Causes of Failure: 1857 War of Independence

Questions and Answers

What was one primary political cause of the Indian Rebellion of 1857?

Discontent with local rulers

Opposition to British policies and reforms (correct)

Failure of alliances with other nations

Economic exploitation by British colonizers

Which of the following best describes the military factors leading to the rebellion?

High morale among Indian troops

Unity among soldiers from different regions

Disciplinary actions against soldiers (correct)

Superior British military technology

What was the immediate trigger for the Meerut Rebellion?

Economic sanctions imposed by the British

Introduction of the greased cartridges (correct)

Support from local leaders

A proclamation by the Mughal Emperor

What role did Bahadur Shah Zafar play during the uprising?

He was a unifying symbol for the rebels. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was a major reason for the failure of the rebellion?

Mutual jealousies and disunity among rebels Signup and view all the answers

What major event occurred in Meerut on May 6, 1857?

The refusal of soldiers to use greased cartridges Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome for the sepoys who refused to use the new cartridges at Meerut?

They were court-martialed and imprisoned. Signup and view all the answers

The introduction of the new rifle and cartridges primarily affected which group?

Indian sepoys in the military Signup and view all the answers

Which area was NOT primarily affected by the Indian Rebellion?

Calcutta Signup and view all the answers

What common issue did the sepoys face that contributed to the rebellion?

Harsh treatment by the British Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Causes of Failure of the 1857 War of Independence

Lack of Leadership and Discipline: Freedom fighters operated independently, lacking a unifying leader and discipline, which hindered their momentum.
Lack of Unity: Freedom fighters were not united, fighting independently without coordinating resources against a common enemy.
Lack of Resources: Fighters were short on equipment and supplies, facing a well-organized and equipped British military.
Lack of Popular Support: The movement did not secure widespread national support; certain regions remained uninvolved.
Superior British Technology: British troops utilized advanced weaponry and were led by experienced generals.
Non-cooperation from Local Rulers: State rulers did not support freedom fighters, keeping the struggle confined to isolated regions.
Planned Uprising vs. British Strategy: The uprising was unplanned and burdened by disunity, while British forces had established strategies and military superiority.
New Agrarian Policy: Zamindars faced increased tax rates and demands for proof of land claims, exacerbating discontent leading to the uprising.
Unemployment: British policies excluded Indians from significant job roles, contributing to widespread unemployment among educated classes.
Religious Instigation: British efforts to propagate Christianity generated distrust among Indians, who perceived threats to their religious practices.
Military Causes: Disbandment of local armies created a pool of unemployed soldiers, contributing to unrest.
Innovative Military Grievances: The introduction of greased cartridges sparked religious outcry, as the cartridges were rumored to contain animal fat offensive to both Hindu and Muslim soldiers.

Key Events of the War (1857-58)

Uprising Overview: The war is recognized as the Indian Rebellion, Indian Mutiny, or Indian Revolt, largely resulting from political, social, economic, military, and religious tensions.
Limited Geography: The rebellion was confined primarily to areas like Meerut, Delhi, Kanpur, and Lucknow.
Disputed Cartridges Incident: Introduced in January 1857, the new rifle cartridges caused outrage when it was rumored they contained animal fat.
Mangal Pandey's Rebellion: A sepoy who protested against the cartridges was executed, setting off wider unrest among troops.
Meerut Rebellion: On April 24, 1857, sepoys in Meerut revolted against court-martial sentences, leading to the sacking of the city and ultimately capturing Delhi.
Bahadur Shah Zafar's Role: The Mughal Emperor emerged as a symbolic leader of the uprising, uniting both Hindus and Muslims against British rule.
Indignation Incident in Meerut: On May 6, 1857, the court-martial of soldiers for refusing the cartridges ignited widespread anger, culminating in the revolt on May 10, 1857.

Description

Explore the significant causes that led to the failure of the 1857 War of Independence in India. This quiz covers critical aspects such as leadership challenges, lack of unity, and the overall impact of regional divisions among freedom fighters. Test your knowledge on this pivotal event in Indian history.