The Great Uprising of 1857, also known as the Sepoy Mutiny or the First War of Indian Independence, arose from a complex mix of grievances against the British East India Company. Politically, policies such as the Doctrine of Lapse and the annexation of states like Awadh stripped Indian rulers and landlords of their authority. Economically, high land taxes and the influx of inexpensive British goods devastated local industries, impoverishing peasants and artisans. Socially and religiously, British reforms like the abolition of Sati and the legalization of widow remarriage, alongside the promotion of English education and Christian missionary work, bred fears of forced conversion and cultural erosion, compounded by pervasive racial discrimination. Within the military, Indian sepoys endured low wages, poor conditions, and discrimination. The immediate spark was the introduction of new Enfield rifle cartridges, widely believed to be greased with animal fat offensive to both Hindu and Muslim soldiers.
The revolt began in Meerut and rapidly expanded across northern and central India, with prominent figures like Rani Lakshmibai, Nana Saheb, and Begum Hazrat Mahal leading the charge. Despite demonstrating Hindu-Muslim solidarity and a clear yearning for independence, the uprising ultimately faltered due to a lack of broad support, cohesive leadership, strategic planning, and the superior resources of the British. Nevertheless, the rebellion had a profound and lasting impact, directly ending the East India Company’s rule and transferring power to the British Crown, thus inaugurating the direct British Raj. It also laid crucial groundwork for subsequent nationalist movements in India.
Time To Learn
I. Fill in the blanks:
- By his policy of Doctrine of Lapse __________ annexed ______________.
Answer: Lord Dalhousie, Nagpur and Jhansi
- Rani Laxmibai captured ____________with Tantya Tope’s help.
Answer: Gwalior
- In Lucknow __________ led the revolt.
Answer: Hazrat Mahal
- The rebels proclaimed ____________as the emperor of India.
Answer: Bahadur Shah Zafar
II. Match the contents of Column A and Column B:
Answer:
Column A Column B
III. State whether the following statements are True or False:
- Awadh was annexed on the grounds of malad -ministration.
Answer: True - The British supported Sati.
Answer: False. - The Indian soldiers were given a lesser salary as compared to their British counterparts.
Answer: True. - The Revolt of 1857 did not involve the masses.
Answer: True.
IV. Answer the following questions:
1)How were the economic policies of the British responsible for the Revolt of 1857?
Answer: The British economic policies were a major cause of the 1857 Revolt. Their land revenue systems, like the Permanent Settlement, imposed heavy taxes on peasants, pushing them into debt and forcing many to lose their lands. At the same time, British imports of machine-made goods and high tariffs on Indian products destroyed local handicrafts and textiles, leaving artisans unemployed. Wealth was drained from India through trade profits, salaries, and revenue collections, worsening poverty. Forcing farmers to grow cash crops instead of food led to shortages and famines. These policies caused widespread unemployment, poverty, and anger among peasants, artisans, and landlords, fueling the rebellion.
2)Discuss the social and religious causes responsible for the Revolt of 1857.
Answer:The 1857 Revolt, often called the First War of Indian Independence, was fueled by profound social and religious grievances against British colonial rule. British disregard for Indian customs, particularly their interference with practices like Sati and widow remarriage, alongside the promotion of Westernization and English education, deeply offended many. Religious anxieties were exacerbated by Christian missionary efforts and taxes levied on religious endowments. The immediate catalyst for the widespread rebellion was the contentious greased cartridges, rumored to be coated with animal fat, which sparked the widespread uprising against British authority.
3)Why do you think the Revolt of 1857 failed? Discuss four causes for its failure.
Answer:The Revolt of 1857 ultimately failed due to a confluence of critical weaknesses. Primarily, there was a severe lack of unified leadership; the rebellion was a patchwork of localized efforts without a central command or overarching strategy. Its geographical reach was also limited, with significant parts of India, particularly Punjab, Bengal, and the South, remaining outside the rebellion’s influence and even supporting the British. In stark contrast, the British possessed superior military technology, effective communication via the telegraph, and a well-defined strategy, enabling them to suppress the uprising efficiently. Finally, the rebels themselves lacked a coherent vision for India’s future, with diverse and often conflicting objectives, presenting no strong alternative to British rule. These combined shortcomings ultimately sealed the fate of the revolt.
4)Discuss the nature of the Uprising/Revolt of 1857.
Answer:The Uprising of 1857 was a complex and multifaceted event, often debated by historians regarding its true nature. While it began as a sepoy mutiny among Indian soldiers in the British East India Company’s army, particularly triggered by the greased cartridges controversy, it quickly escalated beyond military disaffection. It evolved into a widespread civil rebellion in many regions, especially in North and Central India. Dispossessed landlords, disgruntled rulers whose territories had been annexed, peasants burdened by high taxes, and artisans displaced by British manufactured goods all joined the revolt, lending it a popular character in certain areas. This broad participation, driven by diverse grievances against British policies, suggests it was more than just a military uprising.
However, it lacked a unified leadership, a coherent ideology, or a common vision for a post-British India. Different groups fought for their own reasons and often with limited coordination. Its geographical spread was also limited, with large parts of India remaining unaffected or even supporting the British.
Therefore, while it displayed elements of a “first war of independence” for some and a “nationalist” struggle, it’s perhaps most accurately described as a largely localized, yet widespread, civil rebellion born out of diverse discontents against British rule, initially sparked by a military mutiny. It was a significant watershed moment, exposing the fragility of British control and leading to major administrative changes, but it wasn’t a centrally organized national revolution in the modern sense.
V. Give reasons why:
1. The state of Awadh was annexed by the British.
Answer: The British annexed the State of Awadh in 1856 primarily on the pretext of alleged misgovernance by Nawab Wajid Ali Shah.
However, the underlying reasons were more strategic and economic:
- Economic Interest: Awadh was a highly fertile region, rich in resources like indigo and cotton, and served as a crucial market for British goods. Annexation would allow direct exploitation of these resources and markets.
- Strategic Location: Its central location made it strategically important for controlling the Gangetic plain and consolidating British power in northern India.
- “Cherry that will drop into our mouth”: Lord Dalhousie, the Governor-General, viewed Awadh as a ripe territory ready for annexation, reflecting the British desire for territorial expansion.
- Circumvention of Subsidiary Alliance: While Awadh was already under a Subsidiary Alliance, which largely controlled its foreign policy and military, the British sought complete administrative control to further their economic and political interests. The claim of misrule provided a convenient justification to depose the Nawab and directly annex the state.
2. Indian artisans, weavers and craftsmen lost their means of livelihood.
Answer: Indian artisans, weavers, and craftsmen lost their livelihoods primarily due to two major factors during the colonial period:
- Machine-made goods: The influx of cheap, mass-produced goods from British factories (especially textiles) rendered the handcrafted Indian products uncompetitive. These machine-made items were often cheaper and faster to produce, diminishing the demand for traditional artisanal work.
- Discriminatory policies: The British colonial government implemented policies that actively suppressed Indian industries while promoting British manufacturing. This included high tariffs on Indian finished goods entering Britain, while raw materials from India were exported cheaply, further crippling indigenous crafts.
3.The Indian sepoys refused to bite the cartridges of the Enfield rifle.
Answer: The Indian sepoys refused to bite the cartridges of the Enfield rifle primarily due to a widespread belief that the cartridges were greased with a mixture of beef and pork fat. For Hindu soldiers, consuming beef (or anything contaminated by it) was sacrilege, as cows are considered sacred. For Muslim soldiers, pork is forbidden. Biting these cartridges would therefore violate their religious beliefs and dietary laws, leading to a strong and unified refusal among the sepoys. This act was seen as a direct assault on their religious identity and a deliberate attempt to defile them.
VI. Picture Study –
The picture shows the revolt of 1857
1)How far were the greased cartridges responsible for the Revolt?
Answer:The immediate cause of the 1857 Revolt was the controversial rumor that new rifle cartridges were greased with cow and pig fat. This deeply offended both Hindu and Muslim soldiers, who considered the respective animals sacred or unclean. This religious slight, alongside simmering discontent over British economic exploitation, annexation policies, and perceived interference in local customs, fueled the widespread rebellion.
2)Give your opinion as to how the Revolt would have been successful.
Answer: The event depicted, likely the Indian Rebellion of 1857, could have succeeded with better organization, planning, mass involvement, and support from merchants, the educated middle class, and zamindars. Superior weaponry and leadership for Indian soldiers would also have been crucial.
Additional Questions
EXERCISES
A. Fill in the blanks:
- Dalhousie annexed the states of ____________ on the basis of the Doctrine of Lapse.
Answer: Satara, Nagpur, and Jhansi
- Prior to the outbreak of the Revolt, Bahadur Shah Zafar lived in Delhi as a ____________of the British.
Answer: Pensioner
- The Revolt of 1857 started as a _________of the sepoys.
Answer: Mutiny
- The immediate cause of the Revolt was the issue of the ____________.
Answer: greased cartridges
- The Revolt ended the rule of the _______________.
Answer: English East India Company
B. Match the following:
Answer:
C. Choose the correct answer:
1. When Awadh/Nagpur/Jhansi was annexed, the estates of the zamindars and talukdars were confiscated by the British.
Answer: When Awadh was annexed, the estates of the zamindars and talukdars were confiscated by the British.
2. The rumour regarding greased cartridges started in Madras/ Calcutta/Delhi.
Answer: The rumour regarding greased cartridges started in Calcutta.
3. Mangal Pandey was a sepoy at Barrackpore/Nagpur/Satara, who refused to use the greased cartridges in 1857.
Answer: Mangal Pandey was a sepoy at Barrackpore, who refused to use the greased cartridges in 1857.
4.The Revolt in Lucknow/Meerut/Kanpur was led by Nana Saheb.
Answer: The Revolt in Kanpur was led by Nana Saheb.
5. Nana Saheb/Hazrat Mahal/Rani Lakshmibai led the Revolt in Lucknow.
Answer: Hazrat Mahal led the Revolt in Lucknow.
D. State whether the following are true or false:
- Indian rulers were quite satisfied with Lord Dalhousie’s expansionist policies.
Answer: False.
Correct: Indian rulers were dissatisfied with Lord Dalhousie’s expansionist policies. - Peasants benefitted from the land revenue system of the British.
Answer: False.
Correct : Peasants were not benefitted from the land revenue system of the British. - Social reforms such as the abolition of sati and female infanticide, and the Widow Remarriage Act caused deep resentment among the orthodox sections of society.
Answer: True. - The Doctrine of Lapse was abolished after the Revolt.
Answer: True - The Revolt of 1857 had come as a shock to the British.
Answer: True.
E. Answer the following questions in one or two words/ sentences:
1)Why did Rani of Jhansi become a staunch enemy of the British?
Answer: Rani Lakshmibai became a determined foe of the British because the East India Company, through its Doctrine of Lapse, refused to acknowledge her adopted son, Damodar Rao, as the rightful heir to the Jhansi throne. This profound injustice, which led to the annexation of her state, deeply motivated her to actively rebel against British authority.
2)Why did Nana Saheb fight against the British during the Revolt of 1857?
Answer: Nana Saheb fought against the British in the Revolt of 1857 primarily because the British East India Company refused to continue the pension that had been paid to his adopted father, Peshwa Baji Rao II, after Baji Rao’s death.
Under the Doctrine of Lapse, implemented by Lord Dalhousie, adopted heirs were not recognized as legitimate successors to princely states, and their claims to pensions or territories were denied. This, along with other grievances against British policies, fueled Nana Saheb’s resentment and led him to become a key leader in the rebellion at Kanpur.
3)Why did the zamindars and talukdars became sworn enemies of the British?
Answer: Zamindars and talukdars became bitter opponents of the British primarily due to policies that stripped them of land, power, and traditional authority. This was particularly evident after annexations, like that of Awadh, where their estates were confiscated through policies such as the Summary Settlement of 1856. Furthermore, the British land revenue systems often imposed excessive taxes, leading to their dispossession and disrupting the established socio-economic order
4)What happened to the nawab’s army when Awadh was annexed?
Answer: When Awadh was annexed, the Nawab’s army was disbanded. This left thousands of soldiers jobless, greatly increasing their resentment towards the British.
5)When and where did the Revolt of 1857 begin?
Answer: On Sunday, May 10, 1857, British officers in Meerut were preparing for church, while many soldiers were off-duty. Suddenly, Indian sepoys rebelled—freeing imprisoned comrades, attacking British officers, and sparking the historic 1857 Revolt. This marked the beginning of a fierce uprising against colonial rule.
6)Name any two main centres of Revolt.
Answer: The Indian Rebellion of 1857 was marked by several critical “storm centers.” It ignited in Meerut with a sepoy mutiny, swiftly reaching Delhi, where Bahadur Shah Zafar was proclaimed leader. Kanpur witnessed brutal fighting and massacres under Nana Saheb. Lucknow, led by Begum Hazrat Mahal, became a significant resistance point with a lengthy siege of the British Residency. Jhansi was valiantly defended by Rani Lakshmibai. Bareilly and parts of Bihar also played important roles in the widespread challenge to British authority.
7)What step was taken by the British to reorganize the army after the Revolt?
Answer: Following the 1857 Revolt, the British army underwent significant reorganization based on the Peel Commission’s recommendations. Key changes included increasing the proportion of European to Indian troops and concentrating artillery under British control. A “divide and rule” policy was implemented, promoting recruitment from “martial races” and diverse regional/caste groups to prevent future unity. European forces were also strategically positioned in vital locations to ensure British dominance.
8)Mention any two important results of the Revolt.
Answer: The 1857 Revolt fundamentally altered British governance in India. It dissolved the East India Company, transferring direct control to the British Crown via the Government of India Act of 1858, inaugurating the British Raj. This period saw the “Doctrine of Lapse” abandoned, with Britain vowing to respect princely states and a new policy of non-interference in Indian social and religious customs. In essence, the Revolt shifted British rule from commercial to direct imperial, ending aggressive annexation and fostering a more cautious approach to Indian traditions for the next nine decades.
F. Answer the following questions briefly:
1)In the context of the Revolt of 1857, answer the following questions:
- Mention any three political causes of the Revolt.
- Mention the three economic factors that led to the outbreak of the great Revolt.
- Explain briefly any four social and religious causes that led to the Revolt of 1857.
Answer:(a) Political Causes:The 1857 Revolt was significantly fueled by political discontent. Key grievances included the Doctrine of Lapse, which allowed the British to annex states like Satara and Jhansi if rulers died without a male heir, deeply unsettling Indian royalty. The British also showed profound disrespect to the Mughal Emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar, diminishing his status to a mere pensioner and eroding the symbolic authority of the Mughal dynasty. Furthermore, the unjust annexation of Awadh in 1856 proved to be a major catalyst. This act particularly angered sepoys, many of whom came from Awadh and whose families were affected, alongside the dispossessed local nobility, contributing to widespread disaffection against British rule.
(b) Economic Causes:Three key economic factors fueling the Revolt of 1857 were:
- Exploitative Land Revenue Policies: High taxes under systems like the Permanent Settlement impoverished peasants, leading to widespread debt and land loss.
- Destruction of Indian Industries: The influx of cheap British machine-made goods devastated traditional Indian handicrafts and textiles, leaving artisans jobless and the country de-industrialized.
- Drain of Wealth: Resources and revenue from India were systematically transferred to Britain, enriching the British at the expense of India’s economic well-being and contributing to widespread poverty.
(c) Social and Religious Causes:The 1857 Revolt was fueled by deep social and religious grievances against British rule. Key factors included British interference with Indian religious practices like Sati and widow remarriage, aggressive Christian missionary efforts, widespread racial discrimination, taxation of religious institutions, and changes to inheritance laws that favored Christian converts.
2)In the context of the military causes of the Revolt of 1857, answer the following questions:
- Mention any three grievances that the sepoys had against their British masters.
- How did the Act passed in 1856 by the British hurt the sentiments of the Hindu sepoys?
- Explain the immediate cause of the great Revolt?
Answer:(a)Sepoys harbored several grievances against their British overlords. They faced discriminatory pay and limited promotion prospects compared to British soldiers. The British also showed a blatant disregard for their religious sentiments, exemplified by the infamous greased cartridges. Furthermore, the withdrawal of foreign service allowances for duties in places like Punjab and Sindh added to their discontent.
(b)The General Service Enlistment Act of 1856 offended Hindu sepoys as it required them to serve overseas. For high-caste Hindus, crossing the “kala pani” (sea) meant religious defilement and loss of caste, viewing the act as an assault on their traditions and social standing.
(c)The 1857 Revolt was directly ignited by the new Enfield rifle cartridges. A prevalent rumor, later confirmed for certain batches, asserted these cartridges were lubricated with animal fat from cows and pigs. This was deeply offensive to Hindu sepoys due to the sacredness of cows and to Muslim sepoys who considered pigs impure. As the cartridges required biting open, this act directly violated the religious beliefs of both groups, sparking widespread anger and the initial sepoy mutinies.
3)In the context of the Revolt of 1857, briefly discuss:
- The decline of the Mughal dynasty
- Any four results of the Revolt of 1857**
- Nature of the Revolt of 1857
Answer:(a)By the time of the 1857 Revolt, the Mughal dynasty was already a shadow of its former glory, having been in a state of decline for over a century. After Aurangzeb’s death in 1707, a series of weak and ineffective rulers, coupled with constant succession struggles among nobles, significantly eroded central authority.
This internal decay was exacerbated by external pressures. Powerful regional kingdoms like the Marathas, Sikhs, and Rajputs asserted their independence, and devastating invasions by Nadir Shah and Ahmad Shah Abdali further plundered resources and exposed the empire’s fragility. Economic mismanagement, heavy taxation, and a demoralized army also contributed to its weakening.
Consequently, by 1857, the Mughal emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar, held only nominal power, primarily confined to Delhi. The British East India Company had become the dominant political and military force, effectively controlling vast swathes of India. The Revolt of 1857 saw the last flicker of Mughal authority as rebels briefly rallied around Bahadur Shah Zafar, but his eventual exile marked the official end of the once-mighty dynasty.
(b)Results of the Revolt 1857
Impact of the 1857 Revolt
- End of Company Rule – The British Crown took direct control from the East India Company after the Government of India Act (1858).
- Army Reorganization – The British reduced Indian soldiers, increased European troops, and divided regiments by caste/religion to weaken unity.
- Queen Victoria’s Proclamation – Promised religious freedom, ended the Doctrine of Lapse, and claimed to respect Indian rulers (though British power remained supreme).
- Growth of Nationalism – Though the revolt failed, it inspired future freedom struggles by exposing British exploitation and uniting Indians against colonial rule.
The 1857 uprising reshaped British policies and became a turning point in India’s fight for independence.
(c)The Revolt of 1857 was a complex event with various interpretations of its nature. While it initially began as a sepoy mutiny triggered by the greased cartridges issue, it quickly transcended military rebellion to become a widespread popular uprising in many parts of northern and central India.
It was fueled by accumulated grievances against British rule, including political annexations, economic exploitation, social and religious interference, and discrimination. Therefore, some historians view it as the “First War of Indian Independence,” while others describe it as a “feudal reaction” by discontented rulers and landlords seeking to restore their lost power.
Despite its localized and uncoordinated nature, the revolt showcased a significant degree of Hindu-Muslim unity against the common foreign enemy. It revealed deep-seated resentment and a desire for liberation, laying crucial groundwork for future nationalist movements in India.
G Picture study:
This is the picture of the queen who led the Revolt in Central India
1)Identify the queen.
Answer: Rani Laxmi Bai
2)Name the city where she led the Revolt.
Answer: The image depicts Rani Lakshmibai, the Queen of Jhansi, a prominent figure in the 1857 Revolt. She spearheaded the resistance in Jhansi against British annexation under the Doctrine of Lapse, becoming a symbol of courage and sovereignty during the uprising.
3)What were the economic causes of the Revolt of 1857?
Answer: The primary economic causes of the Revolt of 1857 stemmed from the British East India Company’s policies that ruined traditional Indian industries and agriculture. Heavy land revenue demands impoverished peasants, while the destruction of indigenous crafts due to cheap British manufactured goods led to widespread unemployment among artisans. The annexation of states also resulted in the loss of livelihoods for many who depended on princely patronage. These factors collectively created immense economic distress and resentment, fueling the rebellion.
4)What was the major outcome of the Revolt of 1857?
Answer:The image shows Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi, a key figure in the 1857 Revolt. The revolt’s main consequence was the shift of power from the British East India Company to the British Crown, ending Company rule and initiating the British Raj through the Government of India Act of 1858, which brought significant changes to India’s administration, military, and policies.
