The Great Uprising

Knowledge

100

which emperor existed only in the name as emperor?

Bahadur Shah Zafar

200

He was a sepoy in the 5th company of the 34th native Infantry Regiment, stationed at...............................

Barrackpore

300

who were the British Commanders responsible for the suppression of the uprising?

Colin Campbell and Henry Havelock

400

What was the name of the advisory body which use to assist secretary of state to manage affairs in India?

India Council

Understanding

100

What were the main causes of the Revolt of 1857?

• Any two:
• Economic Causes – Heavy taxation on peasants, new landlords emerging as moneylenders, and loss of patronage for artisans.
• Political Causes – Policies like the Doctrine of Lapse, annexation of princely states, and reduction of native princes' authority.
• Socio-Religious Causes – British interference in religious affairs, taxation on temples and mosques, and missionary activities.
• Administrative Causes – Rampant corruption and British military failures in previous wars.
• Immediate Cause – Discontent among Indian sepoys, especially regarding the introduction of greased cartridges.

200

How did the Revolt of 1857 begin, and who was declared the leader?

The revolt began on March 29, 1857, when Mangal Pandey of the 34th Native Infantry attacked British officers at Barrackpore. The major uprising started on May 10, 1857, in Meerut, where sepoys revolted against British officers. The rebels then marched to Delhi on May 11, 1857, and declared Bahadur Shah Zafar as the Emperor of India (Shahenshah-e-Hindustan).

300

What were the major consequences of the Revolt of 1857?

Any three:

• End of the East India Company's rule – The Government of India Act (1858) placed India directly under British Crown rule.
• Change in administration – The Governor-General was given the additional title of Viceroy, representing the British Crown.
• Military reorganization – British forces increased the proportion of European soldiers and controlled key positions.
• Policy shift – The British abandoned aggressive expansion and adopted a more cautious approach, focusing on maintaining alliances with princely states.
• Divide and Rule policy – The British intensified communal divisions to prevent future united uprisings.

400

What was the significance of the Revolt of 1857 in Indian history?

• It was the first major resistance against British rule, inspiring later freedom movements.
• The rebellion saw Hindu-Muslim unity, as both communities fought together under Bahadur Shah Zafar.
• It exposed British vulnerabilities, leading to changes in governance and military policies.
• Although unsuccessful, it planted the seeds of nationalism and anti-imperialism, influencing future leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Subhas Chandra Bose.

Application

100

If you were a ruler of a princely state during the Revolt of 1857, what factors would influence your decision to either support or oppose the British?

• Any two:
• Personal and political benefits – Supporting the British might ensure the safety of my kingdom, as seen with the Scindias of Gwalior and Holkars of Indore.
• Threat of annexation – If my state was at risk under the Doctrine of Lapse, I might support the revolt to resist British expansion (like Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi).
• Economic factors – If British policies harmed trade or agriculture in my region, I would support the revolt to protect local industries and farmers.
• Military strength – If my army was strong and had public support, I might take the risk of joining the rebellion, as seen in Awadh and Jagdishpur

200

How would the Revolt of 1857 have been different if modern technology, such as telecommunication and social media, had existed at the time?

• Any two:
• Better coordination among rebels – Leaders across different regions could have communicated instantly, allowing for a more unified uprising.
• Public awareness and mobilization – Social media could have spread awareness about British oppression, leading to larger participation from common people.
• International support – Global coverage might have drawn attention to British atrocities, pressuring Britain to change policies or face international criticism.
• Propaganda wars – Both the British and the rebels would have used digital platforms to shape public opinion, similar to how British newspapers justified colonial rule.

300

If the Revolt of 1857 had succeeded, how would India's history have been different?

• Any three:
• Early independence – India might have gained independence nearly 90 years earlier, in the mid-19th century.
• Decentralized rule – Instead of a unified nation, India could have been divided into multiple princely states with regional rulers regaining power.
• Cultural and religious impact – The cooperation between Hindus and Muslims during the revolt might have resulted in a more inclusive political structure.
• Economic shift – Indian industries might have been revived instead of suffering under British economic exploitation.
• No British-influenced reforms – Changes like the Indian Penal Code (1860) and civil service reforms might never have been introduced.

400

If you were a historian writing about the Revolt of 1857 today, how would you analyze its nature and impact differently from British historians of that time?

British historians’ view – They saw it as a mere "Sepoy Mutiny", a localized military rebellion with no nationalist elements.

• Modern Indian perspective – Today, it is recognized as India’s first war of independence, marking the beginning of nationalist resistance against colonial rule.
• Socio-political analysis – Unlike earlier views that dismissed the revolt as chaotic, modern research highlights its organized leadership, mass participation, and widespread discontent.
• Global perspective – The impact of the revolt on British imperial policies and how it shaped global anti-colonial movements would be studied in more depth.