The Revolt of 1857, also called India’s First War of Independence, was a major uprising against British rule. It started as a sepoy mutiny but later turned into a widespread rebellion.
1. Causes of the Revolt
A. Political Causes:
✔ Doctrine of Lapse (Lord Dalhousie) – British annexed princely states like Satara, Jhansi, Nagpur, and Awadh.
✔ Disrespect towards Indian rulers – Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah II was forced to remove royal titles.
✔ Annexation of Awadh – Nawab Wajid Ali Shah was removed in 1856, causing resentment.
B. Economic Causes:
✔ Heavy land revenue policies (Permanent Settlement, Mahalwari, Ryotwari) ruined peasants.
✔ Destruction of Indian industries due to British economic policies.
✔ Unemployment – British promoted their own goods, harming Indian artisans.
C. Social & Religious Causes:
✔ Interference in Indian customs – Widow remarriage (1856), education for women, and banning of sati created suspicion.
✔ Missionary activities – Fear of forced conversions to Christianity.
✔ Disrespect for Indian traditions – British policies hurt religious sentiments.
D. Military Causes:
✔ Discrimination in salary & promotions – Indian sepoys were paid less than British soldiers.
✔ Restriction on foreign service – General Service Enlistment Act (1856) forced sepoys to serve overseas, violating religious beliefs.
✔ Use of Enfield Rifle Cartridges – Greased with cow & pig fat, offending both Hindus & Muslims.
2. Main Events of the Revolt
A. Beginning of the Revolt (March 29, 1857)
✔ Mangal Pandey (Barrackpore) refused to use Enfield cartridges. He was executed on April 8, 1857.
B. Spread of the Revolt (May 10, 1857)
✔ Sepoys at Meerut revolted, marched to Delhi, and declared Bahadur Shah Zafar as their leader.
| Region | Leader | British Commander |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi | Bahadur Shah II | John Nicholson |
| Kanpur | Nana Saheb, Tantia Tope | General Campbell |
| Jhansi | Rani Lakshmibai | Hugh Rose |
| Awadh (Lucknow) | Begum Hazrat Mahal | Henry Lawrence |
| Bareilly | Khan Bahadur Khan |
✔ British recaptured Delhi in September 1857 – Bahadur Shah Zafar was exiled to Burma.
✔ Kanpur fell in December 1857, Nana Saheb fled to Nepal.
✔ Jhansi & Rani Lakshmibai fought bravely but was killed in June 1858.
✔ Tantia Tope continued guerrilla warfare but was captured & executed in 1859.
3. Why the Revolt Failed?
✔ Lack of Unity – No coordination between leaders.
✔ Limited Participation – Many Indian princes supported the British (Hyderabad, Gwalior, Kashmir).
✔ Better British Resources – Superior military strength & communication (railways, telegrams).
✔ No Clear Plan – No common ideology among rebels.
4. Results of the Revolt
✔ End of Mughal Rule – Bahadur Shah Zafar deported to Rangoon (Burma).
✔ End of East India Company Rule – British Crown took direct control of India (Government of India Act 1858).
✔ Queen Victoria’s Proclamation (1858) – Promised religious tolerance, Indian rights, and end of annexation policies.
✔ Reorganization of the Army – More British soldiers, less reliance on Indians.
✔ Beginning of Nationalism – Inspired future freedom movements.
5. Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Who led the Revolt of 1857 in Kanpur?
- (a) Bahadur Shah II
- (b) Nana Saheb
- (c) Tantia Tope
- (d) Rani Lakshmibai
- Answer: (b) Nana Saheb
- Which city was the first to rebel on May 10, 1857?
- (a) Delhi
- (b) Kanpur
- (c) Jhansi
- (d) Meerut
- Answer: (d) Meerut
- Who was the British Governor-General during the Revolt of 1857?
- (a) Lord Dalhousie
- (b) Lord Canning
- (c) Lord Curzon
- (d) Lord Ripon
- Answer: (b) Lord Canning
- What was the immediate cause of the Revolt of 1857?
- (a) Doctrine of Lapse
- (b) Enfield Rifle Cartridges
- (c) Economic Exploitation
- (d) British Land Policies
- Answer: (b) Enfield Rifle Cartridges
- Which Act ended the rule of the East India Company?
- (a) Regulating Act, 1773
- (b) Pitt’s India Act, 1784
- (c) Government of India Act, 1858
- (d) Indian Councils Act, 1861
- Answer: (c) Government of India Act, 1858
6. Subjective Questions
- Explain the causes of the Revolt of 1857.
- Describe the main leaders and centers of the Revolt.
- Why did the Revolt of 1857 fail?
- What were the consequences of the Revolt of 1857?
- Discuss the impact of the Revolt of 1857 on India’s freedom movement.
Conclusion
The Revolt of 1857 was a turning point in Indian history. Though it failed, it ended the East India Company’s rule and ignited the flame of nationalism. It paved the way for organized freedom movements that ultimately led to India’s independence in 1947.
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