essay on revolt of 1857

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Revolt of 1857 - First War of Independence Against British

The revolt of 1857 was the conscious beginning of the Independence struggle against the colonial tyranny of the British. There are various names for the revolt of 1857 – India’s First War of Independence, Sepoy Mutiny, etc.

The revolt began on May 10, 1857, at Meerut as a sepoy mutiny. It was initiated by sepoys in the Bengal Presidency against the British officers.

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This War of Independence marked the end of rule by the British East India Company. Post this, India was directly ruled by the British government through representatives known as Governor-General .

This article provides all relevant information related to the 1857 revolt and its causes and effects. This is an important topic for the Civil Services Exam and other government exams.

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Immediate Reason of Revolt of 1857

The immediate factor was the introduction of the ‘Enfield’ rifle. The cartridge had to be bitten off before loading it into the gun. Indian sepoys believed that the cartridge was greased with either pig fat or made from cow fat. This was against the Hindu and Muslim sentiments. Thus they were reluctant to use the ‘Enfield’ rifle. This was a flashpoint to enrage the soldiers against the British. As a result was believed to be the immediate factor for the revolt of 1857 .

Causes of Revolt of 1857

Watch a video on the causes of the 1857 Revolt from our expert faculty below:

The 1857 revolt was initiated due to various factors which are stated below:

• Religious & Social Causes – Racism or racial discrimination was believed to be a major reason for the revolt of 1857 wherein Indians were exploited and were kept away from mixing with Europeans. The whites also started interfering in the religious and cultural affairs of Indians and tortured them as well.

To know more about the Social causes for revolt of 1857 , refer to the linked article.

• Political Causes – The British expansion had led to the propagation of unjust policies that led to the loss of power of the Nawabs and Zamindars residing at various places of India. The introduction of unfair policies like the policy of Trade and Commerce, the policy of indirect subordination ( subsidiary alliance ), the policy of war and annexation, the policy of direct subordination ( doctrine of lapse ), the policy of misgovernance (through which Awadh was annexed) greatly hampered the interests of the rulers of the native states, and they one by one became victims of British expansionism. Therefore, those rulers, who lost their states to the British, were naturally against the British and took sides against them during the revolt.
• Economic Factors – There were various reforms in the taxation and revenue system that affected the peasants heavily. British Government had imposed and introduced various administrative policies to expand their territory.
• Military Factors: Another major cause was the General Enlistment Act of July 25 1856. Passed 10 months before the rebellion, the act required that new recruits to the Bengal Army to accept a commitment for general service. Earlier the enlisted men of the Bengal Army had been exempted from serving overseas as they believed that such an act would be against their beliefs. But the Madras and Bombay regiments had no such inhibitions. Governor-General Lord Dalhousie felt it unfair that the burden of deployment fell squarely on the smaller presidency armies. With the signing of the act, sepoys of the Bengal Army felt that it would also prevent their sons from following their footsteps while fearing the prospect of serving overseas.

The major policies are listed below:

• Permanent Settlement in Bengal
• Mahalwari settlement in Central India & Ryotwari settlement in southern India

To more about such important land revenue systems , check the linked article.

These three settlements were highly exploitative, and in particular, the Permanent settlement had created a devastating impact. Thus the peasants were greatly encouraged to overthrow the British Government from India which led to their active participation in the revolt of 1857.

Military Factors – The Indian soldiers faced a lot of discrimination from the British officials with respect to their salaries, pensions, and promotions. Indians were subjugated in the military while their European counterparts faced no such discrimination. This led to discontent and was a major military factor that resulted in the 1857 revolt.

To know more about military factors in detail, refer to the linked article.

Vellore Mutiny

The Vellore Mutiny took place even before the revolt of 1857 (50 years before). It erupted on 10th July 1806 in Vellore, present-day Tamil Nadu, and lasted only for a day, but it was brutal and it was the first major mutiny by the Indian sepoys in the East India Company.

Impact of Revolt of 1857

The revolt of 1857 shook the foundation of the British East India Company and disclosed their inefficiency in handling the Indian administration. The major impact was the introduction of the Government of India Act, 1858 which abolished the rule of the British East India Company and marked the beginning of the British Raj that bestowed powers in the hands of the British government to rule India directly through representatives.

To know more about the major Impact of the revolt of 1857 , refer to the linked article.

Causes of Failure of the Revolt of 1857

The 1857 revolt was eventually not successful in ousting the British from the country because of several factors.

• The sepoys lacked one clear leader; there were several. They also did not have a coherent plan by which the foreigners would be routed.
• Indian rulers who aided the revolt did not envision any plan for the country after the British were defeated.
• Majorly northern India was affected by this revolt. The three presidencies of Bengal, Bombay and Madras remained mostly unaffected.

List of Important Leaders associated with the Revolt of 1857

Related Links:

Frequently Asked Questions – Revolt of 1857

Who coined the name sepoy mutiny.

In India, the term First War of Independence was first popularized by Vinayak Damodar Savarkar in his 1909 book The History of the War of Indian Independence.

What was the immediate reason for the revolt of 1857?

The immediate factor was the introduction of the ‘Enfield’ rifle. It was said that the cartridge of this rifle was wrapped in the fat of cow and pig. The cartridge had to be bitten off before loading it into the gun. Thus the Hindu and Muslim soldiers were reluctant to use the ‘Enfield’ rifle.

What are the causes of Revolt of 1857?

There are many reasons that led to the revolt of 1857. Major reasons for the revolt can be broadly classified into – Political, Social, Economic, Religious, Military, etc. The causes have been discussed in this article under respective sections.

What are the important points of Revolt of 1857?

The main impact of the 1857 revolt was the abolishment of the East India Company, India was under the direct control of British authority, The Indian administration was directly controlled by Queen Victoria. The second major impact that the revolt of 1857 created was to develop unity & patriotism in the nation.

What was the main objective of 1857 revolt?

The major goal of the uprising was to prevent the assimilation of Indians into Western and British culture. Indians felt that the British wanted to strip them of their ethnic and religious identities. Another goal of the uprising was to slow down the acquisition of Indian lands by the British East India Company.

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The Sepoy Mutiny of 1857

The Bloody Uprising and Response That Shook British Rule in India

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The Sepoy Mutiny was a violent and very bloody uprising against  British rule in India  in 1857. It is also known by other names: the Indian Mutiny, the Indian Rebellion of 1857, or the Indian Revolt of 1857.

In Britain and in the West, it was almost always portrayed as a series of unreasonable and bloodthirsty uprisings spurred by falsehoods about religious insensitivity.

In India, it has been viewed quite differently. The events of 1857 have been considered the first outbreak of an independence movement against British rule .

The uprising was put down, but the methods employed by the British were so harsh that many in the western world were offended. One common punishment was to tie mutineers to the mouth of a cannon and then fire the cannon, completely obliterating the victim.

A popular American illustrated magazine, "Ballou's Pictorial", published a  full-page woodcut  illustration showing the preparations for such an execution in its issue of October 3, 1857. In the illustration, a mutineer was depicted chained to the front of a British cannon, awaiting his imminent execution, as others were gathered to watch the grisly spectacle.

By the 1850s the East India Company controlled much of India. A private company which first entered India to trade in the 1600s, the East India Company had eventually transformed into a diplomatic and military operation.

Large numbers of native soldiers, known as sepoys, were employed by the company to maintain order and defend trading centers. The sepoys were generally under the command of British officers.

In the late 1700s and early 1800s, sepoys tended to take great pride in their military prowess, and they exhibited enormous loyalty to their British officers. But in the 1830s and 1840s , tensions began to emerge.

A number of Indians began to suspect that the British intended to convert the Indian population to Christianity. Increasing numbers of Christian missionaries began arriving in India, and their presence gave credence to rumors of impending conversions.

There was also a general feeling that English officers were losing touch with the Indian troops under them.

Under a British policy called the "doctrine of lapse," the East India Company would take control of Indian states in which a local ruler had died without an heir. The system was subject to abuse, and the company used it to annex territories in a questionable manner.

As the East India Company annexed Indian states in the 1840s and 1850s , the Indian soldiers in the company's employ began to feel offended.

A New Type of Rifle Cartridge Caused Problems

The traditional story of the Sepoy Mutiny is that the introduction of a new cartridge for the Enfield rifle provoked much of the trouble.

The cartridges were wrapped in paper, which had been coated in grease which made the cartridges easier to load in rifle barrels. Rumors began to spread that the grease used to make the cartridges was derived from pigs and cows, which would be highly offensive to Muslims and Hindus.

There is no doubt that conflict over the new rifle cartridges sparked the uprising in 1857, but the reality is that social, political, and even technological reforms had set the stage for what happened.

Violence Spread During the Sepoy Mutiny

On March 29, 1857, on the parade ground at Barrackpore, a sepoy named Mangal Pandey fired the first shot of the uprising. His unit in the Bengal Army, which had refused to use the new rifle cartridges, was about to be disarmed and punished. Pandey rebelled by shooting a British sergeant-major and a lieutenant.

In the altercation, Pandey was surrounded by British troops and shot himself in the chest. He survived and was put on trial and hanged on April 8, 1857.

As the mutiny spread, the British began called mutineers "pandies." Pandey, it should be noted, is considered a hero in India, and has been portrayed as a freedom fighter in films and even on an Indian postage stamp .

Major Incidents of the Sepoy Mutiny

Throughout May and June 1857 more units of Indian troops mutinied against the British. Sepoy units in the south of India remained loyal, but in the north, many units of the Bengal Army turned on the British. And the uprising became extremely violent.

Particular incidents became notorious:

• Meerut and Delhi: In a large military camp (called a cantonment) at Meerut, near Delhi, a number of sepoys refused to use the new rifle cartridges in early May 1857. The British stripped them of their uniforms and put them in chains. Other sepoys revolted on May 10, 1857, and things quickly became chaotic as mobs attacked British civilians, including women and children. Mutineers traveled the 40 miles to Delhi and soon the large city erupted in a violent revolt against the British. A number of British civilians in the city were able to flee, but many were slaughtered. And Delhi remained in rebel hands for months.
• Cawnpore: A particularly horrific incident known as the Cawnpore Massacre occurred when British officers and civilians, leaving the city of Cawnpore (present day Kanpur) under a flag of surrender was attacked. The British men were killed, and about 210 British women and children were taken prisoner. A local leader, Nana Sahib, ordered their death. When sepoys, abiding by their military training, refused to kill the prisoners, butchers were recruited from local bazaars to do the killing. The women, children, and infants were murdered, and their bodies were thrown into a well. When the British eventually took back Cawnpore and discovered the site of the massacre, it inflamed the troops and led to vicious acts of retribution.
• Lucknow: At the town of Lucknow about 1,200 British officers and civilians fortified themselves against 20,000 mutineers in the summer of 1857. By late September British forces commanded by Sir Henry Havelock succeeded in breaking through. However, Havelock's forces did not have the strength to evacuate the British at Lucknow and were forced to join the besieged garrison. Another British column, led by Sir Colin Campbell, eventually fought through to Lucknow and were able to evacuate the women and children, and ultimately the entire garrison.

The Indian Revolt of 1857 Brought the End of the East India Company

Fighting in some places continued well into 1858, but the British were ultimately able to establish control. As mutineers were captured, they were often killed on the spot, and many were executed in dramatic fashion.

Outraged by events such as the massacre of women and children at Cawnpore, some British officers believed that hanging mutineers was too humane.

In some cases, they used an execution method of lashing a mutineer to the mouth of a cannon, and then firing the cannon and literally blasting the man to pieces. Sepoys were forced to watch such displays as it was believed it set an example of the horrific death that awaited mutineers.

The grotesque executions by cannon became even became widely known in America. Along with the previously mentioned illustration in Ballou's Pictorial, numerous American newspapers published accounts of the violence in India.

The Demise of the East India Company

The East India Company had been active in India for nearly 250 years, but the violence of the 1857 uprising led to the British government dissolving the company and taking direct control of India.

Following the fighting of 1857–58, India was legally considered a colony of Britain, ruled by a viceroy. The uprising was officially declared over on July 8, 1859.

Legacy of the Uprising of 1857

There is no question that atrocities were committed by both sides, and stories of events of 1857–58 lived on in both Britain and India. Books and articles about the bloody fighting and heroic deeds by British officers and men were published for decades in London. Illustrations of events tended to reinforce Victorian notions of honor and bravery.

Any British plans to reform Indian society, which had been one of the underlying causes of the revolt, were essentially set aside, and religious conversion of the Indian population was no longer viewed as a practical goal.

In the 1870s the British government formalized its role as an imperial power. Queen Victoria , at the prompting of Benjamin Disraeli , announced to Parliament that her Indian subjects were "happy under My rule and loyal to My throne."

Victoria added the title "Empress of India" to her royal title. In 1877, outside Delhi, essentially in the spot where bloody fighting had taken place 20 years earlier, an event called the Imperial Assemblage was held. In an elaborate ceremony, Lord Lytton, the serving viceroy of India, honored a number of Indian princes.

Britain, of course, would rule India well into the 20th century. And when the Indian independence movement gained momentum in the 20th century, events of the Revolt of 1857 were viewed as having been an early battle for independence, while individuals such as Mangal Pandey were hailed as early national heroes.

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Essay on Revolt Of 1857

Students are often asked to write an essay on Revolt Of 1857 in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

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100 Words Essay on Revolt Of 1857

Introduction.

The Revolt of 1857, often called the First War of Indian Independence, was a significant event in Indian history. It was a massive rebellion against the British East India Company. The revolt started on May 10, 1857, in Meerut, and soon spread to other parts of the country.

Causes of the Revolt

Several factors led to the Revolt of 1857. The main reasons were the British policies of annexation and disrespect towards Indian traditions. The immediate cause was the introduction of new rifle cartridges rumored to be greased with cow and pig fat, offending both Hindus and Muslims.

Leaders of the Revolt

The revolt was led by various Indian leaders. Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi, Kunwar Singh of Bihar, and Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last Mughal emperor, were some of the key figures. They fought bravely against the British forces.

Outcome of the Revolt

The Revolt of 1857 was eventually suppressed by the British. Despite its failure, it marked the beginning of a new phase in India’s struggle for freedom. It led to the end of the East India Company’s rule and the start of direct British control.

Significance of the Revolt

The Revolt of 1857 is important because it was the first large-scale rebellion against British rule. It awakened a sense of national unity among Indians and set the stage for the eventual independence of India in 1947.

250 Words Essay on Revolt Of 1857

The Revolt of 1857 was a significant event in Indian history. It was a massive rebellion against the British East India Company’s rule in India. Many people call it India’s First War of Independence.

There were many reasons for the Revolt of 1857. The British were not treating Indians fairly. They were taking away the land of many Indian rulers. They also introduced new laws and taxes that were not liked by the people. The use of animal fat in the new rifle cartridges was the last straw. This hurt the religious feelings of both Hindu and Muslim soldiers.

The revolt began on May 10, 1857, in Meerut. The Indian soldiers, also known as sepoys, refused to use the new rifle cartridges. They killed their British officers and marched towards Delhi. The revolt spread to other parts of India like Kanpur, Lucknow, and Jhansi.

Many brave leaders led the revolt. Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi, Nana Sahib, and Tantia Tope were some of the famous leaders. They fought bravely against the British.

End of the Revolt

The revolt ended in 1858. The British were able to suppress the revolt due to better weapons and lack of unity among the Indian leaders. This marked the end of the British East India Company’s rule. India came directly under the British Crown.

The Revolt of 1857 was a big step towards India’s struggle for freedom. It showed the British that Indians were not happy with their rule. Even though the revolt did not succeed, it sparked the fire of freedom in the hearts of many Indians.

500 Words Essay on Revolt Of 1857

The beginning of the revolt.

The Revolt of 1857, also known as the Indian Rebellion of 1857, was a significant event in Indian history. It started on May 10th, 1857, in the town of Meerut. Indian soldiers, known as sepoys, in the British East India Company’s army, rose against the British. This happened because the sepoys were unhappy with their treatment by the British officers. They were also upset about new rifle cartridges that were greased with animal fat, which was against their religious beliefs.

Spread of the Revolt

The revolt did not stay in Meerut. It spread to other parts of India, such as Delhi, Kanpur, and Lucknow. The rebellion was not just among soldiers. Ordinary people, including farmers and local leaders, also joined in. They were angry about the British rule and the changes it brought to their lives, like high taxes and laws that went against their customs.

There were many leaders in the Revolt of 1857. Some of the most famous ones were Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi, Kunwar Singh of Bihar, and Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last Mughal emperor. These leaders inspired many people to join the revolt. They fought bravely and made great sacrifices for the cause.

End of the Revolt and its Impact

The Revolt of 1857 ended in 1858 when the British took control again. Many of the leaders were killed or sent away. The British government made changes in how they ruled India. The East India Company was ended, and the British Crown took direct control. This event is known as the beginning of the British Raj, which lasted until 1947.

Even though the revolt did not succeed in ending British rule, it had a big impact. It showed the British that the Indian people were not happy with their rule. It also brought together people from different parts of India to fight against a common enemy. This unity was important in later years when India fought for its independence.

The Revolt of 1857 was a major event in Indian history. It showed the discontent of the Indian people under British rule. It brought together people from different regions and backgrounds in a common cause. Even though it did not end British rule, it laid the groundwork for future struggles for freedom. It is an important part of our history that reminds us of the bravery and sacrifice of those who fought for our country’s freedom.

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World History Project - 1750 to the Present

Course: world history project - 1750 to the present   >   unit 5, read: 1857 indian uprising.

• READ: Azizun of Lucknow (Graphic Biography)
• READ: Responses to Industrial Imperialism
• BEFORE YOU WATCH: Asian Responses to Imperialism
• WATCH: Asian Responses to Imperialism
• READ: Dadabhai Naoroji (Graphic Biography)
• READ: Dual Consciousness
• Responses to Colonialism

First read: preview and skimming for gist

Second read: key ideas and understanding content.

• Who ruled much of India in 1857?
• What was the doctrine of lapse?
• Where did most of the East India Company’s soldiers come from? How did the EIC treat them?
• What was the “spark that lit the fire” for the 1857 uprising?
• What, according to the author, were some of the other explanations for the uprising?
• What was the outcome of the uprising?

Third read: evaluating and corroborating

• Why does it matter whether historians call the 1857 uprising a “mutiny,” a “revolt,” or a “war of independence”? Why do titles matter?
• This revolt failed, but some historians think that it was the beginning of the Indian national independence movement. Why do you think the memory of this revolt would have lived on in the minds of Indians living under direct British rule?

1857 Indian Uprising

Sepoy soldiers, the spark that lit the fire, mutiny, revolt, or war of independence, outcomes and legacies.

• A garrison is a group of troops stationed in a town for the purpose of defending it. The word can also refer to the building those troops occupy.

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• The Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 - India’s First Fight for Independence

What was the Revolt of 1857?

In 1857–59, the Indian Mutiny, also known as the Sepoy Mutiny or the First War of Independence, was a massive but ultimately unsuccessful revolt against British control in India. It began in Meerut and spread to Delhi, Agra, Kanpur, and Lucknow, with Indian troops (sepoys) serving in the British East India Company. It is known in India as the First War of Independence and other names. 

The uprising constituted a significant danger to British dominance in the region, and it was only put down on June 20, 1858, when the rebels were defeated in Gwalior. The British gave amnesty to those rebels who were not implicated in murder on November 1, 1858; however, they did not proclaim the war officially finished until July 8, 1859. In this article we will be covering the 1857 mutiny and its related important details.

History of the Revolt of 1857

To dismiss the uprising as a sepoy mutiny is to overlook the core circumstances that led to it. By the 1850s, the East India Company had gained control over a large portion of India. The East India Enterprise, a private company that entered India to trade in the 1600s, later evolved into a diplomatic and military organisation. The firm used a large number of native soldiers, known as sepoys, to keep order and defend trading sites. British officers were in charge of the sepoys in general. Sepoys took great pride in their military abilities in the late 1700s and early 1800s, and they were fiercely loyal to their British superiors.

However, tensions began to surface in the 1830s and 1840s. Many Indians began to assume that the British were attempting to convert the Indian population to Christianity. As more Christian missionaries arrived in India, speculations of impending conversions gained traction. There was also a widespread perception that English officers were losing contact with the Indian troops who were under their command. The East India Company would seize control of Indian territories where a local monarch died without an heir under a British strategy known as the "doctrine of lapse." The method was vulnerable to exploitation, and the firm utilized it to illegally annex areas. In the 1840s and 1850s, as the East India Company conquered Indian nations, Indian troops in the company's employ began to feel outraged.

Main Causes of the Mutiny of 1857

Historians have identified various political, economic, military, religious, and social causes of the 1857 Indian rebellion. 

Political Causes

The British policy of expansion: The British policy of expansion through the Doctrine of Lapse and direct annexation was the political grounds of the revolution. Many Indian monarchs and chiefs were deposed, instilling fear in the hearts of other royal families who feared a similar fate.

The adoptive son of Rani Lakshmi Bai was not allowed to ascend on the throne of Jhansi. Under the Doctrine of Lapse, Satara, Nagpur, and Jhansi were annexed.

Also annexed were Jaitpur, Sambalpur, and Udaipur. Lord Dalhousie's acquisition of Awadh on the pretense of maladministration resulted in the joblessness of thousands of lords, officials, retainers, and troops. This action turned Awadh, which had hitherto been a loyal state, into a hotbed of dissatisfaction and intrigue.

What is the Doctrine of Lapse?

Lord Dalhousie was the first to use the famous British approach known as the Doctrine of Lapse in the late 1840s. The British prevented a Hindu ruler without a natural heir from adopting a successor and annexed his land after the ruler died or abdicated. To these issues was added the growing discontent of the Brahmans, many of whom had lost prestigious positions or had lost their revenues.

The Social and Religious Cause of the Rebellion of 1857

The fast expansion of Western Civilisation in India sparked worry throughout the country. A Hindu law of inheritance was altered in 1850, allowing a Hindu who converted to Christianity to inherit his ancestral lands. People believed that the government intended to convert Indians to Christianity. The legalization of widow remarriage and the eradication of customs like Sati and female infanticide were seen as threats to the existing social system. For Hindus and Muslims alike, introducing western techniques of education was a direct challenge to orthodoxy. Even the arrival of railways and the telegraph was met with skepticism.

Economic Cause of the Revolt of 1857

Peasants and zamindars in rural areas were enraged by the Company's high land taxes and strict revenue collection techniques. Many of these clans were unable to satisfy the high tax demands and repay their money lenders, and their lands, which they had held for generations, were eventually forfeited. Because a large number of sepoys belonged to the peasantry class and had familial links in villages, the peasants' grievances impacted them as well. Following the Industrial Revolution in England, a flood of British-produced goods flooded India, destroying businesses, particularly the Indian textile industry. The handicraft industry in India had to compete with low-cost British machine-made items.

Military Causes of the Mutiny of 1857

The Revolt of 1857 began as a sepoy mutiny: Indian sepoys made up over 87 percent of British forces in India, yet they were seen as inferior to British soldiers. A sepoy from India was paid less than a sepoy from Europe of the same rank. They had to serve in regions that were far from their homes. Lord Canning issued the General Services Enlistment Act in 1856, requiring sepoys to be ready to serve even if they were on British soil across the sea.

Immediate Causes of the Mutiny of 1857

The incidence of greased cartridges eventually sparked the Revolt of 1857. There was a rumour that the new Enfield rifles' cartridges were lubricated with cow and pig fat. The sepoys had to nibble off the paper on the cartridges before loading these guns. They were rebuffed by both Hindu and Muslim sepoys. Lord Canning attempted to right the wrong by withdrawing the problematic cartridges, but the harm had already been done. There was rioting in a number of locations. Mangal Pandey, a sepoy at Barrackpore, had refused to use the cartridge and assaulted his superior officers in March 1857. On April 8th, he was hanged to death. On May 9th, 85 troops at Meerut were sentenced to ten years in prison for refusing to use the new firearm. 

Centres of the Revolt of 1857

The uprising expanded across the entire region, from Patna's outskirts to Rajasthan's borders. Kanpur, Lucknow, Bareilly, Jhansi, Gwalior, and Arrah in Bihar were the primary centres of insurrection in these areas.

Lucknow: Awadh's capital was Lucknow. Begum Hazrat Mahal, one of the ex-king of Awadh's begums, took command of the revolt.

Kanpur: Nana Saheb, Peshwa Baji Rao II's adopted son, led the revolt. He joined the revolt primarily because the British had taken away his pension. The victory was fleeting. After fresh reinforcements arrived, the British recaptured Kanpur. The revolt was crushed with a heinous vengeance. Nana Saheb escaped, but his brilliant commander Tantia Tope persisted in the fight. Tantia Tope was eventually defeated, apprehended, and executed.

Jhansi: Rani Lakshmi Bai, twenty-two, led the rebels after the British refused to recognize her adopted son's claim to the throne of Jhansi. She fought valiantly against the British forces but was eventually defeated by them.

Gwalior : Tantia Tope joined Rani Lakshmi Bai after she escaped, and the two marched to Gwalior and captured it. Fierce fighting ensued, during which the Rani of Jhansi fought like a tigress but died fighting to the death. The British re-captured Gwalior.

Bihar : Kunwar Singh, a member of the royal house of Jagdispur in Bihar, led the revolt. 

How Did the British Suppress the Revolt of 1857?

The Revolt of 1857 lasted over a year. By the middle of 1858, it was suppressed. Lord Canning declared peace on July 8, 1858, fourteen months after the outbreak at Meerut.

Causes of Failure 

Despite the fact that the revolt was fairly widespread, a large portion of the country remained unaffected. The Doab region was largely spared from the revolt. Sind, Rajputana, Kashmir, and the majority of Punjab. The large princely states of Hyderabad, Mysore, Travancore, and Kashmir, as well as the smaller Rajputana princely states, did not join the rebellion. The southern provinces did not participate. 

The insurgents lacked a strong commander. Despite the fact that Nana Saheb, Tantia Tope, and Rani Lakshmi Bai were courageous leaders, they were unable to effectively lead the movement as a whole.

In terms of both soldiers and money, the insurgents lacked resources. In India, on the other hand, the English received a regular supply of soldiers, money, and weaponry.

The British were assisted in suppressing the insurrection by the English educated middle class, wealthy merchants, traders, and zamindars of Bengal.

Aftermath of the Mutiny of 1857

End of East India Company Control: The revolution brought the East India Company's rule in India to an end.

The British Crown's direct rule: India was placed under the direct rule of the British Crown. Lord Canning declared this at a Durbar at Allahabad on November 1, 1858, in the name of the queen, in a proclamation.

Religious Tolerance: It was promised and achieved because India's cultures and traditions were respected.

The governor general's post was abolished, and the Viceroy's office was established.

Military Reorganization: While the proportion of British commanders to Indian soldiers grew, the armoury remained under English hands. It was planned to put an end to the Bengal army's domination.

In the history of British control in India, the uprising of 1857 was unparalleled. Many parts of Indian society were brought together for a similar purpose, although in a limited way. Despite the fact that the revolution failed to achieve its goal because of many reasons but it did sow the seeds of Indian nationalism. It was considered as one of the turning points in the Indian history after which the entire course of events changed. 

FAQs on The Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 - India’s First Fight for Independence

1. Name some 1857 Indian freedom fighters.

Some of the 1857 revolt's Indian freedom fighters are mentioned below: 

Mangal Pandey

Tantiya Tope

Bahadur Shah II

Begum Hazrat Mahal

Khan Bahadur Khan

Kunwar Singh

Maulvi Liyakat Ali

2. Why did the 1857 revolt fail?

There were many reasons behind the failure of the 1857 revolt which are given below:

Only limited areas participated in the revolt

Large provinces such as Mysore, Kashmir, Travancore Hyderabad etc didn't participated. 

South India didn't join it and remained untouched.

Unclearty of the purpose and a commonly goal.

Absence of single leadership.

Middle class didn't support the revolt. 

Limited resources.

3. What was the result of 1857 revolt?

The 1857 revolt was a failure and it didn't spread much. It was suppressed by the Britishers aggressively. Due to this revolt, Britishers came to know about their weaknesses in the management that time. The Company rule was said to be abolished afte this and direct British Crown came in India. After this, Government of India Act, 1858 came and Indian territories came under the direct control of the British Crown. The Office of the Governor General of India was abolished and was said to be replaced by the Viceroy of India. This act also led to the establishment of a new office called Secretary of State. 

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UPSC NCERT Notes – Modern History – Revolt of 1857

The Revolt of 1857, also known as the First War of Independence or the Sepoy Mutiny, stands as a pivotal chapter in India’s modern history. Aspirants preparing for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examinations delve into the intricacies of this historic event through the lens of NCERT notes. These notes serve as an indispensable resource, offering a comprehensive understanding of the socio-political landscape leading up to the revolt, the catalysts that ignited the uprising, and its far-reaching consequences. The UPSC NCERT notes on the Revolt of 1857 provide a nuanced perspective, unraveling the complex tapestry of events that shaped the course of India’s struggle against colonial rule. As candidates embark on their UPSC journey, a thorough grasp of this crucial period becomes essential, and these meticulously crafted notes serve as a beacon guiding them through the multifaceted dimensions of the Revolt of 1857.

The biggest threat to the British colonial power during its rule in India. This was the major uprising against the rule of British East India Company. It is primarily considered the first ever gaint step of Indians to free its own nation

Table of Contents

Introduction

• The Revolt of 1857 transpired as a result of the cumulative impact of British expansionist policies, economic exploitation, and administrative measures spanning several years. These policies had detrimental effects on the various segments of Indian society, including the rulers of Indian states, sepoys, zamindars, peasants, pandits, traders, and maulvis.
• This event led to a transformative shift in the administration of British India, replacing the Company rule with the rule of the crown.

Pre-1857 Sepoy Revolts

• Before the Revolt of 1857, several popular uprisings occurred against the British, and at times, against Indian landlords. Notable mutinies preceding 1857 included:

Bengal Sepoy Mutiny (1764)

• T he Bengal Sepoy Mutiny marked the first such uprising in India. Sepoys demanded equal treatment and increased pay, citing the substantial accumulation of wealth by the East India Company. The mutiny, predominantly non-violent, was quelled by the British.

Vellore Mutiny (1806)

• The Vellore Mutiny unfolded on July 10, 1806, at Vellore Fort. This marked the first instance of a violent mutiny by Indian sepoys against the East India Company, occurring almost fifty years before the Great Revolt of 1857.
• Additionally, they were instructed to wear a leather cockade to replace their existing turbans.
• During the uprising, several officers and soldiers, including Colonel St John Fancourt, the Fort’s Commander, were killed by the sepoys. To quell the rebellion, Sir Robert Rollo Gillespie was dispatched by the British, and he ruthlessly subdued the revolt.
• Following the mutiny, all three Madras battalions involved were disbanded. The senior British officers responsible for the controversial dress regulations were recalled to England, and the orders regarding the new turbans (round hats) were rescinded.

Barrackpore Mutiny (1824)

• The Mutiny at Barrackpore cantonment in 1824 stemmed from the resistance of the 47th Native Infantry of the Bengal Army to march to Chittagong and, subsequently, board ships destined for Rangoon to partake in the First Anglo-Burmese War in October 1824.
• During this period, higher-caste Indian Sepoys held a taboo against crossing the sea, fearing a loss of their high caste. Furthermore, there were no bullocks available to transport the sepoys’ belongings until Chittagong. Consequently, the native soldiers refused to march unless their emoluments were increased, and means were provided for carrying their belongings.

Causes of the 1857 Revolt

The uprising of 1857 was shaped by several pivotal factors, encompassing:

• Administrative Factors

Economic Factors

• Military Factors
• Political Factors

Socio-Religious Factors

• Immediate Causes

Political Grievances

• The East India Company n eglected the interests and appeals of monarchs and nawabs, leading to widespread discontent.
• Rani Lakshmiba i of Jhansi sought her adopted son’s right to inherit the kingdom after her husband’s demise.
• Nana Saheb, the adopted son of Peshwa Baji Rao II , demanded his father’s pension from the company but faced rejection.
• Hindu princes were denied the right to succession, with the Doctrine of Lapse and Subsidiary Alliances employed to dominate states and strip them of their powers.
• Awadh, a significant contributor of around 75,000 sepoys to the company, was annexed by Lord Dalhousie under allegations of misgovernance , provoking discontent among sepoys.
• The Company terminated the Mughal Dynasty, removing the Mughal king’s name from the coins it minted.

Subsidiary Alliance and Doctrine of Lapse

• The Subsidiary Alliance was a treaty formulated by Wellesley between the East India Company and Indian rulers. Under this arrangement, Indian rulers had to relinquish their armed forces, provide maintenance to the British army, and refrain from forming alliances. A Company official, known as the Resident, was stationed at the court of rulers to oversee the implementation of the treaty.
• The Doctrine of Lapse, implemented by Dalhousie during his rule from 1848 to 1856, was an annexation policy. According to this doctrine, any ruler without a male heir could be annexed by the Company, and any adopted son would inherit only his father’s personal property and assets.
• Satara (1848)
• Jaitpur (1849)
• Sambhalpur (1850)
• Baghat (1850)
• Udaipur (1852)
• Jhansi (1853)
• Nagpur (1854)

Administrative Grievances

Several administrative aspects contributed to the discontent among Indians:

• The replacement of the Persian language with English as the court language was unpopular among the people.
• Under British rule, both peasants and landlords faced hardships. Peasants bore heavy taxes, and while zamindar s understood the peasants’ problems, British focus on fixed revenue collections led to dissatisfaction.
• Zamindars were unhappy as their lands were often seized, making them feel inferior.
• Revenue settlement policies dissatisfied new zamindars and subjected peasants to harsh collections and official brutalities.
• Corruption at lower levels of administration, including the police, petty officials, and lower law courts, adversely impacted common people.
• The intricate judicial system facilitated the exploitation of the poor by the wealthy. Instances of torturing and imprisoning cultivators for unpaid rent, land revenue, or debt were widespread.
• British colonialists believed in their cultural superiority and considered it their right to civilize Indian society . Their interventions, such as the abolition of the practice of sati, the legalization of widow remarriage, and the introduction of Western education for girls, were perceived as unwarranted interference.
• A significant factor contributing to anti-British sentiments was the fear of religious interference. This fear arose from the activities of Christian missionaries who infiltrated schools, hospitals, prisons, and marketplaces. These missionaries attempted conversions and openly attacked Hinduism and Islam, criticizing long-standing customs and traditions.
• Religious sentiments were further wounded by the policy of taxing lands associated with temples, mosques, priests, and charitable institutions, which were previously exempt from taxes.
• The primary cause of popular discontent stemmed from the economic exploitation by the British. The complete disruption of the traditional economic structure led to the impoverishment of a vast majority, including peasants, artisans, handicraftsmen, and traditional zamindars and chiefs.
• The British also favored Western imports, often selling them at lower prices, making it difficult for Indian commodities to compete. Both of these factors contributed to the impoverishment of the populace.
• This economic strain created pressure on agricultural lands, fostering discontent in rural areas, which also affected sepoys originating from these regions.

Military Causes

• Indian sepoys constituted more than 87% of the British troops stationed in India, yet they were perceived as inferior to their British counterparts. Notably, an Indian Sepoy received lower pay than a European sepoy of the same rank.
• Discrimination within the army, evident in disparities in payments and promotions between British and Indian soldiers, further exacerbated the sepoys’ grievances. The withdrawal of foreign allowances (Bhatta) for sepoys compounded their dissatisfaction with their pay, allowances, and overall conditions of service.
• Historically, in 1824, sepoys were ordered to travel to Burma by sea to fight for the East India Company. When they initially refused, they faced punishment, but later, they acquiesced to go by the land route. 

Immediate Cause

• The immediate cause of discontent among sepoys was fueled by the introduction of the Enfield rifle in 1857. The cartridge for this rifle, rumored to be greased with cow and pig fat, was required to be bitten before use. Additionally, reports circulated about the mixing of bone dust in flour (Atta). These issues became focal points for the growing dissatisfaction among sepoys, who believed these measures aimed to violate their religious beliefs and potentially convert them to Christianity.
• Both Hindu and Muslim sentiments were deeply hurt by these actions, and no steps were taken to allay these fears. On May 9, 85 soldiers in Meerut refused to use the new rifle, leading to their sentencing to ten years’ imprisonment.

Enfield P-53 rifle

• The Enfield P-53 rifle, introduced by the East India Compan y in the mid-1850s, required soldiers to bite off the ends of greased cartridges for loading, further contributing to the grievances among the sepoys. The rumor that the grease used was cow or pig fat, c onsidered objectionable to Hindu and Muslim soldiers, added to their discontent.

Outside Influences on the Revolt of 1857

• The period when discontent among the people was on the rise coincided with events that shattered the prevailing belief in the invincibility of the British. These events encouraged the perception that the days of British rule were numbered.

Beginning and course of Revolt

• The beginning of the revolt traces back to April 8, 1857, when Mangal Pandey was hanged for attacking his officers in Barrackpore. Subsequently, sepoys at Meerut refused to perform army drills using new cartridges suspected of being coated with the fat of cows and pigs.
• On May 9, 1857, the sepoys were dismissed and sentenced to ten years in jail for disobedience. The response of other Indian soldiers in Meerut was remarkable. On May 10, they marched to the jail, released the imprisoned sepoys, attacked and killed British officers, captured guns and ammunition, set fire to British buildings, and declared war on the firangis (foreigners).
• Delhi was recaptured by the British on September 20, 1857, and Bahadur Shah was taken prisoner and sent to Rangoon (Myanmar), where he died in 1862. Many leaders of the rebellion, including Nana Saheb and Rani Lakshmibai , were defeated. Nana Saheb escaped to Nepal in 1859, while Rani Lakshmibai died on the battlefield in June 1858. By 1859, the revolt had been suppressed, and the British had to bring in additional supplies and resources to re-establish their governance.

Spread of the Mutiny and Revolt

Important centres of revolt, different leaders associated with the revolt of 1857, causes of the failure of the revolt.

Several significant factors contributed to the failure of the Revolt of 1857, including:

Lack of a Unified Ideology

• The revolt lacked a common idea or goal, and after gaining control of various regions, leaders and rebels failed to articulate a cohesive plan for India’s future.
• Leaders of the revolt were united by a shared disdain for alien rule, but they lacked a visionary alternative. Not having a forward-looking plan undermined their ability to withstand the British onslaught.

Lack of Unity Among Leaders

• The rebels faced a lack of unity, as the sepoys of Bengal revolted against the East India Company, while soldiers from Punjab and Bombay supported the Company against the sepoys. 
• Sepoys and leaders like Tantia Tope fought for Mughal rule, while Sikhs in Punjab resisted returning under Muslim rule. These internal divisions weakened the spirit within the ranks of the rebels, with selfishness and narrow perspectives among the leaders draining the strength of the revolt.

Lack of Support from Regional Powers

• Regional powers did not uniformly support the rebellion. Many natives actively assisted the British in suppressing the revolt.
• Sikhs, fearing the potential revival of Mughal authority, did not support the rebels, given their history of oppression under Mughal rule.
• Similarly , Rajput Chieftains in Rajasthan and Nizams in Hyderabad, having suffered harassment from the Marathas, were not inclined to support the revival of Maratha power.

Lack of Support from Educated Indians

• Educated Indians, especially in Bengal and Bombay regions, viewed the Revolt of 1857 as a backward-looking attempt by self-interested individuals. This educated middle class, product of the B ritish education system , considered the British as proponents of modernization.

Military Superiority of the British

• The rebels fought with limited weaponry such as swords, spears, and lances, while the British were equipped with advanced munitions of war, including Enfield rifles , giving them a significant military advantage.
• Sepoys serving under the East India Company utilized firearms provided by the company. When their ammunition depleted, the sepoys and other rebels transitioned to traditional weapons like swords and spears.

Consequences of the Revolt

• The Revolt of 1857 led to significant alterations in the administrative structure of British India, prompting changes in government policies.
• Following this proclamation, a new policy emerged, emphasizing perpetual support for native princes and non-intervention in matters of religious belief in India.
• The proclamation declared that India would henceforth be governed by and in the name of the British Monarch through a Secretary of State.

Significance of the Revolt

• The Revolt of 1857 showcased complete cooperation between Hindus and Muslims at all levels—among the people, soldiers, and leaders.
• This unity was evident in the spontaneous recognition of the last Mughal king, Bahadur Shah Zafar, as the leader of the country.
• The unity symbolized Hindu-Muslim collaboration at the national level, representing a significant aspect of political unity.
• Immediate bans on cow slaughter were implemented in areas where the revolt succeeded. Leadership roles were equally represented by Hindus and Muslims; for example, Nana Saheb had Azimullah , a Muslim, serving as an expert in political propaganda.

Impact of the Revolt/Mutiny

• The British Government realised problem. bolt was only a symptom of a deep-seated problem. The Policy of the Government of India underwent a drastic modification.

Political Impact

• The immediate consequence of the revolt was the dissolution of the English East India Company. The Government of India Act (1858) was swiftly passed in the British Parliament, effecting the transfer of power from the Company to the British Crown.
• According to the act, “India shall be governed by and in the name of the sovereign through the Secretary of State of India, assisted by a council of 15 members.”
• A new declaration of policy towards India was articulated by the British Government, embodied in the Queen’s Proclamation of 1858. This proclamation marked the initiation of a new approach towards the Indian States.

Queen’s Proclamation 1858

• The Proclamation pledged benevolence and religious toleration.
• It is committed to respecting the dignity and honor of the native princesses of India.
• Pardon and amnesty were extended to all those who were still in arms against the British Government, p rovided they were not found guilty of the murder of British subjects .

Government of India Act, 1858

•  Enacted in the aftermath of the Revolt of 1857, this significant Act, known as the Act for the Good Government of India, abolished the East India Company and transferred the power of government, territories, and revenue to the British Crown.

Some features of the Act are as follows: 

• It stipulated that India would henceforth be governed by and in the name of Her Majesty. The designation of the Governor-General of India was changed to the Viceroy of India, who became the direct representative of the British Crown in India.
• The Act put an end to the dual government by abolishing the Board of Control and the Court of Directors. Instead, it established a new office, the Secretary of State for India, endowed with complete authority and control over Indian administration. The Secretary of State, a member of the British Cabinet, was ultimately responsible to the British Parliament.
• The Act constituted the Secretary of State-in-Council as a corporate body, capable of suing and being sued in I ndia and in England.

Reorganization of the Army

• The Army underwent reorganization after 1858, with an increased proportion of British troops in the Indian Army. British troops were primarily deployed to maintain internal security, while Indian troops were trained and organized for overseas service, aiming to subjugate Asian and African territories for British Imperialism.
• Artillery was taken away from Indian hands, and all higher and more sensitive appointments were reserved for the British. Indians were restricted from employment in the Army headquarters, except as clerks in non-military capacities.
• A notable distinction was made between martial and non-martial races, and a myth based on this distinction was propagated.
• The Sikhs and Gurkhas, who remained loyal to the British during the revolt, were categorized as martial races. In the aftermath of the revolt, significant changes were implemented in the judicial domain. New Civil and Criminal Procedure Codes were enacted.

Social and Cultural Impact

• The previous policy of actively promoting reforms was abandoned, as it was argued that this policy had contributed significantly to the events of 1857. The responsibility for reform was now entirely entrusted to the initiative of the Indian population, and this remained the fundamental policy of the Government of India for over half a century.
• The Muslim Renaissance , which had been gaining momentum in Delhi before 1857, suffered an irreparable setback.

Different Views Related to the Nature of Revolt

British officials associated with revolt, books related to the revolt of 1857, prelims facts.

• When was the new Enfield rifle with a greased cartridge introduced in the British Indian Army? – December 1856 [BPSC (Pre) 2005]
• Who called the Revolt of 1857 a conspiracy? – Sir James Outram and W Taylor [BPSC (Pre) 1995]
• The Statement ‘the so-called first national war of independence was neither first nor national, nor a war of independence is associated with RC Majumdar (UPPSC (Mains) 2010)
• Who termed the uprising of 1857 as the first War of independence? VD Savarkar (UPPSC (Mains) 2015]
• Who was the official historian of the Indian freedom struggle? SN Sen (UPPSC 2010
• What was the symbol of the 1857 independence struggle? – Lotus and Chapatis [MPPSC (Pre) 1990
• In the middle of the 19th century, Indian nationalism was in its embryonic stage. Historians who believe in this fact were – DR. RC Majumdar and Dr. SN Sen (MPPSC (Pre) 2021)
• Who was the bitterest enemy of the British during the Revolt of 1857? – Maulvi Ahmadullah Shah (BPSC (Pre) 2001
• What is the name of the birthplace of Maharani Lakshmibai, the heroine of the 1857 freedom struggle? – Varanasi [BPSC (Pre) 2015
• Where is the situated? mharani Laxmibai Gwalior (MPPSC (Pre) 2013
• With who? did Maharani Lakshmibai have combat in last battle? – Hugh Rose [MPPSC (Pre) 1992]
• Who spearheaded the Revolt of 1857 in Bihar? – Kunwar Singh [BPSC (Pre) 2020]
• Who was the chief advisor of Nana Saheb? – Azimullah Khan [UKPSC (Pre) 2012]
• Who was the leader of the 1857 struggle for freedom in Lucknow? – Hazrat Mahal [BPSC (Pre) 2008, UPPSC (Pre) 2015]
• The real name of which leader of 1857 was Ram Chandra Pandurang’? – Tatya Tope [UPPSC (Pre) 2011]
• Who was the leader of the revolution of 1857 in Assam? – Diwan Maniram Dutta [UPPSC (Mains) 2007]
• Which Urdu poet witnessed the Revolt of 1857? – Ghalib [BPSC (Pre) 2002]
• Which dynasty supported the British maximum during the 1857 freedom movement? – Scindias of Gwalior [MPPSC (Pre) 2010]

UPSC NCERT Practice Questions

1. which of the following was not the reason for making the sepoys of the east india company rebellious bpsc (pre) 2018.

(a) Efforts of the officers of the company to spread Christianity.

(b) Order to the soldiers to travel on the ship.

(c) Withholding of allowance.

(d) Incapability of officers.

2. Which of the following statements about the first Act of the Revolt of 1857 is/are true?

1. It occurred in Meerut when two sepoys stole a superior officer’s rifle.

2. It began when the Rani of Jhansi declared war on the British.

3. It began when Mangal Pandey fired at a European officer in Meerut.

4. It began when Mangal Pandey fired at a European officer in Barrackpore.

Select the correct answer by using the codes given below.

(b) 1, 2 and 3

(d) l and 4

3. Which of the following brave from Bhopal led the main movement and sacrificed his life during the First Struggle for Independence in 1857? MPPSC (Pre) 2019

(a) Fazil Mohammad Khan

(b) Sheikh Ramzan

(c) Dost Mohammad Khan

(d) Habibulla Khan

4. Which of the following persons had participated actively in the Revolt of 1857? BPSC (Pre) 2020

(a) Nana Saheb (Kanpur)

(b) Begum Hazrat Mahal (Lucknow)

(c) Maulavi Ahmadullah (Faizabad)

(d) Begum Zeenat Mahal (Delhi)

(e) None of the above/More than one of the above

5. Who was the leader of the rebellion in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh during 1857?UPPSC (Pre) 2023

(a) Nana Saheb

(b) Kunwar Singh

(d) Khan Bahadur Khan

(c) Hazarat Mahal

6. Which among the following British officers lost their lives at Lucknow? UPPSC (Pre) 2008

1. General John Nicholson

2. General Neil

3. Major Havlock

4. Sir Henry Lawrence

(a) 1, 2 and 3

(b) 1, 3 and 4

(c) 2, 3 and 4

(d) All of these

7. In the middle of the 19th century, Indian nationalism was in its embryonic stage. Historians who believe in this fact were MPPSC (Pre) 2021

(a) Dr RC Majumdar and Dr SN Sen

(b) Sir James Outram and W Tailor

(c) TR Holmes and LER Reese

(d) Sir John Lawrence and Seeley

8. Which of the following statements are correct about the Revolt of 1857?

(a) It is carefully arranged by the Rajas, Nawabs, and Talugdars and there was a planned rebellion.

(b)Rumors and predictions had no role.

 c) Rebellious declarations ine posT made repeated of their caste (religion) and creed.

appeals to all sections of the population, regardless

(d) The British were successful in controlling the rebels quickly and easily.

9. Which of the following groups did not participate in the Revolt of 1857? BPSC (Pre) 1995

1. Agricultural Labour

2. Sahukars

4. Landlords

Select the correct answer from the codes given below.

(b) 1 and 2

(d) 2 and 4

10. Which one of the following conceptions is true about the Revolt of 1857? UPPSC (Mains) 2010

(a) Indian historians have described it as an Indian Mutiny.

(b) British historians have described it as a war of independence.

(c) It gave a death blow to the system of East India any’s rule in India.

(d) It was for the improvement of the administrative machinery in India.

11. What was/were the object/objects of Queen Victoria’s Proclamation (1858)? IAS (Pre) 2014

1. To disclaim any intention to annex the Indian States.

2. To place the Indian administration under the British Crown.

3. To regulate East India Company’s trade with India.

(a) 1 and 2

(c) 1 and 3

Know Right Answer

Frequently asked questions (faqs), 1. question: what were the main causes of the revolt of 1857.

Answer: The main causes of the Revolt of 1857 included socio-religious discontent, economic exploitation, military grievances, and the introduction of new cartridges greased with animal fat, which offended the religious sentiments of both Hindu and Muslim sepoys.

2. Question: Who were the key leaders of the Revolt of 1857?

Answer: The Revolt of 1857 had both civilian and military leaders. Some prominent leaders were Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi, Bahadur Shah II, Kunwar Singh, Nana Saheb, Tantia Tope, and the sepoys who played a crucial role in various regions.

3. Question: What were the consequences of the Revolt of 1857?

Answer: The consequences of the Revolt of 1857 were far-reaching. The British government took direct control of India from the East India Company, marking the end of the Company’s rule. The event also led to the policy of direct imperial rule, and the Indian National Congress was later founded in 1885 as a political platform.

4. Question: How did the British suppress the Revolt of 1857?

Answer: The British suppressed the Revolt of 1857 through a combination of military force, strategic diplomacy, and political maneuvering. They employed a policy of divide and rule, using loyal sepoys and local rulers to counter the rebels. The British also conducted ruthless military campaigns to quell resistance in different regions.

5. Question: How did the Revolt of 1857 impact India’s struggle for independence?

Answer: The Revolt of 1857 is considered a turning point in India’s struggle for independence. While the immediate rebellion was suppressed, it laid the foundation for future movements against British rule. It fostered a sense of national unity and inspired subsequent generations to strive for freedom, contributing significantly to the Indian independence movement in the 20th century.

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UPSC All India Mock Test – Edukemy Open Mock

The Revolt of 1857, Its Reasons and Consequences

• Categories: India Revolt of 1857 World History

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Published: Oct 2, 2020

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Revolt of 1857 in India : Nature and Results

There is no unanimity among scholars regarding the nature of the revolt of 1857 and a debate took place between 1950-1960 focusing attentions on three perspectives: sepoy mutiny, national struggle or first war of independence or a manifestation of feudalist revival.

All the British historians, in particular. Sir John Lawrance and Seelay are of the view that it was a sepoy mutiny as the sepoys refused to use the greased cartridges of the Enfield rifles and opposed the move.

An anxious conscious attempt on the part of the British to minimize the grievances of Indians and to restrict it only to a section of army’s revolt.

Image Source: bharatmatamandir.in/files/2012/12/Mutiny-of-1857.jpg

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Further, the British tried to portray civil disturbances as the actions of selfish vested interests of the landholders and the princes.

Their attempt was to prove that the colonial rule, if not welcomed, was not detested, as many Indian historians argue. L.E.R. Reese viewed it as a religious war against Christianity. J.R. Holmes expressed the opinion that it was a conflict between civilization and barbarism. Sir James Outram, W. Taylor and others are of the view that it was a conspiracy hatched by the Hindus and the Muslims against the British.

Contesting the British interpretation as that of sepoy mutiny only, the nationalist historians and in particular V.D. Savarkar in his banned book. The Indian War of Independence of 1857, published anonymously in 1912 argues that it was the first war of Indian independence inspired by the lofty ideal of self-rule by Indians through nationalist upsurge.

Ashok Mehta in his book The Great Rebellion expressed the view that the revolt was national in character. Bishewswar Prasad observes “as the end of the alien rule was the essential object and the chief purpose and in this sense the revolt of 1857 may be termed a national war for freedom, though the sentiment of nationalism in the modern sense had not taken deep roots in the soil of India at that movement”.

Tara Chand described it as “War of Nation’s Independence” in his book. History of Freedom Movement in India. Contradicting the above views of nationalist motivated perceptions, R.C. Majumdar concludes that it is difficult to avoid the conclusion that the so-called first national war of independence of 1857 is neither the first, nor national, nor a war of independence as it was not preplanned and was limited to certain pockets in North India.

Surender Nath Sen is of the view that: “The mutiny became a revolt and assumed a political character when the mutineers of Meerut placed themselves under the king of Delhi and a section of the landed aristocracy and civil population declared, in his favour. What began as a fight for religion ended as a war of independence for there is not the slightest doubt that the rebels wanted to get rid of the alien government and restore the old order of which the king of Delhi was the rightful representative”.

Since 1970, the historical perspective has shifted from the study of ‘sepoy mutiny’ or ‘national revolt’ to the examination of social roots of the revolt by understanding specific area studies. As a result of such studies, it is now estab­lished that the relationship between land revenue settlement and the revolt is very minimum. Further, it is now suggested that the roots of the revolt are traceable to the pockets of relative poverty due to ecological factors such as less fertile soil and severe revenue assessments imposed on arable land caused undue misery to the cultivator.

It is believed that it is very difficult to make generalization of the 1857 event as the response of the people varied from one area to another and as such it is argued that the revolt of 1857 was not one movement but many. The nature of the 1857 event has become so emotive that it gave scope to multiple perspectives.

Results of the 1857 Revolt :

The 1857 revolt though failed and crushed by the superior military force of the British was a significant event of far-reaching consequences in the history of British rule in India. It marks the end of an era of mercantile capitalism and early colonial rule and the beginning of direct imperial hegemony of the British crown. While in the first century, i.e., from 1757 to 1857, the British crown indirectly ruled India, in the second century, i.e., from 1858 to 1947, the British crown directly ruled India through the Viceroy appointed by the Monarch.

The results of the 1857 revolt may be subdivided as:

(i) Constitutional changes,

(ii) Changes in the army,

(iii) Religious, judicial and diplomatic effects, and

(iv) Social effects.

Constitutional Changes :

The most significant result of the mutiny was the transfer of power from a trading company to a sovereign power of Britain by the Government of India Act of 1858. This Act of 1858 completed the process initiated by the Charter Act of 1853. In the place of the President of the Board of Control, the Secretary of State for India was appointed. The Secretary of State for India was assisted and helped by a 15-member body of India Council. Out of the fifteen, eight were appointed by the crown and the rest were to be appointed by the court of the directors.

The designation of the Governor General of India was changed to Viceroy. In case of the rulers of the Indian states, the crown made categorical announcement that all the treaties and agreements entered into by the East India Company will be honoured and respected and made it clear that no renewal was necessary.

The British crown gave up the policy of subordinate isolation and advocated a policy of subordinate union in respect of native states. The administrative apparatus in India was centralized effectively due to the improvement in communications. The British crown reinstated the Taluqdars of Oudh to their old positions. They gave up the idea of the ruthless expan­sionist policy of their territorial boundaries in and outside India.

Changes in the Army:

Before the revolt of 1857, the army of the British in India was divided into two major divisions – king’s forces and company’s troops. As a result of the revolt the two forces were united and called king’s forces and one-third of it should consist of the Europeans.

The artillery section was exclusively kept under the British. As a consequence of more European soldiers in the army, the expen­diture on the army doubled up. The Bengal Army was virtually abolished. They reduced the Brahmins from the army and recruited Gurkhas, Sikhs, Jats and Rajputs of the Punjab.

Religionist, Judicial and Diplomatic Effects:

Queen Victoria’s proclamation of 1 November, 1858 guaranteed freedom of faith and equal treatment to all Indians. The Queen made it clear that there was to be no distinction between one individual and another on the pretext of race, religion, sex and creed.

The British crown agreed to provide employment to the Indians in the bureaucratic structure of the times, which was denied previously. In the sphere of judiciary, the Sadar courts and Crown’s Supreme Court were amalgamated into High Courts which were established in the presidency towns of Madras, Bombay and Calcutta. In the sphere of diplomatic ties between India and Britain, now there was a change and the British began to show greater interest in the internal development of India than in foreign affairs.

Social Effects:

In the sphere of social relations, the gulf between the Europeans and the Indians not only widened but animosity and hatred between the two social groups became marked, and there was definite social estrangement between Indians and Europeans.

Detestation, contempt, ferocity and vengeance became marked features of the British in India in the post-mutiny period. The Indians too did not lag behind in maintaining social distance. What we notice in this period was abandonment of social and educational welfare measures by the British purposefully and willingly.

As if it is not sufficient, orthodoxy, religious superstitions, communal, caste and religious discrimination began to be practiced by the Indians. The British who were quite aloof in the beginning realized their mistake and changed their policy with 1861 Indian Council Act.

A very disturbing feature of post-mutiny period in India was the growth of social distance between the Hindus and Muslims which ultimately led to communalization of social life and partition of India on communal lines.

The post-mutiny period also witnessed setback to Muslim renaissance and efforts of modernity. At the end, we may conclude by agreeing with Tarachand: “imperi­alist Britain treated India as a satellite whose main function was to sweat and labour for the master, to sub-serve its economy and to enhance the glory and prestige of the empire”.

Related Articles:

• The Revolt of 1857 in India (Study Notes)
• Top 4 Causes of the Revolt of 1857 In India
• The Revolt of 1857 in India: Causes, Spread and Other Details
• The Revolt of 1857 —the First War of Independence

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Revolt of 1857 Notes (Free PDF)

• Updated on  
• Jan 19, 2024

India was under British rule for 200 years. The fight for independence was not easy and certainly not won in a day . Many revolts were won & lost which led to the moment of independence for India . One of the major revolts was the Sepoy Mutiny also known as the Revolt of 1857 or the Indian Revolution of 1857. In this blog, you will learn about the revolt of 1857, its causes & failures and how it became the harbinger of other Indian National Movements . The revolt started on the 10th of May 1857, by sepoys in Meerut. The revolt lasted for a year but was unsuccessful. Furthermore, India needed certain peaceful changes and this revolution brought her that. A major highlight of this revolt was that it abolished the East India Company’s rule in India. Additionally, central and northern parts of India took part in the Revolt of 1857 and various reasons bundled up the Indians.

NCERT Class 7 History: Chapter 8 Eighteenth-century Political Formations (Free PDF)

This Blog Includes:

Causes of the indian revolt of 1857, political causes, economic causes, military causes, the immediate cause of the revolt of 1857, what were the effects of the revolt of 1857 on india, centres of the revolt of 1857, the suppression and the revolt of 1857, historical movements of the revolt of 1857, who opposed the revolt of 1857, failure of the revolt of 1857, leaders of the revolt of 1857, list of british officials, the aftermath of the revolt of 1857, best books related to the revolt of 1857, short note on revolt of 1857, important questions on the revolt of 1857.

Timeline of the Revolt of 1857

The Timeline of the Revolt of 1857 is as follows:

There were numerous Political, Economic, Military as well as Social Causes that led to the Revolt of 1857, read below to know more!

The Political Causes of the Revolt of 1857 were:

• The uprising’s political roots can be attributed to Britain’s expansionist strategy, characterized by the Doctrine of Lapse and the Practice of Direct Annexation.
• Rani Lakshmi Bai’s adopted son faced the prohibition of ascending the throne of Jhansi.
• The Doctrine of Lapse led to the annexation of Satara, Nagpur, and Jhansi.
• Additionally, Jaitpur, Sambalpur, and Udaipur were also subjected to annexation.
• Lord Dalhousie’s annexation of Awadh, justified by allegations of maladministration, resulted in the displacement of numerous nobles, officials, retainers, and soldiers.
• This action transformed Awadh, previously a loyal state, into a breeding ground for discontent and intrigue.

The Economic Causes of the Revolt of 1857 were as follows:

• Many individuals within these communities found it challenging to meet the high revenue requirements and settle their debts with moneylenders, resulting in the eventual loss of ancestral lands.
• A significant portion of the sepoys, who were part of the peasantry, shared familial connections with the villages.
• Consequently, the grievances faced by the rural population had a direct impact on the sepoys as well.
• The discontent among peasants and landowners created a ripple effect, influencing the sentiments of the sepoys.
• This influx had detrimental effects on various industries, notably the textile sector in India.
• The indigenous handicraft industries in India were compelled to contend with inexpensive machine-made products from Britain, leading to a decline in their economic viability.

The Military Causes of the Revolt of 1857 were:

• Comprising over 87% of the British military forces in India, these sepoys faced discriminatory treatment in comparison to their British counterparts.
• Despite holding the same rank, Indian sepoys received lower pay than their European counterparts.
• Adding to their grievances, in 1856, Lord Canning implemented the General Services Enlistment Act, mandating that sepoys must be prepared to serve even in British territories beyond the seas.

Social Causes 

The Social Causes of the Revolt of 1857 are as follows:

• An 1850 legislation altered the Hindu law of inheritance, allowing a Hindu who had embraced Christianity to inherit ancestral properties.
• This change fueled suspicions among the populace, leading many to believe that the government had intentions of converting Indians to Christianity.
• The abolition of customs such as sati and female infanticide, along with the enactment legalizing widow remarriage, was perceived as a menace to the established social structure.
• The introduction of Western methods of education directly challenged the traditional beliefs of both Hindus and Muslims.
• Additionally, the arrival of railways and telegraph systems was met with scepticism, further contributing to the apprehension surrounding the impact of Western influence in the country.

Also Read: What is the Golden Revolution?

The Revolt of 1857 ultimately originated from the controversy surrounding the use of greased cartridges.

• A rumour circulated that the cartridges for the recently introduced Enfield rifles were coated with animal fat from cows and pigs.
• Sepoys, before loading these rifles, had to bite off the paper on the cartridges, hence leading to the refusal of both Hindu and Muslim sepoys to utilize them.

Despite attempts by Lord Canning to rectify the mistake by withdrawing the offending cartridges, the damage had already been done, sparking unrest in various regions.

• In March 1857, Mangal Pandey, a sepoy stationed in Barrackpore, rejected the use of the controversial cartridge and assaulted his senior officers.
• He was subsequently executed on the 8th of April.
• On the 9th of May, 85 soldiers in Meerut also refused to employ the new rifles and were consequently sentenced to ten years of imprisonment.

Also Read: Third Carnatic War: Causes, Battles and Impact

The revolt of 1857 was not a success but created a huge impact on India. The major impact was the abolishment of the East India Company, India was under the direct control of British authority, The Indian administration was directly controlled by queen victoria. The second impact that the revolt of 1857 created was to develop unity & patriotism in the nation. Press was restricted since the Revolt of 1857 involved the Peasants as well. The press played an important role in the freedom struggle. It helped to educate Indians, influence them & aware of government policies. 

The revolt spread over the entire area from the neighbourhood of Patna to the borders of Rajasthan. Additionally, the main centres of revolt, commonly known as the sepoy mutiny in these regions namely Kanpur, Lucknow, Bareilly, Jhansi, Gwalior, and Arrah in Bihar. 

• Lucknow : It was the capital of Awadh. Begum Hazrat Mahal, one of the begums of the ex-king of Awadh, took up the leadership of the revolt. 
• He became a participant in the uprising mainly due to the British withholding his pension.
• The triumph proved to be fleeting as Kanpur fell back into British hands with the arrival of additional troops.
• Furthermore, the rebellion faced a brutal suppression, marked by merciless retribution.
• While Nana Saheb managed to evade capture, his skilled strategist Tantia Tope persisted in the fight.
• However, Tantia Tope was ultimately overcome, apprehended, and executed.
• Consequently, she bravely resisted the British forces but, in the end, succumbed to the English adversaries.
• Bihar : The revolt was led by Kunwar Singh who belonged to the royal house of Jagdispur, Bihar. 
• The ensuing battle witnessed the Rani of Jhansi displaying remarkable courage, akin to a tigress in combat, until her demise in the thick of the struggle.
• Unfortunately, the British managed to reclaim Gwalior after the fierce encounter.

Also Read:  Important Revolutions in India You Must Know About

The uprising of 1857 extended beyond a year before being quelled by mid-1858. On the 8th of July 1858, Lord Canning declared peace, concluding the tumultuous events that began in Meerut fourteen months earlier.

Additionally, there were many historical movements during the Revolt of 1857 which are still the centres of conversations when we talk about our Independence struggle.

• Mangal Pandey – Mangal Pandey did not just refuse to use cartridges greased with cow or pig fat, he created an uproar within his Infantry which led to injuring the British generals. His bravery is unmatched to date though he was hanged by the East India Company.
• Cawnpore Massacre – Cawnpore or Kanpur was the highlight of the Revolt of 1857. When Cawnpore was sieged by the sepoys, they allowed the British rescue party to travel to Allahabad through Cawnpore. However, the British soldiers and civilians (including 120 women and children) were killed by the sepoys. This enraged the East India Company who tortured, looted the Indian civilians and executed a large number of sepoys in Cawpore and recaptured the city. 
• Rani of Jhansi’s historic win – Rani Laxmibai refused the East India Company to annex Jhansi. The British forces then slowly marched towards Jhansi. It was in the darkness of the night that the rebels attacked the fort where the British leaders and their servants were resting and killed all of them.

You will be surprised to know that a lot of the Indian communities didn’t support the Revolt of 1857. While more than a quarter of the native soldiers were Muslims, the Ulemas of the community did not support or believe that military violence was required against the East India Company. 

Furthermore, a lot of important Sikhs and Pathan leaders in the Punjab province sided and conspired with the East India Company as they feared that if the Revolt drove out the British, the Mughals would come to power. 

Gwalior was one of the centres of rebellion by the sepoys and civilians yet the state’s ruler, Jayaji Rao Scindia supported the British.

The revolt was an extraordinary event in Indian history, but the result of the revolt was unsuccessful due to some major drawbacks. Here are all the reasons for the failure of the revolt of 1857:

• The insurgence was predominantly confined to the Doab region, with notable exceptions in the large princely states of Hyderabad, Mysore, Travancore, and Kashmir, alongside the smaller ones in Rajputana, abstaining from participation.
• Additionally, the southern provinces refrained from engaging in the rebellion.
• In addition, despite the bravery of figures such as Nana Saheb, Tantia Tope, and Rani Lakshmi Bai, their leadership failed to provide the necessary direction to the entire movement.
• Resource Constraints: The rebels faced notable deficiencies in terms of manpower and financial support. In contrast, the English authorities received a consistent influx of reinforcements, funds, and weaponry within India.
• Exclusion of the Middle Class: The English-educated middle class, affluent merchants, traders, and landowners in Bengal actively supported the British in quelling the rebellion, as they opted not to participate in the insurrection.

Also Read: What is Blue Revolution?

Many leaders took part in the Revolt of 1857, here are all the leaders:

The List of British Officials:

• General John Nicholson
• Major Hudson
• Sir Hugh Wheeler
• General Neil
• Sir Colin Campbell
• Henry Lawrence
• Major General Havelock
• William Taylor and Eye
• Colonel Oncell

White Revolution, The Story of India’s Milk Revolution

The Results of the Revolt of 1857 were:

• End of Company Rule: The revolt marked the end of the East India Company’s rule in India
• The direct rule of the British Crown: India came under the direct rule of the British Crown. This was announced by Lord Canning at a Durbar in Allahabad in a proclamation issued on November 1, 1858, in the name of the queen. 
• Religious Tolerance: The British Crown promised religious tolerance and the customs and traditions of India were given more attention.
• Administrative Change: The governor general’s office was replaced by that of the Viceroy. 
• Military Reorganisation: The ratio of British officers to Indian soldiers increased but the armoury remained in the hands of the English to end the dominance of the Bengal army. 

Here are some books you can dig into for more details on the Revolt of 1857. 

• Religion and Ideology of the Rebels of 1857 by Iqbal Hussain
• Rebellion, 1857: A Symposium by Puran Chand Joshi
• Great Mutiny by Christopher Hibbert
• Facets of the Great Revolt 1857
• The Indian War of Independence by Vinayak Damodar Savarkar
• Awadh in Revolt, 1857-1858 by Rudrangshu Mukherjee
• The Indian Mutiny: 1857 by Saul David

The Revolt of 1857 was first started on May 10, 1857, by sepoy mutiny in Meerut. The revolt lasted for a year and was unsuccessful yet it brought the changes that India needed for years. A major highlight of this revolt was that it abolished the East India Company in India. Central & northern parts of India took part in the revolt of 1857. There were various reasons that bundled up the Indians. It was also known as the Sepoy Mutiny, the Indian Mutiny and the Great Rebellion. The main outcome of the revolt in 1857 was the end of company rule in India and the establishment of direct rule of the British Crown. 

Download Social Science Class 7 History Chapter 8 Important Questions and Answers PDF

The revolt of 1857 was an unprecedented event in the history of British rule in India. It united, though in a limited way, many sections of Indian society for a common cause. Though the revolt failed to achieve the desired goal, it sowed the seeds of Indian nationalism. 

Why were the powers of the East India Company transferred to the British Crown?

Post the sepoy mutiny, the powers of East India Company were transferred because the company rule was ended in India after the revolt. 

How did the position of governor-general change after the revolt of 1857?

The governor-general was given the title of a viceroy who became a personal representative of the crown.

How was the revolt suppressed by the British?

The company decided to regain control over its lost territories and suppressed the revolt in complete retaliation. 

What was the role of Mangal Panday in the revolt of 1857?

Mangal Panday was a young soldier stationed in the British army at Barrackpore refused to use the rifle and attacked his British officers.

Check out Class 6 History Notes:

Relevant Blogs

There was a change in rifle, Sepoys had to tear the cartridges with their mouths & it was greased with cow & pig fat. The sepoys were also sentenced when they rejected the rifles & cartridges.

The revolt of 1857 lasted for a year.

Yes, Mangal Pandey was among the leaders of the revolt of 1857.

Yes, Rani Laxmi bai adopted a son & after the doctrine of lapse only the true & natural male heir was allowed to rule.

There were political, social, religious & military causes that resulted in the revolt of 1857.

Yes, the revolt of 1857 is considered the first war of independence.

We hope you liked our blogon the Revolt of 1857. If you want to read more articles like this, you can get Short notes on the Modern History of India here. Also, you can visit our general knowledge page on Indian History ! The Revolt of 1857 is one of the topics covered in government exams & UPSC as well. Read about such informative blogs on Leverage Edu and stay informed about Indian history.

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What was the impact of revolt of 1857??

The main impact of the 1857 revolt was the abolishment of the East India Company, India was under the direct control of British authority, The Indian administration was directly controlled by queen victoria. The second major impact that the revolt of 1857 created was to develop unity & patriotism among the nation.

Hope this answers your question!

Thanks for giving the information. It was helpful for my board project 🙏😊

Hi, Keerthana! We are glad you found it useful. Here you can also check some of our top reads: Decoding the Battle of Plassey of 1757! Battle of Buxar: Significance, Causes and Aftermath Indian Freedom Fighters

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The Revolt of 1857

Updated 21 April 2023

Downloads 27

Category History

Topic Revolt of 1857

The revolt of 1857 was a major event in the history of India. It ended the control of the East India Company and led to the re-establishment of direct British rule in India.

Historical Significance

Historians continue to debate the causes of the revolt. However, some scholars believe that this uprising marked the beginning of the Indian national independence movement.

Political Causes

The revolt of 1857 was an attempt by Indians to abolish the British East India Company. It lasted for one year but was unsuccessful and brought about many changes to the Indian society.

The main political cause of the revolt was Lord Dalhousie’s policy of annexation. His policy of annexation led to the severance of the native princely states in different parts of India.

He also introduced the Doctrine of Lapse which said that the lands of a ruler who died without a male heir would be forfeit to the British. This was considered a very unfair policy by Indians.

This led to the exploitation of the common people. This made them irritated with the British and hence they joined the revolt against the Company. They wanted to break the system by which the Company collected taxes.

Economic Causes

One of the major causes of the revolt was the economic exploitation of India by the British. British land revenue policies like permanent settlement in Bengal, Mahalwari settlement in Central India and Ryotwari settlement in southern India ruined the prospects of Indian peasants and zamindars.

As a result, these people could not afford to maintain their households. The peasants also became dependent on money-lenders and traders at usurious rates, who would often evict them from their land.

The aristocratic households in India were also impoverished as a result of the British policies of land revenue. In Awadh, 21,000 taluqdars had their estates confiscated and lost their status in the villages.

This paved the way for widespread rebellion by the Indian rulers and their subjects. Many Hindu princely states, which had been under subsidiary alliances with the British, became dissatisfied with the British policies of conquest. These included the doctrine of lapse (the belief in British dominance over Indian leadership), and the policy of annexation, which deprived their rulers of their customary powers and privileges.

Religious Causes

The revolt of 1857 was primarily a war of religion. It was a result of British attempts to interfere with Indian social and religious customs.

Lord Dalhousie’s policies of territorial expansion and westernization, along with his support for widow-marriage and women’s education, hurt Hindus’ sentiments. They also feared that the British would force Hindus to convert to Christianity.

In addition, the British had begun to tax religious places, such as temples and mosques. They regarded these taxes as an attack on their religion and a violation of the law.

Nevertheless, there were many other causes that could have triggered the revolt. Some of them included the new Enfield rifle, which was designed to use cartridges greased with pig or cow fat. These cartridges horrified both Hindu and Muslim sepoys. They thought that the British were trying to contaminate their religions with their weapons.

Social Causes

The revolt of 1857 was a major turning point in the history of India. It was the first rebellion against British rule and it inspired future generations of Indians to fight for independence.

There were several reasons that led to the outbreak of the revolt. These included a lack of economic and social development under the British rule.

Another reason was the constant exploitation of India by the British East India Company. This caused great harm to the people of India, including the peasants and artisans.

The British policy of racial discrimination was also one of the main causes of the revolt. The British viewed the Indians as racially inferior and culturally backward. They were not allowed to mix with the Europeans and thus they suffered greatly under their rule.

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