The Revolt of 1857: Causes and Overview

Overview of 1857 Revolt

• The Revolt of 1857 is a key event in Indian history.
• Understanding its causes, conditions, and aftermath is important beyond exam preparation.
• Comprehending previous chapters is essential to understanding the revolt.

India in 1857: Background

• British control in India began with the Battle of Plassey in 1757.
• Over the next century, the British increased exploitation of Indians and Muslims.
• This widespread discontent led to the Revolt of 1857, where both groups united.
• Some British historians considered it a military revolt, while Indian historians viewed it as a war for independence rooted in accumulated anger.

Causes of the Revolt of 1857

• The revolt's causes were political, economic, social, religious, and immediate.

Political Causes

• Lord Dalhousie's expansionist policy aimed to annex Indian states unjustly.
• Annexation attempts targeted Nagpur, Jhansi, and Satara.
• Jhansi's Doctrine of Lapse denied inheritance rights to adopted children.
• Rani Lakshmibai opposed the British after her adopted son was denied the throne.
• Nana Sahib, the adopted son of Peshwa Baji Rao II, was denied pension and title, becoming a revolt leader.
• Delhi's Mughal Emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar, faced British power grabs and was reduced to a pensioner.
• The British ordered Bahadur Shah Zafar's sons to live outside the Red Fort, which offended Muslim sentiments.
• Awadh was annexed under the pretext of maladministration, despite the Nawab's loyalty.
• The British altered treaties to suit their needs, causing resentment among Indian rulers.

Economic Causes

• The British disrupted the traditional economic structure, causing discontent.
• Revenue collection changed, leading to zamindars exploiting peasants.
• Peasants suffered oppression from zamindars and moneylenders, resulting in land loss and poverty.
• Landowners also experienced insecurity due to British policies.
• Awadh's annexation resulted in land seizures from zamindars and taluqdars.
• Indian trade and handicrafts were destroyed to benefit British industries.
• Raw materials were exported, and finished goods were imported, devastating local industries.
• Annexations caused unemployment among court officials, musicians, poets, and artists.

Social and Religious Causes

• The spread of Western culture threatened traditional Indian culture.
• Reforms like abolishing Sati and promoting widow remarriage were beneficial, but conservatives viewed them as interference.
• Missionaries spread Christianity and ridiculed Hinduism and Islam, causing outrage.
• The education policy of 1835 favored Western education, diminishing the importance of religious leaders.
• Railways, postal services, and telegraphs led to fear and suspicion.
• The British principle of equality angered upper classes who feared losing privileges.
• Racial discrimination was widespread, with the British considering themselves superior.

Military Causes

• The revolt began with Indian sepoys in the company's army.
• Sepoys faced discrimination, limited promotions, and lower pay compared to British soldiers.
• Indian soldiers could not rise above the rank of Subedar, regardless of loyalty or capability.
• Seniority and capability were disregarded, and Indian soldiers were often disrespected.
• The General Service Enlistment Act of 1856 required overseas service, conflicting with religious beliefs.
• Awadh's annexation deprived many soldiers of their livelihoods.
• The substantial number of Indian soldiers compared to British soldiers encouraged revolt.

Immediate Causes

• Rumors about greased cartridges triggered the revolt.
• New rifles with greased cartridges introduced in January 1857 sparked outrage due to rumors of pig and cow fat.
• This was offensive to both Muslim and Hindu soldiers.
• On March 29, 1857, Mangal Pandey refused to use the new rifle and attacked British officers, leading to his execution.
• Soldiers in Meerut refused to use the cartridges and were imprisoned, sparking a widespread revolt.

Main Events of the Revolt

• The revolt started in Meerut, where soldiers freed comrades and attacked British officers.
• Rebellious soldiers marched to Delhi, joined by locals, seeking Bahadur Shah Zafar's leadership.
• Bahadur Shah Zafar reluctantly agreed to lead and was declared Emperor of India, raising hopes of independence.
• The revolt transformed into a war for independence.
• The British quickly responded, recapturing Delhi in September 1857 and initiating a crackdown.
• Bahadur Shah Zafar was captured, exiled to Rangoon, Myanmar, and his sons were executed.

Centers and Leaders of the Revolt

• Kanpur: Led by Nana Sahib, who captured the city but was later defeated and fled to Nepal.
• Tatya Tope: Nana Sahib's commander, continued fighting until captured and hanged.
• Lucknow: Led by Queen Hazrat Mahal, who defeated the British initially but was eventually forced to flee to Nepal.
• Jhansi: Led by Rani Lakshmibai, who fought bravely but died in battle.
• Rani Lakshmibai sought help from Tatya Tope and captured Gwalior but was eventually defeated by the British.
• The revolt was suppressed after 14 months, despite initial successes.

Results of the Revolt

• The revolt ended the British East India Company's rule, leading to direct control by the British Parliament and Queen Elizabeth.
• The British government promised to work for the welfare of the Indian people.
• Treaties with Indian rulers would be respected.
• The Doctrine of Lapse was abolished to appease Indian rulers.
• Rebels who hadn't killed British officers were released.
• The British government declared non-interference in religious and social matters.
• Indians were promised the right to join administration based on merit, not caste.
• The British increased the number of British troops and artillery to prevent future revolts.

Nature of the Revolt

• British historians viewed the revolt as a military mutiny.
• Indian historians saw it as a result of accumulated anger over economic, religious, and social issues.
• The common goal was to expel the British, despite different reasons for rebellion.
• The revolt showcased strong Hindu-Muslim unity.
• Approximately 150,000 people died, mainly civilians.
• The revolt was a significant step towards Indian freedom.