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Essay on Revolt Of 1857

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100 Words Essay on Revolt Of 1857

Introduction.

The Revolt of 1857, often called the First War of Indian Independence, was a significant event in Indian history. It was a massive rebellion against the British East India Company. The revolt started on May 10, 1857, in Meerut, and soon spread to other parts of the country.

Causes of the Revolt

Several factors led to the Revolt of 1857. The main reasons were the British policies of annexation and disrespect towards Indian traditions. The immediate cause was the introduction of new rifle cartridges rumored to be greased with cow and pig fat, offending both Hindus and Muslims.

Leaders of the Revolt

The revolt was led by various Indian leaders. Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi, Kunwar Singh of Bihar, and Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last Mughal emperor, were some of the key figures. They fought bravely against the British forces.

Outcome of the Revolt

The Revolt of 1857 was eventually suppressed by the British. Despite its failure, it marked the beginning of a new phase in India’s struggle for freedom. It led to the end of the East India Company’s rule and the start of direct British control.

Significance of the Revolt

The Revolt of 1857 is important because it was the first large-scale rebellion against British rule. It awakened a sense of national unity among Indians and set the stage for the eventual independence of India in 1947.

250 Words Essay on Revolt Of 1857

The Revolt of 1857 was a significant event in Indian history. It was a massive rebellion against the British East India Company’s rule in India. Many people call it India’s First War of Independence.

There were many reasons for the Revolt of 1857. The British were not treating Indians fairly. They were taking away the land of many Indian rulers. They also introduced new laws and taxes that were not liked by the people. The use of animal fat in the new rifle cartridges was the last straw. This hurt the religious feelings of both Hindu and Muslim soldiers.

The revolt began on May 10, 1857, in Meerut. The Indian soldiers, also known as sepoys, refused to use the new rifle cartridges. They killed their British officers and marched towards Delhi. The revolt spread to other parts of India like Kanpur, Lucknow, and Jhansi.

Many brave leaders led the revolt. Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi, Nana Sahib, and Tantia Tope were some of the famous leaders. They fought bravely against the British.

End of the Revolt

The revolt ended in 1858. The British were able to suppress the revolt due to better weapons and lack of unity among the Indian leaders. This marked the end of the British East India Company’s rule. India came directly under the British Crown.

The Revolt of 1857 was a big step towards India’s struggle for freedom. It showed the British that Indians were not happy with their rule. Even though the revolt did not succeed, it sparked the fire of freedom in the hearts of many Indians.

500 Words Essay on Revolt Of 1857

The beginning of the revolt.

The Revolt of 1857, also known as the Indian Rebellion of 1857, was a significant event in Indian history. It started on May 10th, 1857, in the town of Meerut. Indian soldiers, known as sepoys, in the British East India Company’s army, rose against the British. This happened because the sepoys were unhappy with their treatment by the British officers. They were also upset about new rifle cartridges that were greased with animal fat, which was against their religious beliefs.

Spread of the Revolt

The revolt did not stay in Meerut. It spread to other parts of India, such as Delhi, Kanpur, and Lucknow. The rebellion was not just among soldiers. Ordinary people, including farmers and local leaders, also joined in. They were angry about the British rule and the changes it brought to their lives, like high taxes and laws that went against their customs.

There were many leaders in the Revolt of 1857. Some of the most famous ones were Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi, Kunwar Singh of Bihar, and Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last Mughal emperor. These leaders inspired many people to join the revolt. They fought bravely and made great sacrifices for the cause.

End of the Revolt and its Impact

The Revolt of 1857 ended in 1858 when the British took control again. Many of the leaders were killed or sent away. The British government made changes in how they ruled India. The East India Company was ended, and the British Crown took direct control. This event is known as the beginning of the British Raj, which lasted until 1947.

Even though the revolt did not succeed in ending British rule, it had a big impact. It showed the British that the Indian people were not happy with their rule. It also brought together people from different parts of India to fight against a common enemy. This unity was important in later years when India fought for its independence.

The Revolt of 1857 was a major event in Indian history. It showed the discontent of the Indian people under British rule. It brought together people from different regions and backgrounds in a common cause. Even though it did not end British rule, it laid the groundwork for future struggles for freedom. It is an important part of our history that reminds us of the bravery and sacrifice of those who fought for our country’s freedom.

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World History Project - 1750 to the Present

Course: world history project - 1750 to the present   >   unit 5, read: 1857 indian uprising.

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  • BEFORE YOU WATCH: Asian Responses to Imperialism
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  • READ: Dadabhai Naoroji (Graphic Biography)
  • READ: Dual Consciousness
  • Responses to Colonialism

First read: preview and skimming for gist

Second read: key ideas and understanding content.

  • Who ruled much of India in 1857?
  • What was the doctrine of lapse?
  • Where did most of the East India Company’s soldiers come from? How did the EIC treat them?
  • What was the “spark that lit the fire” for the 1857 uprising?
  • What, according to the author, were some of the other explanations for the uprising?
  • What was the outcome of the uprising?

Third read: evaluating and corroborating

  • Why does it matter whether historians call the 1857 uprising a “mutiny,” a “revolt,” or a “war of independence”? Why do titles matter?
  • This revolt failed, but some historians think that it was the beginning of the Indian national independence movement. Why do you think the memory of this revolt would have lived on in the minds of Indians living under direct British rule?

1857 Indian Uprising

Sepoy soldiers, the spark that lit the fire, mutiny, revolt, or war of independence, outcomes and legacies.

  • A garrison is a group of troops stationed in a town for the purpose of defending it. The word can also refer to the building those troops occupy.

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write an essay on 1857

The Revolt of 1857 – Overview and Causes – UPSC Modern History Notes

The Revolt of 1857, often referred to as the First War of Indian Independence, stands as a pivotal chapter in the history of India’s struggle for freedom from British colonial rule. This momentous uprising, which erupted in various parts of India, marked a significant turning point in the nation’s long and arduous journey towards independence. The year 1857 witnessed a remarkable convergence of Indian sepoys, soldiers, and civilians from diverse backgrounds and regions, united in their common resolve to challenge the oppressive British regime. This rebellion, characterized by a complex interplay of political, economic, religious, and social factors, left an indelible mark on India’s collective consciousness and paved the way for subsequent movements that ultimately led to India’s eventual emancipation from British colonialism. In this essay, we will delve into the causes, events, and consequences of the Revolt of 1857, exploring the multifaceted nature of this historic uprising and its enduring impact on the Indian subcontinent.

Table of Contents

The causes of the revolt were multi-faceted and rooted in various socio-cultural, economic, and political factors. Here are some of the key causes:

  • Sepoy Discontent: The revolt was triggered by the widespread dissatisfaction among Indian sepoys (soldiers) in the British East India Company’s army. They were subjected to various grievances, including low pay, racial discrimination, harsh discipline, and the use of controversial new rifle cartridges rumored to be greased with animal fat (offensive to both Hindus and Muslims).
  • Cultural and Religious Concerns: The British administration’s attempts to interfere with local customs, traditions, and religious practices were met with resistance. There was growing discontent among Indian soldiers and civilians who saw their cultural and religious beliefs being undermined.
  • Economic Exploitation: The British policies, such as the introduction of new land revenue systems, heavy taxation, and economic exploitation, resulted in widespread economic hardship among the Indian population. Peasants, artisans, and landowners suffered under the British administration, leading to resentment and discontent.
  • Political Factors: The annexation of princely states, the dissolution of native ruling structures, and the introduction of direct British administration eroded the authority and privileges of Indian rulers and elites. This threatened their status, power, and influence, leading some of them to join the revolt in an attempt to regain their positions.
  • Nationalistic Sentiments: The revolt was fueled by growing nationalist sentiments and a desire for self-rule among the Indian population. The British rule was seen as oppressive and exploitative, leading to a sense of unity and shared purpose among different sections of society.
  • It is important to note that the causes and motivations of the revolt varied across different regions and communities in India. The revolt of 1857 marked a significant turning point in the history of Indian independence movements and had a lasting impact on the trajectory of the struggle against British rule.

Economic Causes

The economic causes of the revolt of 1857 were significant in driving discontent among the Indian population. The colonial policies of the East India Company had a detrimental impact on the traditional economic structure of Indian society, leading to widespread impoverishment and dislocation. Here are some key economic factors:

  • Revenue Settlement and Heavy Taxation: The revenue settlement policies imposed by the British, such as the Permanent Settlement in Bengal and the Ryotwari system in other regions, burdened the peasantry with heavy taxes. The new revenue systems disrupted traditional land ownership patterns and often led to the eviction of peasants from their lands.
  • Rural Indebtedness: The high taxes and economic hardships forced the peasantry to borrow from moneylenders and traders at exorbitant interest rates. The peasants often found themselves trapped in a cycle of debt, leading to landlessness and further impoverishment. The emergence of moneylenders and traders as new landlords further exacerbated the exploitation of the peasantry.
  • The decline of Artisans and Handicrafts: The British policies and the decline of patronage from native rulers and nobles had a severe impact on the livelihoods of artisans and handicraft workers. The promotion of British goods and the discouragement of Indian handicrafts led to the collapse of traditional industries. Skilled craftsmen were left without employment opportunities as modern industries were not developed to absorb them.
  • Disruption of Zamindari System: The traditional Zamindari system, which provided a form of land ownership and administration, was undermined under British rule. The disintegration of the Zamindari system further destabilized rural society and created landlessness among the peasantry.
  • These economic factors, combined with social and political grievances, contributed to the overall discontent and resentment against British rule, culminating in the revolt of 1857. The economic impact of British colonial policies and the destruction of traditional economic structures had long-lasting consequences for Indian society, with rural indebtedness and the decline of traditional industries continuing to affect the country even after independence.

The view expressed by Karl Marx and the analysis of the economic impact of British colonialism presented here highlight the deliberate actions taken by the British to undermine and destroy various sectors of the Indian economy. These actions had severe consequences for Indian industries, trade, and social structures. Let’s examine some key points:

  • Destruction of Indian Handloom: The British introduced twist (spinning machinery) into India and flooded the market with cheap machine-made goods, disrupting the indigenous handloom industry. This deliberate strategy not only destroyed Indian handloom but also created a dependency on British goods.
  • Crippling Indian Trade and Mercantile Class: The British imposed high tariff duties on Indian-made goods while allowing British goods to enter India with low tariffs. This unfair trade policy hampered Indian trade and handicrafts, benefiting British industries at the expense of Indian manufacturers and merchants.
  • Loss of Indian Textile Exports: The dominance of British textiles in the European market led to the decline of Indian cotton and silk exports. This further weakened the Indian textile industry and resulted in a loss of income for Indian producers.
  • Dispossession of Zamindars: The British administration frequently used quo warranto (legal proceedings questioning landownership) to confiscate land rights of the traditional landed aristocracy, known as zamindars. This led to the loss of status and income for the zamindars, creating discontent among them.
  • Pauperization and Pressure on Agriculture: The destruction of Indian industries and the decline of traditional economic sectors resulted in an increased reliance on agriculture as a means of livelihood. However, the lopsided development of the economy and the population growth created immense pressure on agricultural resources, leading to pauperization and impoverishment of the country as a whole.

Overall, the viewpoint presented underscores the deliberate economic policies of the British that disrupted and destroyed various sectors of the Indian economy, resulting in widespread socio-economic hardships and grievances. These economic factors, combined with other social and political factors, contributed to the uprising and revolt against British rule in 1857.

Political Causes

The political causes of the revolt of 1857 can be attributed to the erosion of political authority and the dismantling of traditional power structures. Here are some key points regarding the political causes:

  • The disintegration of Native Political Authority: The annexation of princely states and the subjugation of Indian rulers by the East India Company disintegrated native political authority. The loss of power and prestige for Indian rulers affected their subjects, who relied on their patronage for support and protection.
  • Subversion of Traditional Power Structures: The British administration implemented policies that undermined traditional power structures, such as the Zamindari system. This led to the dispossession and marginalization of indigenous elites and aristocracy, causing resentment among those who had previously benefited from their patronage.
  • The decline of the Mughal Empire: The decline of the Mughal Empire and the reduced status of the Mughal emperor further eroded the symbolic authority and legitimacy of Indian rulers. The British imposed restrictions and control on the Mughal emperor, reducing him to a figurehead with little real power.
  • Interference in Religious and Cultural Practices: The British administration interfered in religious and cultural practices, sometimes infringing upon the sentiments and traditions of the Indian population. This interference, along with the erosion of patronage by native rulers, created a sense of insecurity and discontent among religious and cultural communities.
  • Disruption of Succession and Dynastic Issues: The British administration often interfered in matters of succession and imposed their preferred successors, disregarding traditional succession practices. This created internal conflicts and tensions within ruling families and further destabilized the political landscape.
  • The erosion of political authority, subversion of traditional power structures, and interference in religious and cultural practices contributed to the political grievances that fueled the revolt of 1857. These factors, combined with the economic and socio-cultural causes, led to a widespread uprising against British colonial rule.

Administrative Causes

The administrative causes of the revolt of 1857 can be attributed to the corrupt and oppressive nature of the British administration. Here are some key points regarding the administrative causes:

  • Corruption in the Company’s Administration: The East India Company’s administration was plagued by rampant corruption, particularly among the police, petty officials, and lower law courts. Widespread bribery, embezzlement, and extortion created a sense of injustice and discontent among the Indian population. This corruption not only affected the delivery of justice but also exacerbated the economic hardships faced by the people.
  • Oppressive Policies and Regulations: The British administration imposed a range of oppressive policies and regulations that further fueled resentment among the Indian population. These policies included excessive taxation, arbitrary land confiscations, and discriminatory laws that favored the British and disadvantaged the Indians. The arbitrary exercise of power and the lack of accountability of British officials contributed to the grievances against the administration.
  • Absentee Sovereignty: British rule in India was often characterized by a sense of “absentee sovereignty.” The British officials, who were mainly from Britain, held positions of power and authority in India but often had a limited understanding of Indian society, culture, and needs. This created a disconnect between the rulers and the ruled, leading to a perception of foreign and alien rule.
  • Cultural Insensitivity: The British administration demonstrated cultural insensitivity by imposing Western norms and values on Indian society. They disregarded local customs, traditions, and religious practices, which further alienated the Indian population and contributed to a sense of cultural subjugation.
  • The combination of corruption, oppressive policies, absentee sovereignty, and cultural insensitivity in the British administration created a deep sense of discontent among the Indian population. These administrative factors, along with the economic, political, and socio-cultural causes, played a significant role in fueling the revolt of 1857.

Socio-Religious Causes

The socio-religious causes of the revolt of 1857 can be attributed to the racial attitudes of the British administration, the activities of Christian missionaries, and the perception of interference in Indian social and religious practices. Here are some key points regarding the socio-religious causes:

  • Racial Attitudes and Superiority Complex: The British administrators often exhibited racial overtones and a sense of superiority towards the native Indian population. This attitude of considering themselves superior to Indians based on race and culture created resentment among the Indian population.
  • Activities of Christian Missionaries: The presence of Christian missionaries in India, who were often associated with the British administration, generated suspicion and fear among Indians. The efforts of missionaries to convert Indians to Christianity were seen as a threat to indigenous religions and cultural practices. This perception further fueled resistance against British rule.
  • Interference in Social and Religious Practices: British attempts at socio-religious reform, such as the abolition of sati (the practice of widow burning), support for widow remarriage, and promotion of women’s education, were viewed by a significant section of the Indian population as interference in their social and religious domains. The perception that outsiders were imposing their values and customs on Indian society created a sense of resistance and opposition.
  • Taxation of Religious Lands and Religious Disabilities Act: The British administration imposed taxes on the mosque and temple lands, which were considered sacred by the local population. This was seen as an infringement on religious freedom and led to discontent among the affected communities. Additionally, the enactment of the Religious Disabilities Act in 1856, which modified Hindu customs, added to the perception of interference in religious practices and traditions.
  • The socio-religious causes of the revolt of 1857 were rooted in the racial attitudes of the British administration, the activities of Christian missionaries, and the perceived interference in Indian social and religious practices. These factors contributed to a growing sense of cultural subjugation and resistance among the Indian population, ultimately playing a significant role in the outbreak of the revolt.

Influence of Outside Events

The outside events that occurred during the time of the revolt of 1857, including the First Afghan War, the Punjab Wars, and the Crimean War, had a significant influence on the perception and psyche of the Indian population. Here are some key points regarding the influence of these outside events:

  • Perceived British Weakness: The British Empire faced significant challenges and losses during these wars, which were observed by the Indian population. The defeats and losses suffered by the British in the First Afghan War, Punjab Wars, and Crimean War created a perception among Indians that the British might not be as invincible as previously believed. This perception of British weakness instilled a sense of confidence among the rebels and made them believe that the British could be defeated.
  • Psychological Repercussions: The news of British losses in these outside events had psychological repercussions on the Indian population. It created a sense of hope and inspiration, as it indicated that the mighty British Empire was not invulnerable. This psychological impact played a role in motivating the rebels and fueling their determination to challenge British authority.
  • Symbol of Resistance: The outside events served as symbols of resistance and defiance against British imperialism. The Indian rebels saw the setbacks faced by the British as an opportunity to rise against their colonial rule and regain their independence. The news of British defeats abroad provided a backdrop of rebellion and encouraged the rebels to take up arms against the British East India Company.
  • It is important to note that while these outside events had a psychological impact and contributed to the rebels’ perception of British weakness, the revolt of 1857 was primarily driven by a combination of socio-economic, political, and administrative factors rooted in India itself. The outside events served as a catalyst and provided a context for the rebellion, but the revolt was fundamentally a response to the grievances and aspirations of the Indian population under British rule.

Discontent Among Sepoys

The discontent among the sepoys, or Indian soldiers in the East India Company’s Army, played a significant role in the revolt of 1857. Here are some key points regarding the discontent among the sepoys:

  • Religious Beliefs and Prejudices: The conditions of service in the Company’s Army and cantonments clashed with the religious beliefs and prejudices of the sepoys. Restrictions on wearing caste and sectarian marks, as well as rumors of proselytizing activities by the chaplains, were seen as interference in their religious affairs. The conservative nature of many sepoys made them sensitive to any perceived infringement on their religious practices.
  • General Service Enlistment Act: The passing of the General Service Enlistment Act in 1856, which required future recruits to serve anywhere as required by the government, caused resentment among the sepoys. This act meant that they could potentially be sent overseas, which was considered crossing the seas and seen as a loss of caste by religious Hindus.
  • The disparity in Treatment: The sepoys were dissatisfied with the disparity in treatment and emoluments compared to their British counterparts. They felt discriminated against in matters of promotion, privileges, and allowances, such as the denial of foreign service allowance when serving in certain regions.
  • Annexation of Awadh: The annexation of Awadh (Oudh), a region with a significant population of sepoys, further fueled their discontent. The annexation disrupted the existing social and political order, leading to a sense of loss and anger among the sepoys.
  • Subordination and Discrimination: The sepoys felt subordinated at every step and experienced racial discrimination within the army. They believed that they were treated as inferior to the British soldiers and faced obstacles in terms of career advancement.
  • Peasants in Uniform: The sepoys were often drawn from rural backgrounds and maintained a connection to the grievances and aspirations of the rural population. Their discontent was not limited to military matters but reflected the wider opposition to British rule.
  • History of Revolts: The British Indian Army had a history of revolts and uprisings, with incidents in Bengal, Vellore, Barrackpore, and during the Afghan Wars serving as precedents. These previous rebellions contributed to a sense of collective discontent and the belief that resistance against British rule was possible.
  • The discontent among the sepoys, influenced by religious, social, and military factors, played a significant role in the outbreak of the revolt of 1857. Their grievances and opposition to British rule were intertwined with the broader discontent of the Indian population at the time.

White Mutiny

  • The White Mutiny refers to the unrest and resistance shown by a section of European forces employed under the British East India Company in the aftermath of the transfer of power from the Company to the British Crown. This transfer required the allegiance of the forces to shift from the defunct Company to the Queen, similar to the British Army.
  • The resentment among the European forces stemmed from several factors. Firstly, they were unhappy with the cessation of the batta, which was an extra allowance of pay provided to cover various expenses associated with operations outside the soldiers’ home territories. Additionally, Lord Canning’s legalistic interpretation of the laws related to the transfer of power further fueled their discontent.
  • The White Mutiny posed a potential threat to the already vulnerable British position in India, as it had the potential to incite renewed rebellion among the population. The demands put forth by the European forces included an enlistment bonus or the choice of release from their obligations. Eventually, their demand for a free and clear release with free passage back to their home countries was accepted, and many soldiers opted to return home.
  • The level of rebellion and physical violence displayed by the European forces was significant, making it unlikely for them to be accepted into the Queen’s Army. As a result, their demands for release and repatriation were granted.
  • The White Mutiny, although smaller in scale compared to the 1857 revolt, highlights the discontent and resistance faced by the British authorities even among their own forces during this period of transition and change.
  • The view expressed highlights the negative consequences of British rule in India following the 1857 revolt and the Queen’s Proclamation of 1858. According to this perspective:
  • Social deterioration: The social fabric of Indian society suffered irreparable damage as the British pitted different communities against each other, leading to heightened social divisions and animosity among the Indian population.
  • Economic exploitation: Although British territorial conquest had ended, a period of systematic economic exploitation by the British began. The Indian economy was fully exploited for the benefit of the British, leading to economic deprivation and the draining of resources from India.
  • Inequality and discrimination: The Indian Civil Service Act of 1861, which aimed to project equality under the Queen, actually perpetuated racial and discriminatory practices. The rules and regulations surrounding the civil service examination ensured that the higher services remained accessible primarily to the colonizers, maintaining a racial hierarchy.
  • Racial hatred and suspicion: The revolt and its aftermath exacerbated racial hatred and suspicion between Indians and the British. British newspapers and journals depicted Indians as subhuman and portrayed the need for the British to maintain control through superior force. This attitude of superiority and contempt widened the divide between the rulers and the ruled.
  • Remodeling of the Indian government: The complete restructuring of the Indian government was based on the belief in the superiority of the British “master race” and the notion of the “White Man’s burden.” This further deepened the gulf between the ruling British authorities and the Indian population, leading to political controversies, demonstrations, and acts of violence.
  • Overall, this view highlights the negative legacy of British imperialism in India, including social divisions, economic exploitation, racial discrimination, and the erosion of trust between the rulers and the ruled. It suggests that the aftermath of the revolt and the British response to it exacerbated these issues, setting the stage for further political conflicts and unrest in the future.

Significance of the Revolt

  • The significance of the Revolt of 1857 can be understood from both British and Indian perspectives. Here are the key points:
  • British perspective: The Revolt exposed the shortcomings of the East India Company’s administration and army. It revealed the need for reforms and prompted the British to make prompt changes to rectify the flaws. The British authorities took steps to improve the administration and military organization, which may not have happened without the Revolt.
  • Indian perspective: The Revolt had a profound impact on the Indian struggle for freedom. It brought the grievances of the Indian people and sepoys to the forefront, highlighting their genuine concerns. While it became apparent that the Indians lacked the advanced weaponry of the British and were at a disadvantage militarily, the Revolt also revealed the atrocities committed by both sides. This led Indian intellectuals to reject violence as a means of achieving freedom and reinforced the belief in a nonviolent and orderly approach.
  • Establishment of resistance traditions: The Revolt of 1857 played a significant role in establishing local traditions of resistance to British rule. It created a sense of collective identity and resistance among the Indian population, which would later contribute to the national struggle for freedom. The events of 1857 served as a historical reference and inspiration for future generations in their fight against British imperialism.
  • In summary, the Revolt of 1857 had a dual significance. It exposed the weaknesses in British administration and prompted reforms, while also shaping the course of the Indian freedom struggle by revealing the limitations of violent resistance and establishing local traditions of resistance against British rule.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: what was the revolt of 1857, and when did it occur.

A: The Revolt of 1857, also known as the Indian Mutiny or the First War of Independence, was a significant uprising against British colonial rule in India. It began in 1857 and continued into 1858. It was a widespread and coordinated rebellion that involved various Indian states and regions.

Q: What were the main causes of the Revolt of 1857?

A: The causes of the Revolt of 1857 were multifaceted. They included social, economic, and political factors. Some key causes were discontent among Indian soldiers (sepoys) due to the use of cartridges rumored to be greased with animal fat, economic hardships faced by Indian farmers and artisans, and a general resentment towards British policies and cultural insensitivity.

Q: Who were the key leaders and figures involved in the Revolt of 1857?

A: The Revolt of 1857 saw the participation of numerous leaders and figures. Prominent leaders included Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi, Bahadur Shah II, Kunwar Singh, Tantia Tope, and Nana Sahib, among others. These leaders played vital roles in organizing and leading the rebellion in various regions.

Q: What were the outcomes of the Revolt of 1857?

A: The Revolt of 1857 had far-reaching consequences. While it ultimately failed to overthrow British rule, it did lead to several significant changes. The British government took direct control of India from the East India Company, introduced several reforms, and paid more attention to Indian cultural and religious sensitivities. The revolt also played a role in the gradual emergence of the Indian nationalist movement.

Q: How did the Revolt of 1857 impact the relationship between Indians and the British?

A: The Revolt of 1857 significantly strained the relationship between Indians and the British colonial rulers. It deepened mistrust and animosity on both sides. While the British government became more cautious about offending Indian sentiments, it also implemented repressive measures to prevent future uprisings. This tumultuous period set the stage for the Indian freedom struggle in the years to come.

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The indian rebellion, 1857–1859: a short history with documents, by james frey, indianapolis: hackett publishing company, 2020, 224 pages, isbn: 978-1624669033, paperback, reviewed by brian p. caton.

The rebellion in northern and cen­tral India, beginning in 1857, has been the object of countless pub­lished works, several of them published even before July 8, 1859, when the Gov­ernment of India officially declared India to be at peace. It has also taken a place of privilege in many histories of mod­ern India, as the moment when Parlia­ment replaced early colonial rule under the British East India Company with “Crown” rule, overseen directly by the British metropolitan government. So per­haps it should come as little surprise that Hackett Publishing Company, having published in 2017 Ian Barrow’s volume on the history of the East India Company, should follow it with a volume on this key moment in India’s modern history. James Frey’s book, like others in the series, consists of a moderate-length narrative, slightly over half of the book’s total length, and a series of primary-source documents selected and edited by the author. The table of contents lists thirty-four documents, though in fact several of these are different sections of the same work: for example, Documents 1, 5, and 19 are all selections from the 1873 translation of Syed Ahmad Khan’s Causes of the Indian Revolt (1858). The combination of a narrative with edited primary sources sug­gests that the book is meant to be used in a teaching context rather than as a direct contribution to the historical debates on the subject of the rebellion; however, certain aspects of the book’s production may limit the number or type of classrooms in which it can be effective.

Frey’s narrative conveys a great deal of information efficiently and offers carefully considered analysis. The narrative is at its best in Chapter One, in which Frey lays out the warp threads of caste and religion, as In­dians understood them in the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, through which political actors large and small wove the weft of regime change that produced a fabric of colonialism in patches of direct and in­direct rule. By doing so, Frey adeptly addresses the issues—fear of losing one’s caste or religion—that captured mutineers most frequently cited as the causes of their action, while also addressing the many underly­ing causes of rebellion among Company soldiers, including stagnation of real wages, declining status, and the spatial and temporal lengthening of deployments. Frey also rightly dwells on the aggressive exercise of annex­ation and retrenchments in the 1850s under the Governor-General Lord Dalhousie as one of the reasons Indians outside the army took up the rebellion, particularly in the regions of Awadh and the Ganga-Yamuna watershed. The narrative in this chapter might have provided additional social, cultural, or political groundwork to help explain why rebels did not find much support in Bombay and Madras Presidencies or in the regions of Punjab and Bengal within the Bengal Presidency; without this groundwork, the story of the extinguishing of the rebellion in Chapter Two sometimes appears as though the battles were fought entirely by white troops reallocated from elsewhere in the Company’s Indian terri­tories or shipped in from Europe.

Having dispensed with the March 1857 mutiny of Mangal Pandey at Barrackpur (a military post just north of Calcutta) in the introduction, Frey is free in Chapter Two to begin his narrative of the rebellion itself with the mutiny of troops at the Meerut cantonment in the Ganga-Yamu­na watershed. Frey’s narrative here demonstrates the military historian’s zeal in narrating the blow-by-blow of key battles, sieges, and advances, delighting in the effort to identify the singular military maneuver that changed the fate of millions. In other moments the fine detail of the nar­rative attempts to convey a more visceral sense of the nature of combat or of the physical characteristics of the environment in which a battle or chase took place. Occasionally Frey seems to take on the perspective of his sources, which are overwhelmingly British, and this is most apparent in his neglect of the punitive measures British field forces meted out to villagers resident between the sites of major battles.1 Certainly any narra­tive of the progress of this or any rebellion requires some level of detail, to explain why the rebels marched in one direction and not another, or why colonial forces were able to recover one garrison town quickly and anoth­er one after only a long siege. But one wonders if a slightly more compact presentation of this narrative could have allowed for an expansion of the Conclusion, where Frey discusses the aftermath and historiography of the rebellion.

The transformative nature of the rebellion and its place in the his­toriography of colonial or modern India should have compelled the au­thor or publisher to expand the Conclusion. Frey clearly identifies the timeline for organizational changes in British government in India that very frequently are glossed as the imposition of Crown rule in 1858. De­scriptions of post-rebellion changes to the British Indian Army (which replaced the Company’s Army) are similarly clear, although Frey might have explained more about why the so-called “martial races” tended to be limited to men recruited from the far northern territories of British India rather than from central and southern regions who also contributed to the effort to extinguish the rebellion. The discussion of the rebellion’s aftermath needed to be expanded significantly to account for the anxiety, occasionally growing into paranoia, among British officials and civilians about the possibility of the recurrence of a rebellion of a similar scale as the one that ended in 1859. One need look no further than the architec­tural style chosen for the Lahore Railway Station, begun in 1859. But this anxiety about the “loyalty” of Indians erupted in the British response to the Ilbert Bill in 1883, which proposed that magistrates or sessions judg­es who were Indian could try European British subjects. Given that the Indian National Congress was formed in 1885 as a direct response to the racist criticism of the Ilbert Bill, attention to British anxiety would allow for a richer connection of the bureaucratic and administrative changes introduced from the 1860s to the budding nationalism of the Congress, both of which Frey includes. Frey demonstrates an admirable command over the vast historiography, stretching from the earliest accounts pub­lished in Britain in 1858 to Kim Wagner’s 2010 book The Great Fear of 1857 .2 All of the major schools of thought are covered with clarity and concision. An expanded historiography might have allowed Frey to dis­cuss more than one work to represent each school, and Frey could also have discussed works published within the past ten years, particularly as the Indian book publishing market has worked diligently to meet the demand for Hindu nationalist interpretations of the rebellion since the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. Frey also could have placed this book more clearly into its own historiography, though perhaps the intention is to allow students reading the book to carry out that work for themselves.

Hackett has made it clear that the book is meant for students, though certain characteristics of the book make it unclear what sort of student is meant to read it. The language and style are pitched to college or uni­versity undergraduates, though it may be possible for very well-prepared secondary school students to understand and use the book effectively. The wide range of documents make the book particularly valuable for in-class exercises in reading a single document closely, or for out-of-class exercises asking students to read several documents together. All of the documents have been previously published, so an enterprising instructor could find the original publication in order to put a longer version in front of students for the full flavor of nineteenth-century prose. Put differently, though, one could say that the publishers passed on the opportunity to print previously unpublished archival sources, which would have greatly increased the value of the book to instructors and researchers alike. The documents speak to the themes raised in Chapters One and Two of Frey’s narrative, and unfortunately few of them speak to the themes raised in the discussion of the consequences of the rebellion. The chronology printed in the front matter is quite helpful. The glossary and maps, however, are woefully inadequate. The three maps show India as a whole, the city and cantonment of Delhi, and the city of Lucknow. Readers and instructors not already familiar with north Indian geography (using the place names current in the nineteenth century) will find themselves perpetually inter­rupted by the need to find the numerous places mentioned in the narra­tive but absent from the first map. Similarly, Frey uses Hindustani terms that provide accuracy and seasoning to his narrative but do not appear in the glossary. Military terms, such as chevaux-de-fris , remain unglossed, while the uninitiated will have little idea how many troops comprised a brigade, battalion, regiment, or corps. For readers and instructors with­out prior knowledge of northern Indian or British military history, these obstacles might prove too many or too great to merit the adoption of this book for use in courses such as world history or a very broad history of modern Asia. Instructors of courses in modern Indian history or British colonialism might find it relatively quick work to prepare an additional glossary and maps, or to ask students to do this work—an investment of time that might pay dividends elsewhere in such courses.

On balance, the book is a commendable achievement. Its narrative concision and historiographical fairness make it not only accessible to undergraduate students but also a model, in some ways, for how to carry out good historical and historiographical writing. The chief virtue of this type of book is absolving instructors of the labor of having to search for and reproduce primary source documents on a single topic, and Frey’s judicious selection of documents means that students may read them through the lenses of class, gender, or other themes that may be relevant to other segments of a course for which the book is suitable. Such courses are likely limited to those on modern Indian history or the history of British colonialism, but an instructor especially committed to the topic of the Indian rebellion might find a way to apply this book to a course on another topic.

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  • See, for example, C. B. Singh Sheoran, Gallant Haryana: The First and Crucial Battlefield of ad 1857 (New York: Routledge, 2019).
  • Kim Wagner, The Great Fear of 1857: Rumours, Conspiracies, and the Making of the Indian Uprising (Oxford: Peter Land, 2010).
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The main causes of the revolt of 1857 and its impact on indian history.

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First War of Indian Independence - [May 10, 1857] This Day in History

10 May 1857

The First War of Indian Independence

What happened?

The Indian Rebellion of 1857, also known as the First War of Indian Independence started on May 10, 1857, at Meerut. It was the first major and large-scale rebellion against the East India Company rule, although not the first revolt against the Company. Although eventually unsuccessful, it had a profound effect on the Indian people and also changed the nature of British rule over the subcontinent.

Sepoy Mutiny

In this edition of This Day in History, you can read about the beginning of the First War of Indian Independence or the Revolt of 1857, as many call it. This is an important part of modern Indian history for the UPSC exam.

Causes of Revolt of 1857

  • There was brewing discontent over the Company rule in India. About 2/3rd of the country was under the East India Company’s rule and the remaining princely states, although independent in name, had lost their sovereignty to the British in some form or the other.
  • Lord Dalhousie’s Doctrine of Lapse ensured that many legitimate heirs of the native states lost their rightful kingdoms to the Company. This instilled in the Indians deep hostility towards the perceived and real injustices of British rule. Also, the colonial rule had disrupted the old feudal system of agriculture and commerce in the country and unsettled many people off their traditional forms of employment.
  • The people were also concerned about the pace of westernisation, as evident in the various reforms brought about by the British like the abolition of Sati, etc.
  • The igniting factor, however, was the introduction of a new Enfield rifle into the military. The Company relied heavily on its troops for the maintenance of law and order. Most of the military was composed of Indian soldiers or sepoys and British officers. There was also big discrimination between the English and Indian soldiers in matters of pay and promotions.
  • There was a rumour that the new rifles had cartridges that were smeared with the fat of pigs and cows. These had to be bitten off before the rifles could be loaded. This was equally offensive to both Hindu and Muslim soldiers. The British establishment did nothing to quell the rumours.

Immediate Causes of Revolt of 1857

  • On March 29th, sepoy Mangal Pandey of the 34th Bengal Native Infantry (BNI) declared rebellion against his commanders and fired the first shot at a British officer.
  • He and an accomplice were court-martialed and hanged a few days later. The regiment was disbanded.
  • Many of the sepoys felt that the punishment meted out to Pandey was unwarranted, further fuelling them with anger and resentment with the British establishment.
  • At Meerut, there was a large cantonment with more than 2000 Indian soldiers. On 24th April, the commanding officer of the 3rd Bengal Light Cavalry ordered his troops to parade and fire the rifles as part of the drill. All the men, except 5, refused to do so.
  • 85 sepoys were court-martialed and sentenced to 10 years imprisonment on 9th May. All the accused soldiers were stripped off uniforms and shackled publicly before the whole unit.
  • The very next day, the remaining soldiers openly mutinied and set free their 85 comrades from the prisons.
  • They also killed several European officers. The revolt spread to the city of Meerut as well.
  • The mutinying soldiers reached Delhi, the seat of the Mughal Emperor on 11th May. They captured the city and declared the Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar as the Emperor of Hindustan.
  • The rebellion spread to many places in Northern India including Kanpur, Lucknow, Jhansi, Gwalior and Bihar. Many Indian princes and rulers joined in the revolt. The most important names are the Rani of Jhansi, Tantya Tope, Nana Saheb, Kunwar Singh, etc.
  • The larger princely states of Hyderabad, Travancore, Kashmir, Mysore and the smaller kingdoms of Rajputana also refrained from joining the revolt.
  • Ordinary people, peasants, landlords, Hindus of all castes, Muslims, traders, all joined this rebellion.
  • The British crushed the revolt ruthlessly, although it took them about 18 months to completely suppress it.
  • The revolt saw a lot of unity among the Indians irrespective of their religious and caste affiliations.

Causes of Failure of Revolt of 1857

  • The revolt was eventually not successful in ousting the British from the country because of several factors. The sepoys lacked one clear leader; there were several. They also did not have a coherent plan by which the foreigners would be routed. Also, the Indian rulers who aided the revolt did not envision any plan for the country after the British were defeated. It did not involve the whole country either. Only northern India was affected by this revolt. The three presidencies of Bengal, Bombay and Madras remained mostly unaffected. The Sikh soldiers also did not take part in the rebellion.
  • After suppressing the rebellion, East India Company rule was ended and the control of the British possessions in the subcontinent went to the British Crown directly through the Government of India Act 1858 .
  • The government made many changes in the financial, military and administrative policies in India. The British monarch Queen Victoria proclaimed that her ‘Indian subjects’ would receive similar rights to those enjoyed by the British subjects.

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The Revolt of 1857: Reasons and Consequences

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Published: Oct 25, 2021

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Table of contents

Introduction, analysis of the revolt of 1857.

  • Bayly, C. A., & Stokes, E. (1986). The Peasant Armed. Clarendon Press.
  • Majumdar, R. C. (1963). The Sepoy Mutiny and the Revolt of 1857. Firma K.L. Mukhopadhyay
  • Mukherjee, R. (2002). Awadh in revolt.
  • Sen, S. N. (1995). Eighteen Fifty Seven.
  • Gopalankutty, K. (2008) Revolt of 1857: Histriographic Trends. Retrieved from;
  • http://centreforheritagestudies.blogspot.com/2008/04/revolt-of-1857-historiographic-trends.html
  • Chaudhuri, N., & Ray, R. K. () 1857; Historical Works and Proclamations. Retrieved from;
  • http://www.csas.ed.ac.uk/mutiny/confpapers/Ray&Chaudhuri-Paper.pdf
  • Kaye, J. (1864). History of the Sepoy Wars in India. Vol I.
  • Norton, J. B. (1857). The Rebellion in India.
  • Savarkar, V.D. (1970). The Indian War of Independence.
  • Metcalf, T. R. (1965). The Aftermath of Revolt: India 1857 – 70.

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Essays on Revolt of 1857

The Revolt of 1857The revolt of 1857 was a major event in the history of India. It ended the control of the East India Company and led to the re-establishment of direct British rule in India.Historical SignificanceHistorians continue to debate the causes of the revolt. However, some scholars believe that...

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Essay on The first War of Indian Independence (India)

write an essay on 1857

The first war of Indian Independence was fought in 1857 AD, during the reign of Governor General of Lord Canning. This event was also known as Revolt of 1857, Sepoy Mutiny or the first war of Indian Independence.

The immediate cause of the revolt of 1857 was that Mangal Pandey killed two British officers on parade at Barrackpore. This revolt spread in Lucknow, Ambala and Meerut cantonments. On May 10, 1857 soldiers at Meerut refused to touch the new Enfield rifle cartridges. The soldiers along with other group of civilians, went on rampage. They marched to Delhi, seized the city and proclaimed the Bahadur Shah Zafar, emperor of India. Due to the lack of unity and organisation this revolt failed.

In 1858 AD Queen Victoria issued a proclamation and placed India under direct control of the crown.

With the foundation of Indian National Congress in 1885 AD, the struggle for India’s Independence was launched. Many important national leaders devoted themselves to achieve the independence. During the course of this freedom struggle many had to sacrifice their lives. And at last on 15th August, 1947 India got independence.

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COMMENTS

  1. Revolt of 1857

    The main impact of the 1857 revolt was the abolishment of the East India Company, India was under the direct control of British authority, The Indian administration was directly controlled by Queen Victoria. The second major impact that the revolt of 1857 created was to develop unity & patriotism in the nation.

  2. Indian Rebellion of 1857

    The Indian Rebellion of 1857 was a major uprising in India in 1857-58 against the rule of the British East India Company, which functioned as a sovereign power on behalf of the British Crown. The rebellion began on 10 May 1857 in the form of a mutiny of sepoys of the company's army in the garrison town of Meerut, 40 mi (64 km) northeast of Delhi.It then erupted into other mutinies and ...

  3. Essay on Revolt Of 1857

    The Revolt of 1857 is important because it was the first large-scale rebellion against British rule. It awakened a sense of national unity among Indians and set the stage for the eventual independence of India in 1947. 250 Words Essay on Revolt Of 1857 Introduction. The Revolt of 1857 was a significant event in Indian history.

  4. Revolt of 1857 Notes (Free PDF)

    The revolt of 1857 was an unprecedented event in the history of British rule in India. It united, though in a limited way, many sections of Indian society for a common cause. Though the revolt failed to achieve the desired goal, it sowed the seeds of Indian nationalism. Important Questions on the Revolt of 1857

  5. READ: 1857 Indian Uprising (article)

    A political cartoon from the British magazine Punch from 1857 showing the British perspective of the 1857 uprising with "Britannia"—representing Great Britain—killing the natives, justice as revenge! Public domain. Some Indian nationalists say this was an organized revolution to gain independence from British rule.

  6. The Revolt of 1857

    The erosion of political authority, subversion of traditional power structures, and interference in religious and cultural practices contributed to the political grievances that fueled the revolt of 1857. These factors, combined with the economic and socio-cultural causes, led to a widespread uprising against British colonial rule.

  7. The Revolt of 1857, Its Reasons and Consequences

    The 1857 war of Independence was the foremost Indian war of Independence and it was contained on June 20,1858 with the fall of Gwalior. It began on May 10, 1857 when Indian sepoys from the East Indian Company's military made a revolt in Meerut that after a short time spread all through the central and northern India urban networks.

  8. Causes of 1857 Revolt: A Comprehensive Overview

    A Short Note 0n Revolt of 1857. The revolt of 1857 was the first major challenge to British rule in India. It broke out on May 11, 1857, at Meerut, a small town near Delhi. Soon it spread to other parts of the country and became a full-fledged rebellion against the British. The main aim of the rebels was to drive the British out of India.

  9. The Indian Rebellion, 1857-1859: A Short History with Documents

    Reviewed by Brian P. Caton. The rebellion in northern and cen­tral India, beginning in 1857, has been the object of countless pub­lished works, several of them published even before July 8, 1859, when the Gov­ernment of India officially declared India to be at peace. It has also taken a place of privilege in many histories of mod­ern India ...

  10. War of Indian Independence 1857

    The Indian Rebellion of 1857 is also known as India's First War of Independence, the Great Rebellion, the Indian Mutiny, the Revolt of 1857, the Uprising of 1857, the Sepoy Rebellion and the Sep ... If you need assistance with writing your essay, our professional essay writing service is here to help! Essay Writing Service.

  11. The Revolt of 1857

    The revolt of 1857 was an attempt by Indians to abolish the British East India Company. It lasted for one year but was unsuccessful and brought about many changes to the Indian society. ... On our website, students and learners can find detailed writing guides, free essay samples, fresh topic ideas, formatting rules, citation tips, and ...

  12. Essay Samples on Revolt of 1857

    The Main Causes of the Revolt of 1857 and Its Impact on Indian History. The Revolt of 1857 stands as a significant landmark in Indian history. While Indian Nationalism began to take shape as a national movement during the latter part of the 19th century, its earliest seeds were sown at the beginning of the 19th century. Before delving...

  13. Indian Mutiny

    Summarize This Article Indian Mutiny, widespread but unsuccessful rebellion against British rule in India in 1857-59. Begun in Meerut by Indian troops in the service of the British East India Company, it spread to Delhi, Agra, Kanpur, and Lucknow.In India it is also called the First War of Independence and other similar names. Background. To regard the rebellion merely as a sepoy mutiny is ...

  14. First War of Indian Independence

    The Indian Rebellion of 1857 started on May 10, 1857 at Meerut. It was the first major and large-scale rebellion against the East India Company rule, although not the first revolt against the Company. Read to know more about this and other important events that took place on this day in History.

  15. Mangal Pandey

    Mangal Pandey (born July 19, 1827, Akbarpur, India—died April 8, 1857, Barrackpore) Indian soldier whose attack on British officers on March 29, 1857, was the first major incident of what came to be known as the Indian, or Sepoy, Mutiny (in India the uprising is often called the First War of Independence or other similar names).. Pandey was born in a town near Faizabad in what is now eastern ...

  16. Article on The Rebellion of 1857

    Long And Short Articles On The Rebellion Of 1857 for Students and Children in English. The Rebellion of 1857 is an important topic in the history of Indian Independence. At one time or another, the students will be required to write about this topic in their assignments and exams. The long articles are useful for students of classes 7, 8, 9 ...

  17. Essays on Revolt of 1857

    Absolutely FREE essays on Revolt of 1857. All examples of topics, summaries were provided by straight-A students. Get an idea for your paper. search. Essay Samples Arts & Culture; ... Let us write you an essay from scratch. 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help; Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours; Write my essay. Date . May 10 ...

  18. A Short Note On First War Of Independence Against British

    The first war of independence was witnessed in the year 1857. This freedom struggle for the Indian citizens is considered one of the most defining moments. The East India Company's Indian soldiers' reaction to the new cartridge they had to use caused this series of events. The British government was seizing numerous states, kingdoms and ...

  19. The Revolt of 1857: Reasons and Consequences

    Let us write you an essay from scratch. 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help; Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours; Write my essay. Get high-quality help . Prof. Kifaru. Verified writer. ... Related Essays on Revolt of 1857. The Revolt of 1857, Its Reasons and Consequences Essay.

  20. The revolt of 1857 essay || Revolt of 1857- History, Causes ...

    The revolt of 1857 is also called First war of Indian Independence. This video will help you if you want to write essay writing on the revolt of 1857. Hope y...

  21. Essays on Revolt of 1857

    Need some inspiration before writing Revolt of 1857 essay? Explore 100% free Revolt of 1857 essays, research paper examples and choose any topic you need.

  22. The Indian Rebellion Of 1857 History Essay

    The Indian Rebellion Of 1857 History Essay. The Indian Rebellion of 1857 is also known as India's First War of Independence, the Great Rebellion, the Indian Mutiny, the Revolt of 1857, the Uprising of 1857, the Sepoy Rebellion and the Sepoy Mutiny. The many names are the result of the conflict's continuing importance to India's national ...

  23. Essay on The first War of Indian Independence (India)

    Article shared by: The first war of Indian Independence was fought in 1857 AD, during the reign of Governor General of Lord Canning. This event was also known as Revolt of 1857, Sepoy Mutiny or the first war of Indian Independence. The immediate cause of the revolt of 1857 was that Mangal Pandey killed two British officers on parade at Barrackpore.