The First War of Independence (1857)
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Questions and Answers

What event marked the beginning of the Revolt of 1857?

  • Mutiny of soldiers in Meerut Cantonment (correct)
  • Ransacking of public offices
  • Capture of Delhi by sepoys
  • Proclamation of Bahadur Shah as the emperor

    • Who was proclaimed the leader of the revolt by the sepoys?

  • Rani Lakshmi Bai
  • Tantya Tope
  • Nana Saheb
  • Bahadur Shah Zafar (correct)

    • Which of the following groups primarily initiated the Revolt of 1857?

  • Common people of India
  • Indian rulers
  • British officials
  • Soldiers in the service of the East India Company (correct)

    • What was the general sentiment among different sections of society during the revolt?

    <p>Unity to oppose foreign domination</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How was the Revolt of 1857 referred to by British historians?

    <p>Sepoy Mutiny</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a major political cause of the Revolt of 1857?

    <p>Widespread discontent among Indian sepoys</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which ruler led the revolt in Jhansi?

    <p>Rani Lakshmi Bai</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a key objective of the Indian soldiers participating in the revolt?

    <p>To settle personal scores with the British</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary consequence of the Doctrine of Lapse for Indian rulers?

    <p>It ensured kingdoms without natural heirs would be annexed by the British.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a major reason that Nawab Wajid Ali Shah lost power?

    <p>He accepted the Subsidiary Alliance imposed by the British.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did the British economic policies impact traditional Indian industries?

    <p>They caused a flood of British goods, leading to unemployment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the result of the British annexation of Awadh on the local population?

    <p>Unemployment and loss of livelihoods for many professionals.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What common sentiment developed among Indian rulers as a result of British treaties?

    <p>Fear and distrust due to violation of treaties.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which policy contributed to the economic exploitation of Indian peasants?

    <p>Enforcing the zamindari system.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What event followed immediately after the annexation of Awadh?

    <p>Nawab Wajid Ali Shah's exile to Calcutta.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is Lord Dalhousie's rule considered significant in British expansion in India?

    <p>His policies paved the way for the greatest territorial expansion.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one of the social reforms that many Indians opposed?

    <p>Western education</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What rumor caused panic among the Indian population regarding caste?

    <p>Cartloads of bonedust were mixed with food sold in markets.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a significant military cause that triggered discontent among the sepoys?

    <p>Discrimination in pay between Indian and British soldiers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did the greased cartridges allegedly contain that upset both Hindus and Muslims?

    <p>Animal fat from cows and pigs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who was Mangal Pandey and what did he do to spark the revolt?

    <p>A sepoy who shot his sergeant in protest</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a characteristic of the British view towards Indians during this period?

    <p>Belief in racial superiority and discrimination</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What change did the Act of 1856 impose on Indian soldiers that created resentment?

    <p>Compulsory overseas service</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When did the sepoys revolt begin in Meerut?

    <p>April 1857</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a key reason for the British victory during the Revolt?

    <p>Sophisticated weapons and disciplined army</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which group remained loyal to the British during the Revolt?

    <p>The Gurkhas</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant change occurred on November 1, 1858?

    <p>Queen Victoria became Empress of India</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did the policy of annexation change after the Revolt?

    <p>It was completely abandoned</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role did the Indian princes play in the aftermath of the Revolt?

    <p>They were assured that their states would not be annexed</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor contributed to the lack of unity among the rebels?

    <p>They had varying goals and leadership struggles</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who was appointed to oversee the governance of India after the Revolt?

    <p>A Secretary of State</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did the Revolt signify in terms of Indian history?

    <p>The first major struggle for freedom in India</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which leader was associated with the revolt in Western Bihar?

    <p>Kunwar Singh</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a significant consequence of the British recapturing Delhi?

    <p>The exile of Bahadur Shah Zafar II</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following regiments did NOT participate in the revolt?

    <p>Sikh leaders in Punjab</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one of the main reasons for the failure of the revolt?

    <p>Failure to spread the revolt nationwide</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Rani Lakshmi Bai is best known for her involvement in which region during the revolt?

    <p>Central India</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a notable attribute of the revolt regarding the participating groups?

    <p>Reflecting Hindu-Muslim unity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What action was taken by British military officers to regain control of Delhi?

    <p>Blowing up the Kashmiri Gate</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following was NOT a cause of the revolt's failure?

    <p>Emergence of a common ideology</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    The First War of Independence (1857)

    • The revolt began on May 10, 1857, in Meerut Cantonment with soldier mutinies.
    • Soldiers marched to Delhi, entering the Red Fort on May 11, 1857.
    • Bahadur Shah Zafar II, the Mughal Emperor, was declared the leader of the revolt.
    • The revolt spread to various parts of India, involving peasants, artisans, soldiers, and Indian rulers.
    • Hindus and Muslims united against foreign domination.
    • The revolt was also known as the Sepoy Mutiny and the Uprising of 1857.
    • Indian historians refer to it as the First War of Independence.

    Causes of the Revolt

    • Political:

    • Resentment against British policies, particularly the Doctrine of Lapse.

    • Annexation of Indian states without natural heirs.

    • Violations of treaties with Indian rulers.

    • Loss of power and influence for Indian rulers.

    • British interference in Indian social customs.

    • Economic:

    • British economic exploitation, damaging traditional Indian trade.

    • British policies forced peasants to only grow crops for British, leading to unemployment.

    • British goods destroying Indian industries and flooding the Indian market.

    • Increased taxes and land revenue.

    • Loss of Indian wealth and resources.

    • Social and Religious:

    • Resentment towards British social reforms

    • Concerns that Christian converts would be able to inherit property.

    • Fear of loss of caste due to spread of railways and western culture.

    • Discrimination against Indians in British military.

    • Rumors spread; rumours suggested the British were mixing cow/pig bones with food to harm Indians.

    • Social reforms perceived as an interference in Indian customs and traditions (interference in religious practices).

    • Racial discrimination by the British.

    • Military:

    • Discrimination against Indian soldiers in pay, promotions, and treatment.

    • Introduction of Enfield rifle cartridges greased with animal fat (cow and pig).

    • This was viewed as offensive by both Hindus and Muslims.

    • Indian soldiers expected to travel oversees and believed this would threaten their caste.

    Course of the Revolt

    • The revolt started in Meerut, then spread to Delhi.
    • Nana Saheb and Tantya Tope led the revolt in Kanpur.
    • Rani Lakshmi Bai led the revolt in Jhansi.
    • Kunwar Singh played a crucial role in Bihar.
    • The revolt spread throughout North and Central India.

    Suppression of the Revolt

    • British military re-established control in key areas.
    • Bahadur Shah Zafar II was exiled.
    • Key leaders, including Rani Lakshmi Bai and Tantya Tope, were killed in battle or captured.
    • The revolt was suppressed.

    Causes of Failure

    • Lack of unity among the rebels, different goals.
    • The revolt was primarily confined to North India, not spreading across the entire country.
    • Lack of adequate strategy and communication.
    • Inadequate arms and military support compared to the British.

    Results of the Revolt

    • The East India Company was dissolved, and the British Crown took over the administration of India.
    • The title of Empress of India was assumed by Queen Victoria.
    • The army and policies were reorganized to avoid future uprisings.
    • Religious freedom was guaranteed.
    • Representation of Indians in government.

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    Description

    Explore the key events and causes of the First War of Independence in India. This quiz covers the revolt that began in 1857, the role of Bahadur Shah Zafar II, and the unifying efforts of Hindus and Muslims against British rule. Test your knowledge of this significant event in Indian history.

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