In the nineteenth century, what was the main objective of the Wahabi movement that was particularly active in Punjab, Bengal, Bihar and the north western frontier region between 1852 and 1870?

Introduction / Context:
The Wahabi movement in India was part of a broader Islamic revivalist trend that drew inspiration from the teachings of Abdul Wahab in Arabia and the ideas of Shah Waliullah in the subcontinent. In India, it took on both religious and political dimensions. During the mid nineteenth century, especially between 1852 and 1870, the Wahabi movement became active in regions such as Punjab, Bengal, Bihar and the north western frontier. Understanding its main objective helps clarify how religion and politics interacted in anti colonial and regional struggles of that time.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The movement operated strongly in Punjab, Bengal, Bihar and frontier areas during 1852 to 1870.
• It combined religious reform with political aims.
• Options offer differing descriptions, including purely religious reform and broader nationalist goals.
• We assume the standard interpretation found in Indian history exam texts.

Concept / Approach:
The Wahabi movement in India originally stressed a puritanical form of Islam, opposing what it considered un Islamic practices. Over time, its leaders also adopted a strong political stance. They opposed Sikh rule in Punjab and British authority in Bengal, seeking to restore Muslim political dominance. The movement attempted to build armed resistance, especially in the north western frontier region. While it did have elements of religious reform, the question here is about its main objective during the specified period, which combined the overthrow of existing non Muslim rulers with the restoration of Muslim power. Therefore, the correct approach is to choose the option that captures both these political targets rather than one that mentions only religious reform or constitutional nationalism.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Note the time frame 1852 to 1870, when Wahabi activities in India took on a strongly political character. Step 2: Recall that Wahabi leaders opposed both Sikh rule in Punjab and British rule in Bengal and other regions. Step 3: Understand that they aimed to re establish Muslim political authority through militant means. Step 4: Compare this with options that describe only religious reform or constitutional methods, which do not fully capture the movement character in this period. Step 5: Select the option that mentions overthrowing the Sikhs and the British to restore Muslim power as the main objective.

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard modern Indian history texts describe the Wahabi movement as both religious and political. They highlight that in the mid nineteenth century, its headquarters at Patna and activities along the north western frontier were directed against British rule and Sikh power. British authorities regarded it as a serious security threat and launched several campaigns to suppress it. These sources explicitly mention its aim of re establishing Muslim political rule. Such consistent descriptions confirm that the option combining resistance to both Sikhs and British with restoration of Muslim power is the best summary of its main objective.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Option A: Simply ousting the British ignores the specific opposition to Sikh rule and does not mention the goal of restoring Muslim power.
• Option C: Focusing only on religious corruption reduces the movement to a purely spiritual reform and ignores its armed political dimension.
• Option D: Organising Muslims into a nationalist community under constitutional methods does not fit the militant, pre nationalist character of the Wahabi movement in this period.
• Option E: Supporting British rule is the opposite of what actually happened; the movement was regarded as seditious by the colonial government.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to treat all religious reform movements as purely spiritual, overlooking their political impact. Another pitfall is to project later nationalist ideas back onto earlier movements like the Wahabis. To avoid this, pay close attention to the language used in your history texts. When you see references to armed resistance, frontier campaigns and sedition trials, it is a sign that a movement had strong political and militant goals. Linking Wahabi activity in India with both Sikh and British opposition helps keep its specific objective clear in your mind for exam questions.

Final Answer:
The correct answer is To overthrow the Sikhs in Punjab and the British in Bengal and restore Muslim political power.