Question

Describe the main reasons for the revolution of 1857 A.D.
OR
Write a short note on Civil Disobedience movement.

Hint:

A well-structured answer for this question should always categorize the causes (Political, Economic, Socio-Religious, Military, and Immediate). This framework helps ensure you cover all the key points systematically and present a comprehensive analysis.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The Indian Revolt of 1857, also known as the First War of Indian Independence, was a major uprising against the rule of the British East India Company. It was the culmination of accumulated discontent that had been building for over a century. The causes are typically categorized for better understanding.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The main reasons for the Revolt of 1857 can be classified as follows: \begin{itemize} \item Political Causes: \begin{itemize} \item Doctrine of Lapse: Lord Dalhousie's policy of annexing states where a ruler died without a natural heir (e.g., Satara, Nagpur, Jhansi) caused widespread resentment among the Indian princes. \item Annexation of Awadh (1856): The annexation on grounds of 'misgovernance' was deeply resented, as Awadh was a loyal ally, and it led to unemployment for thousands of nobles, soldiers, and retainers. \item Disrespect to the Mughal Emperor: The British decision that the successors of Bahadur Shah Zafar would have to leave the Red Fort and lose their imperial titles angered many Muslims. \end{itemize} \item Economic Causes: \begin{itemize} \item Ruin of Indian Trade: British policies favored English goods, leading to the de-industrialization of India and the ruin of artisans and craftsmen. \item Land Revenue Policies: Systems like the Permanent Settlement, Ryotwari, and Mahalwari led to heavy taxation, loss of land for peasants, and enrichment of moneylenders. \item Drain of Wealth: The one-way flow of wealth from India to Britain impoverished the country. \end{itemize} \item Socio-Religious Causes: \begin{itemize} \item Interference in Social Customs: Reforms like the abolition of Sati (1829) and the Widow Remarriage Act (1856) were seen by orthodox sections as an attack on their religion and culture. \item Activities of Christian Missionaries: The open support given to Christian missionaries and the fear of forced conversions created widespread alarm. \item Racial Discrimination: Indians were treated as inferior and subjected to humiliation, which fueled racial antagonism. \end{itemize} \item Military Causes: \begin{itemize} \item Service Conditions: Indian sepoys were paid less than their British counterparts, had poor promotion prospects, and were treated with contempt. \item General Service Enlistment Act (1856): This act required new recruits to serve overseas if required, which was a taboo ('loss of caste') for many high-caste Hindus. \end{itemize} \item Immediate Cause: \begin{itemize} \item The Greased Cartridges: The introduction of the new Enfield rifle, whose cartridges were rumored to be greased with cow and pig fat, was the final spark. Loading the rifle required biting the cartridge, which was offensive to both Hindus (who revere the cow) and Muslims (who consider the pig unclean). \end{itemize} \end{itemize}

Step 3: Final Answer:
The Revolt of 1857 was a complex event triggered by a multitude of factors. While the greased cartridges provided the immediate spark, the deep-seated resentment caused by British political annexations, economic exploitation, social interference, and military discrimination created the combustible material for the widespread revolution.