Growing belief that Hindus working against the interests of Muslims and led to his Two Nation Theory.
2. [1] LEVEL 1: Simplistic statement They were interested in the country.
3. [2-4] LEVEL 2: Identifies reasons To trade and extend their sphere of influence in the East.
4. [5-7] LEVEL 3: Explains reasons Reports of immense wealth in the sub-continent led to the British establishing a trading base there as they saw a profitable future, especially in cotton, silk and sugar. They wanted to establish its influence in the sub-continent and to oust the Dutch and Portuguese. They also wanted to establish a strategic port in the sub-continent that would protect its trading interests there and in the Far East. They also found difficulty in breaking into the spice trade in the East Indies due to Dutch dominance and so India was a good alternative.
5. [1-2] LEVEL 1: Simplistic statement. The British imposed their will on the sub-continent.
6. [3-6] LEVEL 2: Description of annexation Outlines the events in Bengal, the Punjab, NWFP and Sindhi.
7. [7-10] LEVEL 3: Explains successes OR failures
8. [9-13] LEVEL 4: Explains successes AND failures Successes: power of local Nawabs early successes of Tipu Sultan Ranjit Singh Failures: strength of British army eventual failure of Tipu Sultan and Ranjit Singh conquests of British against weaker opposition
9. [14] LEVEL 5: As Level 4 – also produces a judgement or evaluation