Indian Revolt of 1857

Economic Causes of the Revolt of 1857

• The exploitation of Indian resources and the destruction of Indian industries were major economic causes of the Revolt of 1857.

Groups Involved in the Revolt of 1857

• Sepoys, peasants, zamindars, and other social groups joined the Revolt of 1857.

Impact of British Economic Policies on Indian Industries

• The British economic policies led to the decline of Indian industries, such as textiles, and the loss of employment opportunities for artisans.

Post-Revolt Realization

• The public realized that a change in the system of governance was necessary in India after the Revolt of 1857.

Cause of Discontent among Peasants and Zamindars

• The expropriation of land by the British and the exploitation of peasants and zamindars by the British-created landholding system led to discontent among them in Bengal.

Focus of Absentee Landlords

• Absentee landlords who bought land at auctions mainly focused on extracting maximum revenue from the land.

Cause of Peasants' Bonded Labor

• Many peasants became landless laborers bonded for life to landlords and moneylenders due to the exploitation of the landholding system and the burden of debt.

Employment Opportunities for Educated Indians

• Educated Indians were upset by the limited employment opportunities available to them in the British administrative system, which favored British officials.

Social and Educational Reforms during Lord Bentinck's Governor-Generalship

• The British introduced social and educational reforms, such as the abolition of sati and the promotion of English-medium education, during Lord Bentinck's governor-generalship.

Perception of English-Medium Education

• Many Indians perceived the introduction of English-medium education as a means of cultural imperialism and a way to create a class of Indians who would serve the British interests.