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Questions and Answers
Which economic policy enacted by the British administration prior to 1857, most directly led to the impoverishment of Indian farmers and subsequent widespread discontent?
Which economic policy enacted by the British administration prior to 1857, most directly led to the impoverishment of Indian farmers and subsequent widespread discontent?
- Heavy taxation on land and displacement of traditional landowners through the zamindari system. (correct)
- Introduction of modern irrigation systems and agricultural subsidies.
- Investment in agricultural research and development to improve crop yields.
- Promotion of cottage industries and local markets to boost rural employment.
How did the Doctrine of Lapse contribute to the political tensions that ultimately led to the Revolt of 1857?
How did the Doctrine of Lapse contribute to the political tensions that ultimately led to the Revolt of 1857?
- It promoted collaboration between British officials and Indian rulers in matters of governance.
- It ensured a smooth transition of power in the event of the death of a ruler, preventing succession disputes.
- It provided financial assistance to Indian states, enabling them to modernize their infrastructure.
- It allowed the British to annex states without a natural heir, causing resentment among Indian rulers. (correct)
What was the primary concern of some segments of Indian society regarding the British administration's social reforms, such as the banning of Sati and the promotion of widow remarriage?
What was the primary concern of some segments of Indian society regarding the British administration's social reforms, such as the banning of Sati and the promotion of widow remarriage?
- They worried that these reforms would undermine traditional social structures and religious customs. (correct)
- They welcomed these reforms as necessary steps towards modernization and progress.
- They feared that these reforms would lead to economic instability and unemployment.
- They believed that these reforms were inadequate and did not go far enough in addressing social issues.
In what way did the greased cartridges controversy act as a catalyst for the Revolt of 1857?
In what way did the greased cartridges controversy act as a catalyst for the Revolt of 1857?
How did the capture of Delhi by the sepoys in 1857 impact the overall trajectory of the revolt?
How did the capture of Delhi by the sepoys in 1857 impact the overall trajectory of the revolt?
Which factor most significantly hampered unified leadership and coordination among the rebels during the Revolt of 1857?
Which factor most significantly hampered unified leadership and coordination among the rebels during the Revolt of 1857?
Why was the support from some Indian rulers and elites a significant factor in the suppression of the Revolt of 1857 by the British?
Why was the support from some Indian rulers and elites a significant factor in the suppression of the Revolt of 1857 by the British?
What was the immediate consequence of the Revolt of 1857 with respect to the administration of India?
What was the immediate consequence of the Revolt of 1857 with respect to the administration of India?
What steps did the British government take in response to the Revolt of 1857 to reassure the Indian population and prevent future uprisings?
What steps did the British government take in response to the Revolt of 1857 to reassure the Indian population and prevent future uprisings?
How did the Revolt of 1857 influence the growth and character of Indian nationalism in the decades that followed?
How did the Revolt of 1857 influence the growth and character of Indian nationalism in the decades that followed?
Flashcards
Economic Causes of the Revolt of 1857
Economic Causes of the Revolt of 1857
British policies that damaged Indian industries/agriculture with heavy taxes, displacing landowners, and causing unemployment by outcompeting handicrafts.
Political Causes of the Revolt of 1857
Political Causes of the Revolt of 1857
Expansionist policies like the Doctrine of Lapse, annexation of Awadh, exclusion of Indians from high posts.
Social and Religious Causes of the Revolt of 1857
Social and Religious Causes of the Revolt of 1857
Interference in social/religious customs, laws against sati, racial discrimination, threat to traditional education.
Military Causes of the Revolt of 1857
Military Causes of the Revolt of 1857
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Outbreak and Spread of the Revolt of 1857
Outbreak and Spread of the Revolt of 1857
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Key Indian Leaders in the Revolt of 1857
Key Indian Leaders in the Revolt of 1857
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Suppression of the Revolt of 1857
Suppression of the Revolt of 1857
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Causes for the Failure of the Revolt of 1857
Causes for the Failure of the Revolt of 1857
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Effects and Significance of the Revolt of 1857
Effects and Significance of the Revolt of 1857
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Development of Nationalist Ideology and the Revolt of 1857
Development of Nationalist Ideology and the Revolt of 1857
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Study Notes
- The Revolt of 1857 marks a turning point in India's independence struggle from British rule.
Causes of the Revolt
- Economic Causes:
- British economic policies devastated Indian industries and agriculture.
- Heavy land taxation worsened the condition of peasants.
- The zamindari system and revenue policies displaced traditional landowners.
- Handicrafts declined due to competition from machine-made goods, causing widespread unemployment.
- Political Causes:
- Lord Dalhousie's Doctrine of Lapse annexed states, creating resentment among rulers like Rani Lakshmi Bai.
- Annexation of Awadh, citing misgovernance, angered many sepoys from that region.
- British expansion and control policies threatened Indian rulers' sovereignty.
- Indians were excluded from high administrative posts.
- **Social and Religious Causes:
- Interference in social and religious customs by missionaries and British officials.
- Laws banning sati and permitting widow remarriage were viewed as interference in Hindu traditions by some.
- Racial discrimination against Indians occurred in social interactions and public spaces.
- Western education introduction was seen as a threat to traditional values and religious education.
- Military Causes:
- Sepoys were poorly paid compared to British counterparts.
- There was discrimination in promotions and opportunities within the army.
- The greased cartridges controversy involving animal fat (beef and pork) offended Hindu and Muslim sepoys.
- The General Service Enlistment Act required sepoys to serve overseas, against their religious beliefs.
Outbreak and Spread
- The Spark: The revolt began in Meerut on May 10, 1857, by sepoys revolting against the greased cartridges.
- Delhi: Sepoys marched to Delhi, proclaiming Bahadur Shah Zafar as emperor, making Delhi the revolt's symbolic center.
- Kanpur: Nana Sahib led the revolt in Kanpur.
- Lucknow: Begum Hazrat Mahal led the revolt in Lucknow.
- Jhansi: Rani Lakshmi Bai led the revolt in Jhansi.
- Other Areas: The revolt spread to northern and central India, including Bihar, Allahabad, and parts of Rajasthan.
Key Leaders
- Indian Leaders:
- Bahadur Shah Zafar was the symbolic leader.
- Nana Sahib led the revolt in Kanpur.
- Rani Lakshmi Bai of Jhansi displayed courage and military strategy.
- Begum Hazrat Mahal led the revolt in Lucknow.
- Tantia Tope was a key military leader and strategist.
- Kunwar Singh led the revolt in Bihar.
- British Figures:
- Lord Canning was the Governor-General of India during the revolt.
- General Havelock was a key British military commander.
- Sir Colin Campbell played a role in suppressing the revolt.
- Hugh Rose led British forces in Central India.
Suppression of the Revolt
- The British used military power and resources to suppress the revolt.
- Delhi was recaptured in September 1857.
- Nana Sahib and Begum Hazrat Mahal escaped, but Rani Lakshmi Bai and Tantia Tope died fighting.
- The revolt was suppressed by 1858, though some resistance continued.
Causes for the Failure
- Lack of Unified Leadership: The revolt lacked a central leader and coordination.
- Limited Geographical Spread: The revolt was mainly confined to northern and central India.
- Lack of Resources: Rebels had limited arms, ammunition, and financial resources compared to the British.
- Support of Some Indian Rulers: Some Indian rulers and elites supported the British.
- Superior British Military Power: The British had a well-trained and equipped army.
Effects and Significance
- End of the East India Company's Rule: The revolt ended the East India Company's rule, with the British Crown taking over direct administration.
- Administrative Changes: A Viceroy was appointed as part of British government administrative changes.
- Queen Victoria's Proclamation: Queen Victoria issued a proclamation in 1858, promising to respect the rights, customs, and religions of the Indian people.
- Army Reorganization: The Indian army was reorganized to reduce the dominance of sepoys from certain regions.
- Increased Mistrust: The revolt led to increased mistrust between the British and the Indian population.
- Rise of Nationalism: The revolt inspired future nationalist movements in India.
- Development of Nationalist Ideology: The revolt fostered unity among Indians and contributed to the growth of Indian nationalism.
- New Policies: Policies were introduced and aimed to win back the confidence of the Indian population through improved governance.
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