Revolt of 1857 & Indian Independence Movement

• The following notes cover the Revolt of 1857, British education policies in India, and the Indian National Movement leading to independence.

Revolt of 1857

• The Revolt of 1857 is also known as the First War of Indian Independence.

Causes

• Political causes included British annexation of Indian states, particularly through the Doctrine of Lapse, exemplified by the annexation of Awadh.
• Economic causes involved heavy taxes, the loss of traditional occupations, and the destruction of Indian industries due to British policies.
• Social and religious causes were reforms such as the abolition of sati, the promotion of widow remarriage, and Christian missionary activities, which were perceived as threats to traditional values
• Military causes comprised low salaries for Indian soldiers, discrimination in promotions, and controversial Enfield rifle cartridges greased with animal fat.

Course of the Revolt

• The revolt started on May 10, 1857, in Meerut after Indian soldiers refused to use the greased cartridges.
• Bahadur Shah Zafar was declared the Emperor of India by the rebels, providing a symbolic head to the uprising.
• The rebellion spread to major cities, including Delhi, Kanpur, Lucknow, Jhansi, and Gwalior.

Key Figures

• Bahadur Shah Zafar served as the symbolic head of the revolt in Delhi.
• Nana Saheb, the adopted son of the Peshwa, led the revolt in Kanpur.
• Rani Lakshmibai fought bravely in Jhansi and died in battle.
• Khan Bahadur Khan led the revolt in Bareilly.
• Begum Hazrat Mahal was a key leader in Awadh.
• Kunwar Singh was a prominent leader in Bihar, specifically in Arrah.

Suppression and Failure

• The British suppressed the revolt due to their superior military power.
• The rebels lacked unity, organization, and effective leadership, hindering their ability to coordinate efforts.
• Bahadur Shah Zafar was arrested and exiled to Rangoon, Burma, where he died in 1862.

Consequences

• The end of Mughal rule occurred, as the British Crown assumed direct control of India under the Government of India Act of 1858.
• The East India Company's rule ended, and India was governed by the British Government through a Viceroy.
• The British adopted a policy of divide and rule, favoring landlords, princes, and certain communities to maintain control.

British Education Policy

• This section addresses the introduction of British education in India and the British attempts to "civilize" the native population.

Perspectives on Education

• Orientalists like William Jones and Henry Thomas Colebrooke supported promoting traditional Indian education, focusing on Sanskrit and Persian studies.
• Anglicists, such as Thomas Macaulay, advocated for the introduction of Western education delivered in English.

Developments in Education

• 1791: Hindu College was established in Benaras to promote Sanskrit studies.
• 1817: Calcutta Madrasa was founded for the study of Persian and Arabic.
• 1835: Macaulay’s Minute on Education was introduced, leading to the implementation of English-based education in India.
• 1854: Wood’s Despatch recommended a structured education system in India, including the establishment of universities in Calcutta, Bombay, and Madras.

Contrasting Education Systems

• Traditional Indian education was primarily oral and interactive, emphasizing personalized learning.
• British education emphasized textbooks, discipline, and examinations, reflecting a standardized approach.
• British education initially ignored women's education, although reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy advocated for its promotion.

Effects of British Education

• British education led to the emergence of a new middle class that, while educated, was also critical of British rule.
• British education facilitated the spread of nationalism by introducing ideas of democracy, freedom, and rights.
• Many leaders instrumental in the freedom struggle, including Gandhi and Nehru, were educated within the Western system.

Indian National Movement (1870s–1947)

• This section explores the evolution of the Indian National Movement and its culmination in independence.

Early Nationalist Activities

• The 1870s saw economic problems resulting from British exploitation, leading to widespread discontent.
• 1885: The Indian National Congress (INC) was formed by A.O. Hume, marking a pivotal moment in organized nationalism.
• Early leaders such as Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, and Surendranath Banerjee employed moderate methods, including petitions and speeches, to advocate for change.
• The demand for Swaraj (self-rule) progressively intensified.

Partition of Bengal and Swadeshi Movement

• 1905: Lord Curzon divided Bengal, a move intended to weaken regional unity and administrative efficiency, according to the British.
• The public responded by boycotting British goods and promoting Swadeshi, emphasizing the use of indigenous products to bolster the local economy and display national pride.
• Extremist leaders such as Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Lala Lajpat Rai became increasingly influential, advocating for more assertive measures against British rule.

Rise of Mahatma Gandhi

• 1919: The Jallianwala Bagh massacre occurred, where General Dyer’s forces killed over 1000 peaceful protesters, galvanizing the independence movement.
• 1920–22: The Non-Cooperation Movement was launched, urging Indians to boycott British goods, schools, and services as a means of peaceful protest.
• 1930: The Civil Disobedience Movement was initiated with the Salt March/Dandi March, directly challenging British salt laws.
• 1942: The Quit India Movement demanded immediate independence, marking a critical phase in pressuring the British to leave.
• 1947: India achieved independence on August 15, 1947, fulfilling decades of struggle and sacrifice.

Contributions From Other Leaders

• Subhas Chandra Bose led the INA (Azad Hind Fauj) against British rule, seeking military assistance from Axis powers during World War II.
• Bhagat Singh and Chandrashekhar Azad were revolutionary leaders who advocated for radical methods to achieve independence.

Events Leading to Independence

• World War II weakened Britain, creating an opportune moment for nationalist movements to intensify their demands.
• The Mountbatten Plan in 1947 led to the Partition of India into India and Pakistan, addressing religious tensions and political demands.

Notes on the Revolt of 1857, covering political, economic, social, religious, and military causes. Also includes the course of the revolt and the Indian National Movement. British education policies in India are covered.