Module 6: Architecture, Revolts, & District Reorganization

📖 Chapter 2 of 28 🧩 Module 6 of 7 ⏱️ ~2 min read 💡 5 MCQs

Topic Part 1 of 2

Concept

Subtopic 6.1: Golghar, Rebellions, and New Boundaries

As the 18th century drew to a close, the British solidified their administration through infrastructure and structural reorganizations:

The Golghar of Patna: Driven by the traumatic experiences of severe famines (especially the famine of 1770), the British constructed the iconic Golghar in Patna solely for the massive storage of grains. This unique granary was built during the tenure of Governor-General Lord Cornwallis (designed by Captain John Garstin).
Local Revolts (1781): British rule faced continuous localized resistance. In 1781, significant anti-British struggles broke out around Patna, actively led by zamindars like Iqbal Ali Khan and Narayan Singh. Governor Warren Hastings personally had to suppress this rebellion.
Administrative Decentralization: To govern the vast territory efficiently, the British implemented major administrative changes:
• By 1790, they took complete control over criminal (Faujdari) administration.
• In 1866, the massive Saran district was split into two: Saran and Champaran.
• In 1875, the Tirhut region was divided into two distinct units: Muzaffarpur and Darbhanga.

⭐ Key Points

Golghar in Patna was built specifically for the storage of grains.
It was constructed during the era of Governor-General Lord Cornwallis.
Iqbal Ali Khan and Narayan Singh led an anti-British revolt around Patna in 1781.
Saran district was bifurcated into Saran and Champaran in 1866.
Tirhut was divided into Muzaffarpur and Darbhanga in 1875.

📌 One-line Q&A

Question: Why was the Golghar built in Patna? Answer: For the storage of grains.
Question: Under which Governor-General was Golghar constructed? Answer: Lord Cornwallis.
Question: In which year was Tirhut divided into Muzaffarpur and Darbhanga? Answer: 1875.

Topic

Questions

MCQs

Answer this question, then use Next.

Question 1: Why was the Golghar constructed in Patna?

Following catastrophic famines, the British built Golghar as a massive granary to maintain emergency food reserves.

Question 2: During the period of which Governor-General was the Golghar situated in Patna constructed?

The construction of Golghar, designed by Captain John Garstin, was completed in 1786 during the tenure of Lord Cornwallis.

Question 3: Who participated in the anti-British struggle that took place around Patna in 1781 CE?

Local leaders and zamindars like Iqbal Ali Khan and Narayan Singh fiercely rebelled against British exactions in 1781, a revolt eventually suppressed by Hastings.

Question 4: What is correct regarding the administrative changes made by the British in Bihar?

All mentioned statements are historically accurate milestones representing the consolidation and decentralization of British administration in Bihar.

Question 5: Who was appointed as the Naib Diwan of Bihar in 1761 before Raja Shitab Roy officially took full control in 1767?

During a brief phase of administrative shifting in 1761, Rajballabh was made the sub-governor (Up-prantpati) of Bihar.

Question 1 of 5

One-liners

Write your answer, then submit to see the correct answer.

Why was the Golghar built in Patna?

For the storage of grains.

Under which Governor-General was Golghar constructed?

Lord Cornwallis.

In which year was Tirhut divided into Muzaffarpur and Darbhanga?

1875.

Question 1 of 3