Questions and Answers
What was one of the key reasons for the resistance of Indian sepoys employed by the East India Company?
Violation of religious sensibilities and dissatisfaction with pay and conditions
What was the main consequence faced by many rulers who tried to negotiate with the East India Company to protect their interests?
Rejection due to the company's military power
What was the significant impact of the 1856 law that required new employees to agree to serve overseas or be dismissed?
Resistance by Indian sepoys and subsequent severe punishment
What was the primary reason for resentment among the people in the countryside, including peasants and zamindars?
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Study Notes
- The text discusses the resistance of people in India to policies of the East India Company in the late 18th and 19th centuries.
- Nawabs and rajas had seen their power and authority erode, with armed forces disbanded, territories taken away, and revenues reduced.
- Some rulers tried to negotiate with the company to protect their interests, but were rejected due to the company's military power.
- Avad was one of the last territories to be annexed in 1801, with a subsidiary alliance imposed, and eventually taken over in 1856.
- The people in the countryside, including peasants and zamindars, resented high taxes and rigid revenue collection methods, leading to loss of lands and unpaid loans.
- Indian sepoys in the employment of the company were unhappy about their pay and conditions, as well as religious sensibilities being violated.
- In 1824, the sepoys refused to follow an order to go to Burma by sea route and were severely punished. In 1856, a new law required every new employee to agree to serve overseas if needed or be dismissed.
- Reforms were implemented by the British to stop the practice of Sati and encourage widow remarriage, promote English language education, and allow Christian missionaries to function freely.
- Many Indians felt that these reforms were destroying their religion, social customs, and traditional way of life.
- Vishnu Bhat, a Maharashtrian Brahmin, wrote about a massive upheaval against the English in 1857 due to their attempts to wipe out Hindu and Muslim religions. The English announced 84 rules in a gathering of kings and princes in Kolkata, leading to anger and plans for war.
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