Revolt of 1857: Key Events and Leaders

Beginning of the Revolt of 1857

• The Revolt started in Meerut when soldiers refused to use the controversial greased cartridges, which were believed to be tainted with animal fat, violating Hindu and Muslim religious beliefs.
• The sepoys, angered by the British disregard for their religious sentiments and the punishment for their refusal to use the cartridges, rose in revolt, stormed the jail, released prisoners, and killed several British officials.
• They then marched to Delhi, igniting the rebellion across India.

Main Centres and Leaders of the Revolt of 1857

• Delhi: The revolting soldiers from Meerut were joined by local infantry in Delhi, leading to the seizure of the city.

  • Bahadur Shah Zafar, the Mughal Emperor, was proclaimed the leader of the revolt, making Delhi the center and the Emperor its symbol.

• Kanpur: Nana Sahib, the adopted son of the last Peshwa Baji Rao II, led the revolt in Kanpur.

  • He expelled British officers with help from the sepoys and proclaimed himself the Peshwa, recognizing Bahadur Shah Zafar as the Emperor.

• Lucknow: The revolt in Lucknow was led by Begum Hazrat Mahal, who proclaimed her young son, Birjis Kadr, the Nawab of Awadh.

  • The rebels, consisting of disbanded soldiers and local people, besieged the British forces in the Residency compound.
  • While the British ultimately regained control, Begum Hazrat Mahal escaped to Nepal.

• Jhansi: Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi fought bravely alongside the rebels after the British annexed her kingdom.

  • She became a symbol of bravery and courage, inspiring future generations.

• Bihar: Kunwar Singh, a zamindar of Jagdishpur, led the revolt in Bihar.

  • He was an outstanding military leader and strategist, fighting the British in Bihar and joining forces with Nana Sahib.

Immediate Cause of the Revolt

• In 1857, the British introduced the Enfield rifle, which used cartridges rumored to be greased with animal fat.
  • This sparked outrage among both Hindu and Muslim sepoys, who saw it as an attack on their religious beliefs.
  • The British refusal to address their concerns and punish those who disobeyed orders escalated the conflict.

Causes of the Revolt of 1857

• Political Causes:

  • The British expansionist policies, including the annexation of Indian kingdoms, created widespread resentment.
  • Lord Dalhousie's Doctrine of Lapse ignited anger among Indian rulers, as it annexed states where the rulers died without a male heir, such as Jhansi, Nagpur, and Satara.
  • Nana Sahib was denied his rightful inheritance and pension, becoming a key figure in the revolt.
  • The British interference in the internal affairs of allied states, including the annexation of Awadh on grounds of misgovernance, further fueled resentment.
  • The British humiliation of the Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar, reducing him to a pensioner and stripping his successors of their imperial titles, further inflamed emotions.
  • The breaking of treaties and land occupation by the British created a sense of fear and insecurity among the rulers.

• Economic Causes:

  • The British economic exploitation and destruction of traditional Indian industries led to widespread poverty.
  • India became a supplier of cheap raw materials to British industries, while heavy duties were imposed on Indian products entering England, crippling local manufacturing.
  • The land revenue system under the British led to high taxes and exploitation of peasants by zamindars and moneylenders.
  • The confiscation of jagirs and land holdings in Awadh after annexation caused further economic hardship.

• Social and Religious Causes:

  • The spread of Western education and interference in social and religious practices led to apprehension and discontent.
  • Reforms like the abolition of Sati and female infanticide were viewed as foreign intervention in Indian culture.
  • Christian missionaries' activities alarmed the population, creating a sense of suspicion and fear.

• Military Causes:

  • Indian soldiers were not adequately rewarded for their service in expanding the British Empire.
  • They were denied promotion to high military ranks and paid significantly less than their British counterparts.
  • The 1856 Act requiring new recruits to undertake overseas service offended the soldiers' religious beliefs.
  • The annexation of Awadh, home to many sepoys, further fueled their resentment.
  • Numerous sepoy rebellions, including those in Bengal (1764), Vellore (1806), and Barrackpore (1824), were brutally suppressed, creating a climate of fear and discontent.

Consequences of the Revolt of 1857

• The revolt was ultimately suppressed by the British by the end of 1859.
  • It marked a significant turning point in the struggle for Indian independence, considered the first major uprising against British imperialism.
• The revolt led to the end of the East India Company's rule and the direct rule of India by the British Parliament and the Queen of England.
  • Queen Victoria was declared Empress of India in 1876.

Nature of the Revolt of 1857

• The nature of the revolt is debated by scholars. Some argue that it was a spontaneous eruption of defiance, while others claim it was a planned action of a secret organization.
  • The lack of rebel records, relying primarily on British accounts, creates challenges in understanding the motivations and organization of the revolt.

This quiz explores the significant events and leaders of the Revolt of 1857, a major uprising against British rule in India. It covers the origins of the revolt, key locations like Delhi and Kanpur, and prominent figures such as Bahadur Shah Zafar and Nana Sahib. Test your knowledge about this pivotal moment in Indian history.