Indian National Movement: 1857 Revolt Overview

Indian National Movement (INM)

• 1857 Revolt Causes: Political, economic, and social factors fueled the revolt.
  • Political: The Doctrine of Lapse and the annexation of princely states. Subsidiary alliances imposed by Lord Wellesley. The East India Company's expansionist policies. Unfair land revenue policies. Discrimination against Indians in government employment.
  • Economic: Exploitation of Indian industries by British companies. Rampant unemployment among Indians. Impoverishment of the peasantry.
  • Social: Religious intolerance, forced conversions, interference in social customs and practices and introduction of new laws (like the one allowing Indians to convert to Christianity).
• 1857 Revolt Details: The revolt encompassed various regions of India and was initially sparked by the use of cartridges greased with animal fats in the new Enfield rifles, viewed by many as religious insult. Sepoys (Indian soldiers) in Meerut were the first to resist.
• Post-1857 Developments: The Indian National Congress emerged as an organized force to demand greater political power. The formation of regional organizations led to broader participation. A notable increase in political consciousness in India. Rise of Indian awareness and advocacy. Emergence of nationalist leaders.
• Main Organizations in the Indian National Movement:
  • Indian National Congress (INC)
  • Regional organisations (precursor to broader political party formations.)
• Key Political Figures: Figures like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, and others pushed for better conditions. Their efforts inspired a new generation of leaders.
• 1857 Revolution Key Documents & Events Relevant historical documents and occurrences relating to the 1857 revolt.
• Political and Administrative Reforms: Specific laws and political actions that impacted the Indian National Movement. Historical reforms and laws implemented.

Early Organisations

• Important Organizations Prior to Indian National Congress:
  • Landholders' Society (Bengal): Formed in 1836 to advocate for the interests of zamindars and landowners in Bengal. They initially focused mainly on land issues.
  • Land Holders Society (Bengal) Founding Members: Included prominent landowners (zamindars) and influential elites of Bengal.
  • British Indian Association: Established in 1851 to focus on the issues and concerns faced by the British Indian community and lobby for improved legislation. Often used public forums and lobbying to address issues.
  • British Indian Association Founding Members: Consist of various leaders representing diverse views.
  • Indian Association (Calcutta): Founded in 1876 to improve the participation of Indian people in civic matters. This organization had specific objectives, such as focusing on specific issues and organizing campaigns for various improvements.
  • Indian Association Founder: Established by Surendra Nath Banerjee and others to address concerns specific to India within British India.
• Other Organizations: Various other groups emerged during the early phase of the Indian National Movement. These often existed alongside the main organizations, acting as advocates or lobbying groups to tackle particular problems and pressing for specific reforms.

Administrative and Economical

• Economic Factors: The Indian economy was increasingly affected by the introduction of a modern economic infrastructure. Indians and native companies were exploited as resources and laborers.
• Administrative Reforms: The administration and governance of British India transitioned between different approaches and regulations. Historical administrative policies, changes in governing mechanisms, and the roles of individuals.

Explore the multifaceted causes and details of the 1857 Revolt in India. This quiz covers political, economic, and social factors that led to this significant uprising against British colonial rule, as well as key events during the revolt. Test your knowledge of this pivotal moment in the Indian National Movement.