Section B Answer any two questions from this Section.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2018). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [1] Known as Rani of Jhansi.
2. [1] She led the rebel sepoys.
3. [1] Opposed British after they regained control of Lucknow in 1857 during the War of Independence.
4. [1] Assisted by Tatya Topee.
5. [1] Killed by the British in June 1858 in the battle for Gwalior, dressed as a man.
6. [1] Her death led to the quick end of the war.
7. [3] Syed Ahmad Barelvi aimed to restore the true Muslim faith and achieve religious and spiritual freedom for the Muslim community in Punjab.
8. [2] Punjabi Muslims faced significant difficulties in practicing their religion and felt oppressed under Sikh rule.
9. [2] Barelvi identified Sikh rule as the dominant force causing these difficulties and targeted them to liberate Punjab and NWFP from perceived oppression.
10. [4] British expansion was rapid and effective due to their superior military experience, advanced weaponry, and abundant resources, making them a formidable and difficult force to overcome.
11. [2] Mughal Emperors' wasteful spending on luxurious palaces and costly wars, like the Deccan Wars, led to financial inefficiency and economic decline.
12. [2] The absence of a clear line of succession resulted in constant infighting among heirs, leading to political instability and weakening the central authority.
13. [2] Aurangzeb's policies, including the reintroduction of the Jizya tax on non-Muslims and destruction of Hindu temples, alienated non-Muslim populations and fueled insurgencies.
14. [2] The Mughal military suffered from a lack of investment and outdated weaponry, rendering it easily overpowered and ineffective in defending the vast empire from multiple invasions.
15. [2] The rise of powerful indigenous groups, such as the Marathas, who were skilled guerrilla fighters, challenged Mughal authority directly and took control of significant territories.
16. [1] A reasoned judgment evaluating whether British expansion was the MOST important reason compared to internal weaknesses and other external factors.