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Questions and Answers
What was the policy introduced by Lord Wellesley that required Indian states to enter into an alliance with the British company?
What was the policy introduced by Lord Wellesley that required Indian states to enter into an alliance with the British company?
Which region was annexed by the British after the Anglo-Mysore wars?
Which region was annexed by the British after the Anglo-Mysore wars?
Under the Doctrine of Lapse, what happened to kingdoms with rulers who had no heirs?
Under the Doctrine of Lapse, what happened to kingdoms with rulers who had no heirs?
Why was Awadh annexed by the British in 1856 according to Lord Dalhousie?
Why was Awadh annexed by the British in 1856 according to Lord Dalhousie?
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What action did Lord Dalhousie take against the successors of Bahadur Shah Zafar?
What action did Lord Dalhousie take against the successors of Bahadur Shah Zafar?
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How did Lord Dalhousie use the Doctrine of Lapse in relation to Jhansi, Satara, and other regions?
How did Lord Dalhousie use the Doctrine of Lapse in relation to Jhansi, Satara, and other regions?
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What was the British government's decision regarding the use of imperial titles by Bahadur Shah's successors?
What was the British government's decision regarding the use of imperial titles by Bahadur Shah's successors?
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Why did Zeenat Mahal, the wife of Bahadur Shah, begin plotting against the British?
Why did Zeenat Mahal, the wife of Bahadur Shah, begin plotting against the British?
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What is meant by Absentee Sovereignty in the context of British rule in India?
What is meant by Absentee Sovereignty in the context of British rule in India?
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Why were Indians apprehensive about modern innovations introduced by the British like railways and telegraphs?
Why were Indians apprehensive about modern innovations introduced by the British like railways and telegraphs?
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How did British officers treat Indians, leading to resentment among the Indian masses?
How did British officers treat Indians, leading to resentment among the Indian masses?
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What change in British attitude in the 19th century led to further alienation of the Indian masses?
What change in British attitude in the 19th century led to further alienation of the Indian masses?
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Study Notes
The First War of Independence, 1857
Political Causes
- The British expanded their control over India through four ways:
- Outright Wars: Battle of Buxar (1764) gave Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha to British.
- Subsidiary Alliance: Introduced by Lord Wellesley; Indian states had to enter into an alliance with the company, surrendering foreign relations and accepting a British resident.
- Doctrine of Lapse: Introduced by Lord Dalhousie; any ruler without an heir would have their kingdom come under company rule.
- On the pretext of Alleged Misrule: Awadh was annexed in 1856 by Lord Dalhousie.
- Disrespect shown to Bahadur Shah: The British removed the Mughal King's name from coins, denied his successors the use of the Red Fort, and prohibited them from using imperial titles.
- Treatment given to Nana Saheb: The British refused to grant Nana Saheb the pension they were paying to Baji Rao II, and forced him to live at Kanpur, away from his family seat.
- Absentee Sovereignty: The British government ruled India from England, which was resented by the Indians, who felt their wealth was being drained to England.
Socio-Religious Causes
- Interference with Social Customs: The British government's attempts to reform social customs, such as abolishing Sati and introducing the Widow Remarriage Act, were not welcomed by the masses.
- Apprehensions about Modern Innovations: People were suspicious of modern innovations like railways and telegraphs, believing they were introduced to defy their social and religious norms.
- Policy of Racial Discrimination: The British officers were rude and arrogant towards Indians, believing they were superior, and followed a policy of contempt.
- Activities of Missionaries: The British began to interfere with the local customs and traditions, leading to widespread resentment.
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Description
Learn about the political causes and events leading to The First War of Independence in India in 1857. Understand the British policies of expansion and the impact on various regions of India.
