History of 1857 war in India
The 1857 War in India, also known as the Indian Rebellion of 1857, the Sepoy Mutiny, or the First War of Independence, was a major, widespread but unsuccessful revolt against British rule. It began on May 10, 1857, at Meerut when Indian sepoys (soldiers) in the British East India Company's army mutinied due to multiple grievances, including the introduction of greased cartridges that offended religious beliefs.
The rebellion quickly spread to key cities such as Delhi, where the Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah II was declared the symbolic leader, as well as Kanpur, Lucknow, Agra, and Jhansi. It saw participation from a broad spectrum of Indian society, including peasants, zamindars, and rulers like Rani Lakshmi Bai and Nana Sahib, with notable Hindu-Muslim unity.
Despite initial successes, the revolt lacked centralized leadership and coordination, which led to fragmentation. The British forces responded with fierce military action and brutal reprisals, culminating in the suppression of the uprising by mid-1858, with peace officially declared on July 8, 1859.
The rebellion marked a significant turning point in Indian history, ending the rule of the British East India Company and leading to direct governance of India by the British Crown. It also sowed the seeds of Indian nationalism and future movements for independence.
Key causes behind the 1857 uprising in India
The key causes behind the 1857 uprising in India were multifaceted, involving political, economic, social, religious, and military factors:
Political Causes:
- British annexation policies such as the Doctrine of Lapse and annexation of Awadh led to the loss of power for many Indian rulers and nobility, causing widespread resentment.
- Disrespect to traditional authorities, including the Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah II, along with the exclusion of Indians from important civil and military positions aggravated the elite and ruling classes.
- British policies eroded the authority of local chieftains and zamindars, destabilizing the traditional power structures.
Economic Causes:
- Heavy land revenue taxes and exploitative collection methods devastated peasants and zamindars, resulting in widespread land loss.
- The destruction of traditional industries by cheap British manufactured goods led to unemployment among artisans and weavers, increasing poverty.
- Agricultural distress was intensified by forced cultivation of cash crops and harsh fiscal policies leading to famines and food shortages.
Social and Religious Causes:
- British interference in religious and social customs, including reforms like the abolition of sati and legalization of widow remarriage, alienated conservative sections of society.
- Aggressive missionary activities sparked fear of forced conversions among Hindus and Muslims.
- Racial discrimination and social alienation under British rule fostered deep resentment.
Military Causes:
- The General Enlistment Act and other recruitment policies created discontent among sepoys, especially with the fear of overseas deployment.
- The immediate spark was the introduction of the Enfield rifle cartridges rumored to be greased with cow and pig fat, offending Hindu and Muslim sepoys' religious sentiments.
These causes collectively ignited the revolt, which was a culmination of widespread dissatisfaction against British colonial rule across many levels of Indian society.
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The Indian Rebellion of 1857 was a major, widespread uprising against British East India Company rule in India that lasted from May 10, 1857, to July 8, 1859. It began as a mutiny of Indian sepoys (soldiers) in the company’s army stationed at Meerut and quickly escalated into civilian rebellions in northern and central India, including important cities like Delhi, Kanpur, Lucknow, and Agra.
### Background and Causes
The rebellion had deep-rooted causes beyond the immediate military mutiny. It was fueled by resentment against British political domination and economic policies, such as heavy land taxes and the annexation of princely states under the Doctrine of Lapse. The British Western-style social reforms, including laws against sati and allowances for widow remarriage, stirred fears that Indian religious and social traditions were being undermined. The introduction of the Enfield rifle, which required soldiers to bite grease-coated cartridges rumored to be made from cow and pig fat offensive to Hindu and Muslim religious beliefs, ignited the mutiny among sepoys. Additionally, Indian soldiers were unhappy with terms of service changes, discrimination, and slow promotions.
### Course of the Rebellion
The mutiny began in Meerut but quickly spread to Delhi, where the Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah II was declared the symbolic leader. The rebellion initially achieved some military successes, capturing large areas. However, it lacked unified leadership and coordination. Loyalist forces, including many princely states and Sikh troops from Punjab, supported the British.
Key battles included the Siege of Delhi and the sieges of Kanpur and Lucknow. The British gradually regained control through military reinforcements and ruthless reprisals against rebels and civilians. The rebellion officially ended July 8, 1859, after the defeat of rebels in Gwalior.
### Aftermath and Impact
The rebellion led to the dissolution of the British East India Company, and the British Crown assumed direct control of India, beginning the British Raj. Reforms followed in the army, administration, and finances to prevent future uprisings. There was attempted consultation with Indians in governance, but social reforms that offended Indian traditions were curtailed. The uprising also served as a major symbol of Indian nationalism and resistance, even though it failed to achieve independence at the time.
### Support and Opposition
While many Indians, including nobles, peasants, and soldiers, participated in the rebellion, many others fought for or remained loyal to the British. The Punjab’s Sikh and Pashtun groups notably supported the British due to historical enmities with the Mughals. Some Muslim religious leaders supported the rebellion, while others did not.
### Notable Figures
- Bahadur Shah II (last Mughal emperor and nominal leader of the revolt)
- Mangal Pandey (sepoy whose actions ignited the mutiny)
- Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi (key female leader)
- Nana Sahib (leader in Kanpur)
- Charles Canning (British Governor-General during the rebellion)
The rebellion remains one of the most significant events in Indian history, marking the beginning of a widespread nationalistic struggle against British colonial rule.
Here is a complete set of 50 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) on the 1857 Revolt, each with answers and explanations:
1. When did the Revolt of 1857 start?
a) 1855 b) 1856 c) 1857 d) 1858
Answer: c) 1857
Explanation: The Revolt began on May 10, 1857, with the uprising at Meerut.
2. Where did the first mutiny take place?
a) Delhi b) Kanpur c) Meerut d) Lucknow
Answer: c) Meerut
Explanation: The sepoys at Meerut initiated the rebellion against the British.
3. Who was declared the leader by rebels in Delhi?
a) Nana Sahib b) Bahadur Shah II c) Tantia Tope d) Begum Hazrat Mahal
Answer: b) Bahadur Shah II
Explanation: The last Mughal emperor was made the symbolic head of the revolt.
4. Name the leader of the Kanpur revolt.
a) Rani Lakshmi Bai b) Nana Sahib c) Mangal Pandey d) Kunwar Singh
Answer: b) Nana Sahib
Explanation: Nana Sahib led the rebels in Kanpur against the British.
5. The immediate cause of the rebellion was the introduction of what by the British?
a) New tax system b) Enfield rifle cartridges c) Railways d) Telegraph
Answer: b) Enfield rifle cartridges
Explanation: The cartridges were greased with animal fat offensive to Hindu and Muslim soldiers.
6. Why were the cartridges offensive to Indians?
a) They were difficult to use b) They were greased with cow and pig fat c) They were expensive d) They were imported
Answer: b) They were greased with cow and pig fat
Explanation: Cow fat offended Hindus, pig fat offended Muslims.
7. Who is considered the first martyr of the revolt?
a) Nana Sahib b) Mangal Pandey c) Bahadur Shah II d) Tatya Tope
Answer: b) Mangal Pandey
Explanation: He was the first sepoy to openly rebel in Barrackpore.
8. What policy annexed Indian princely states causing resentment?
a) Permanent Settlement b) Subsidiary Alliance c) Doctrine of Lapse d) Ryotwari System
Answer: c) Doctrine of Lapse
Explanation: States without male heirs were annexed by the British.
9. Who fought the British in Jhansi as a famous female leader?
a) Rani Lakshmi Bai b) Begum Hazrat Mahal c) Jhalkari Bai d) Rani Durgavati
Answer: a) Rani Lakshmi Bai
Explanation: She led the resistance in Jhansi with great valor.
10. Which Governor-General was in office during the revolt?
a) Lord Dalhousie b) Lord Canning c) Lord Wellesley d) Lord Cornwallis
Answer: b) Lord Canning
Explanation: Canning was Governor-General and later first Viceroy after the revolt.
11. Which city was the center of the revolt after Meerut?
a) Bombay b) Delhi c) Madras d) Calcutta
Answer: b) Delhi
Explanation: Rebels captured Delhi and called the Mughal emperor their leader.
12. Which group largely remained loyal to the British?
a) Sepoys b) Some princely states and Sikhs c) Peasants d) Mughal nobles
Answer: b) Some princely states and Sikhs
Explanation: Some groups fought against the rebellion due to rivalries.
13. How long did the rebellion last?
a) 1 year b) 6 months c) 2 years d) 5 years
Answer: c) 2 years
Explanation: From May 1857 to July 1859, with various regions subdued gradually.
14. What major political change followed the rebellion?
a) Expansion of British East India Company b) Direct British Crown rule over India c) Independence for India d) Restoration of Mughal empire
Answer: b) Direct British Crown rule over India
Explanation: The British government took control, ending Company rule.
15. What happened to Bahadur Shah II after the rebellion?
a) He was crowned emperor b) Exiled to Burma c) Executed d) Freed
Answer: b) Exiled to Burma
Explanation: He was captured and exiled, marking the end of Mughal rule.
16. Which term is also used for the 1857 Revolt?
a) Indian Emergency b) First War of Independence c) Sepoy Alliance d) Indian Civil War
Answer: b) First War of Independence
Explanation: Indian nationalists consider it the first major struggle for freedom.
17. What was the role of peasants and zamindars?
a) They were always supportive b) They were indifferent c) Mixed roles, some supported rebels d) They fought with British
Answer: c) Mixed roles, some supported rebels
Explanation: Peasants and landlords contributed variably to the revolt.
18. Which armed forces were the core of the rebellion?
a) British regular army b) Indian soldiers of East India Company c) Local police d) Merchant militias
Answer: b) Indian soldiers of East India Company
Explanation: Sepoys formed the backbone of the uprising.
19. What was the reaction of the British to the rebellion?
a) Quick submission b) Negotiated terms c) Brutal military repressions d) Withdrawal from India
Answer: c) Brutal military repressions
Explanation: The British reacted with harsh punishments to suppress the revolt.
20. What was the significance of the revolt in Indian history?
a) Ended British Rule b) Started railway in India c) Spark for Indian nationalism d) Led to immediate independence
Answer: c) Spark for Indian nationalism
Explanation: Though unsuccessful, it inspired later freedom movements.
21. Who led the rebellion in Bihar at age 80?
a) Kunwar Singh b) Tatya Tope c) Nana Sahib d) Ram Prasad Bismil
Answer: a) Kunwar Singh
Explanation: He was a prominent leader from Bihar who fought against the British.
22. Begum Hazrat Mahal was associated with which region’s revolt?
a) Awadh b) Punjab c) Gujarat d) Bengal
Answer: a) Awadh
Explanation: She was a significant female leader in the Lucknow/Awadh uprising.
23. Which religious reform by British caused fear among Indians?
a) Widow remarriage encouragement b) Banning sati c) Abolishing caste restrictions d) Missionary activities
Answer: d) Missionary activities
Explanation: Forced conversions created widespread resentment.
24. Which administrative entity was abolished after the revolt?
a) British Parliament b) East India Company c) Indian National Congress d) British Crown
Answer: b) East India Company
Explanation: The Company’s rule ended and India came under the Crown.
25. What was the outcome of the Doctrine of Lapse?
a) Reserved rights for princes b) Annexation of states without heirs c) Revival of Mughal power d) Tax relief for peasants
Answer: b) Annexation of states without heirs
Explanation: It antagonized many princely states and nobles.
26. Who was Tatya Tope?
a) British officer b) Rebel leader and strategist c) Mughal prince d) Merchant
Answer: b) Rebel leader and strategist
Explanation: A brilliant guerrilla leader during the revolt.
27. What role did the Bengal Army play?
a) Led rebellion b) Stayed neutral c) Some regiments rebelled d) Only British soldiers
Answer: c) Some regiments rebelled
Explanation: Many Bengal sepoys were among the first rebels.
28. Which battle marked the final defeat of the rebels?
a) Battle of Plassey b) Battle of Gwalior c) Battle of Panipat d) Battle of Buxar
Answer: b) Battle of Gwalior
Explanation: The fall of Gwalior in 1858 effectively ended the revolt.
29. How did the British change army recruitment post-revolt?
a) Reduced Indian soldiers b) Increased European troops c) Recruited only Sikhs and Gurkhas d) Allowed Indians to command
Answer: c) Recruited only Sikhs and Gurkhas
Explanation: Sikhs and Gurkhas were considered loyal, so were favoured.
30. What was the fate of Nana Sahib?
a) Captured and executed b) Escaped and went underground c) Surrendered d) Made governor
Answer: b) Escaped and went underground
Explanation: His exact fate remains unknown.
31. Which major city saw a prolonged siege during the revolt?
a) Delhi b) Chennai c) Kolkata d) Mumbai
Answer: a) Delhi
Explanation: British forces laid siege to Delhi for several months.
32. What role did the Indian peasants play?
a) Supported British b) Supported rebels c) Neutral d) Migrated abroad
Answer: b) Supported rebels
Explanation: Many peasants supported rebels due to tax oppression.
33. What was the British response to the capture of Delhi?
a) Immediate retreat b) Siege and recapture c) Negotiation d) Withdrawal from India
Answer: b) Siege and recapture
Explanation: British forces besieged Delhi to regain control.
34. The Revolt of 1857 mainly affected which part of India?
a) South India b) North and Central India c) East India d) West India
Answer: b) North and Central India
Explanation: The main uprisings were in areas under the Bengal Presidency.
35. Which legal act transferred power from the East India Company to the British Crown?
a) Government of India Act 1858 b) Regulating Act 1773 c) Charter Act 1813 d) Pitt’s India Act
Answer: a) Government of India Act 1858
Explanation: It formalized Crown’s direct rule of India.
36. What was the role of the princes during the revolt?
a) All supported recoil b) All supported British c) Mixed support d) Neutral
Answer: c) Mixed support
Explanation: Some princes rebelled, others aided the British.
37. Which city was under siege for several months and led by Begum Hazrat Mahal?
a) Lucknow b) Delhi c) Kanpur d) Jhansi
Answer: a) Lucknow
Explanation: Begum Hazrat Mahal led the defense during the siege.
38. How did the revolt impact British military policy?
a) No change b) Reduced Indian soldiers c) Increased British troops, reorganization d) Allowed Indians as generals
Answer: c) Increased British troops, reorganization
Explanation: British tightened control over army recruitment post-revolt.
39. Which event is often considered the starting point of India’s freedom struggle?
a) Salt March b) Revolt of 1857 c) Jallianwala Bagh massacre d) Quit India movement
Answer: b) Revolt of 1857
Explanation: It is regarded as the first big uprising against colonial rule.
40. What was the social composition of the rebel forces?
a) Only soldiers b) Soldiers, peasants, landlords, and nobles c) Only peasants d) Only nobles
Answer: b) Soldiers, peasants, landlords, and nobles
Explanation: The revolt included various social groups united against the British.
41. Who was the British commander during the siege of Lucknow?
a) General Havelock b) Major General Wilson c) Lord Canning d) Robert Clive
Answer: a) General Havelock
Explanation: Havelock led relief forces to Lucknow.
42. Which British policy was responsible for resentment among Indian rulers?
a) Subsidiary Alliance b) Doctrine of Lapse c) Permanent Settlement d) Ryotwari System
Answer: b) Doctrine of Lapse
Explanation: It annexed states without male heirs, angering rulers.
43. Which ethnic group was favored for military recruitment after the revolt?
a) Bengalis b) Sikhs and Gurkhas c) Marathas d) Tamils
Answer: b) Sikhs and Gurkhas
Explanation: Considered more loyal to British.
44. What was the main reason for the failure of the revolt?
a) Weak British army b) Lack of unity among rebels c) Lack of support from peasants d) British alliances with France
Answer: b) Lack of unity among rebels
Explanation: Disunity and lack of coordination weakened the revolt.
45. Which territory was annexed by the British in 1856, causing anger?
a) Awadh b) Punjab c) Bengal d) Hyderabad
Answer: a) Awadh
Explanation: Annexation of Awadh was one of the main triggers.
46. Which group mainly composed the rebel forces in 1857?
a) Peasants b) Zamindars c) Sepoys d) Merchants
Answer: c) Sepoys
Explanation: Indian soldiers in Company’s army spearheaded the revolt.
47. Which Mughal emperor was the last monarch to rule from Delhi?
a) Akbar b) Aurangzeb c) Bahadur Shah II d) Shah Jahan
Answer: c) Bahadur Shah II
Explanation: He was the last Mughal emperor and symbolic leader of revolt.
48. Who wrote about the brutality of British suppression during the revolt?
a) Karl Marx b) William Dalrymple c) Rudyard Kipling d) Jawaharlal Nehru
Answer: b) William Dalrymple
Explanation: Dalrymple documented the harsh reprisals by British.
49. What type of warfare was prominent during the revolt?
a) Trench warfare b) Guerrilla warfare c) Naval warfare d) Air warfare
Answer: b) Guerrilla warfare
Explanation: Rebels used guerrilla tactics in rural areas.
50. After the revolt, which of these reforms did British introduce?
a) Indianization of Army b) Greater consultation with princes c) End of missionary conversion
s d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: The British made reforms to appease Indians and prevent future revolts.
