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Questions and Answers
What was one of the main reasons for the sepoys' anger towards British policies?
What was one of the main reasons for the sepoys' anger towards British policies?
What factor contributed to the failure of the revolt in 1857?
What factor contributed to the failure of the revolt in 1857?
Which event is considered the immediate trigger for the revolt at Meerut?
Which event is considered the immediate trigger for the revolt at Meerut?
How did the British manage to secure loyalty from landowners during the revolt?
How did the British manage to secure loyalty from landowners during the revolt?
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What was a significant outcome of the revolt of 1857 despite its failure?
What was a significant outcome of the revolt of 1857 despite its failure?
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What was the main consequence of the Doctrine of Lapse introduced by Lord Dalhousie?
What was the main consequence of the Doctrine of Lapse introduced by Lord Dalhousie?
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How did the Subsidiary alliance affect Indian rulers?
How did the Subsidiary alliance affect Indian rulers?
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Which economic policy directly contributed to the loss of land for peasants?
Which economic policy directly contributed to the loss of land for peasants?
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What cultural impact did Western education and reforms have on Indian society?
What cultural impact did Western education and reforms have on Indian society?
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What was a primary grievance of Indian sepoys in the British army?
What was a primary grievance of Indian sepoys in the British army?
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Why did the introduction of greased cartridges create widespread protests?
Why did the introduction of greased cartridges create widespread protests?
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Which of the following statements best describes the economic conditions for craftsmen during British rule?
Which of the following statements best describes the economic conditions for craftsmen during British rule?
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What drove resentment against Christian missionaries in India during the period leading up to the Uprising?
What drove resentment against Christian missionaries in India during the period leading up to the Uprising?
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What sparked the immediate cause of the Revolt of 1857 among the sepoys?
What sparked the immediate cause of the Revolt of 1857 among the sepoys?
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Who was declared as the symbolic leader of the sepoys during the rebellion in Delhi?
Who was declared as the symbolic leader of the sepoys during the rebellion in Delhi?
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Which of the following leaders is associated with the revolt in Jhansi?
Which of the following leaders is associated with the revolt in Jhansi?
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What was one of the major results of the British recapture of Delhi in September 1857?
What was one of the major results of the British recapture of Delhi in September 1857?
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Which center of revolt was led by Begum Hazrat Mahal?
Which center of revolt was led by Begum Hazrat Mahal?
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What was the British strategy during the suppression of the Revolt of 1857?
What was the British strategy during the suppression of the Revolt of 1857?
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Which reason contributed significantly to the failure of the Revolt of 1857?
Which reason contributed significantly to the failure of the Revolt of 1857?
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What was a consequence for Bahadur Shah Zafar after the British retook Delhi?
What was a consequence for Bahadur Shah Zafar after the British retook Delhi?
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What was one major consequence of the revolt?
What was one major consequence of the revolt?
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Which of the following was a reason for discontent among the Indian rebels?
Which of the following was a reason for discontent among the Indian rebels?
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Which group of people was notably involved in the revolt against British rule?
Which group of people was notably involved in the revolt against British rule?
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What was a factor that differentiated this revolt from a mere mutiny according to some historians?
What was a factor that differentiated this revolt from a mere mutiny according to some historians?
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What factor did the British utilize to try to maintain control following the revolt?
What factor did the British utilize to try to maintain control following the revolt?
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Which of the following events marked the beginning of the revolt?
Which of the following events marked the beginning of the revolt?
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How did the British crown rule differ in its administration after the revolt?
How did the British crown rule differ in its administration after the revolt?
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What was one of the political causes of resentment against British rule outlined in the context?
What was one of the political causes of resentment against British rule outlined in the context?
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Study Notes
The Great Uprising of 1857
- The revolt, also known as the Sepoy Mutiny, was a significant event in Indian history, pushing back against British rule.
Causes of the Revolt
Political Causes
- Doctrine of Lapse: British policy used to annex Indian states without a male heir, impacting rulers like Rani Lakshmibai and Nana Saheb.
- Subsidiary Alliance: Indian rulers forced to accept British troops and pay for their maintenance, leading to sovereignty loss.
- Annexation of Awadh: Annexation in 1856, without valid reasons, alienated both the nobility and common people.
Economic Causes
- Heavy Taxation: British imposed oppressive tax policies, including the permanent settlement system, causing hardship for peasants.
- Destruction of Handicraft Industries: British manufactured goods flooded the market leading to the collapse of traditional industries and unemployment.
- Unemployment and Poverty: British economic policies led to poverty and unemployment among zamindars, soldiers, and craftsmen.
Social and Religious Causes
- Western Education and Reforms: Push for western education and reforms, like abolishing sati, were seen as interference with Indian traditions.
- Missionary Activities: Missionary activities, perceived as promoting conversions, angered both Hindus and Muslims.
- Racial Discrimination: British treated Indians as inferior, alienating large sections of society.
Military Causes
- Discrimination against Indian Soldiers: Indian sepoys were paid less and discriminated against in terms of promotions.
- Service abroad: British forced Indian soldiers to serve overseas, violating religious beliefs and creating resentment.
- Greased Cartridges: Cartridges greased with cow and pig fat offended both Hindus and Muslims, leading to widespread protests.
Immediate Cause of the Revolt
- Greased cartridges coated with cow and pig fat sparked widespread mutiny after sepoys in Meerut refused to use them.
Leadership and Spread of Rebellion
- Bahadur Shah Zafar (Delhi): Recognised as symbolic leader after sepoys in Meerut marched to Delhi, marking the start of the rebellion.
- Nana Saheb (Kanpur): Led the revolt in Kanpur seeking revenge for injustices against his family.
- Rani Lakshmibai (Jhansi): Fought valiantly in defense of Jhansi after the British annexed it.
Main Events of the Revolt
Capture of Delhi
- Sepoys captured Delhi and declared Bahadur Shah Zafar as their leader reviving hopes of restoring Mughal rule.
- British forces retook Delhi after a siege, capturing Bahadur Shah Zafar, ending Mughal rule.
Centers of Revolt
- Lucknow: Begum Hazrat Mahal led the resistance following Awadh's annexation.
- Kanpur: Nana Saheb declared himself Peshwa and fought fiercely.
- Jhansi: Rani Lakshmibai fought bravely in defense of Jhansi, becoming a symbol of resistance.
- Bihar: Kunwar Singh led the revolt, using guerrilla tactics.
Suppression of the Revolt
- The British deployed full force to crush the revolt lasting over a year.
- Thousands were killed or hanged, including Bahadur Shah Zafar's sons. Bahadur Shah Zafar was exiled.
Shifting Loyalties
- The British offered rewards to those loyal to them, securing the support of landlords.
- Those who refused were punished.
Causes of the Failure of the Revolt
- The revolt was widespread but confined to certain areas, with limited participation in the south.
- Rebels lacked an effective leader.
- The British had superior weapons and tactics.
Nature of the Revolt
- Historians debate the nature of the revolt, some see it as a mutiny, others see it as a Nationalist struggle.
- The revolt symbolized unity among Hindus and Muslims against British rule.
Consequences of the Revolt
- The revolt ended the East India Company's rule, resulting in direct British crown rule.
- Administrative changes were made, with increased focus on recruiting non-Hindu soldiers.
- Policies were introduced to protect landlords and zamindars, securing their land rights.
Q&A from the book
- Tribes like the Santhals and Whils participated against British rule.
- Awadh was annexed due to perceived misgovernance and failure to meet British standards of rule.
- British economic policies led to the collapse of traditional Indian industries.
- The revolt started with the mutiny of Indian sepoys in Meerut.
- The revolt resulted in direct British Crown rule in India.
- Railways and communications were developed to strengthen British control.
- Some ruling classes supported the British to secure their positions.
- Key political causes of resentment included the Doctrine of Lapse, Annexation of Indian states, and disrespect towards local rulers.
- British economic policies imposed heavy taxes and exploited resources, leading to hardship.
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Description
Explore the intricate causes of the Great Uprising of 1857, also known as the Sepoy Mutiny. From political policies like the Doctrine of Lapse to economic hardships such as heavy taxation, this quiz delves into the factors that fueled resistance against British rule in India.
