Question

The main reason(s) of the rebellion of 1857 A.D. was/were
1) Use of greased cartridges
2) Economic exploitation of Indians By British policies
Of these:

• A. Only - (1)
• B. Only - (2)
• C. Neither (1) nor (2) is correct
• D. Both (1) and (2) are correct

Hint:

For the 1857 Revolt, always distinguish between the underlying causes (political, economic, social-religious) and the immediate cause (the greased cartridges). Questions often test the understanding of both as contributing factors.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The Rebellion of 1857 was a complex event with multiple causes, which can be categorized into long-term underlying causes and an immediate trigger.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
1) Use of greased cartridges: This was the immediate cause of the revolt. [20] A rumor spread among the sepoys that the cartridges for the new Enfield rifle were greased with cow and pig fat. This offended the religious sentiments of both Hindu and Muslim soldiers and acted as the spark that ignited the mutiny.
2) Economic exploitation of Indians by British policies: This was a fundamental long-term cause. British policies, such as heavy taxation, ruinous land revenue systems, the drain of wealth, and the destruction of traditional Indian industries, led to widespread economic hardship and resentment among all classes of people, from peasants to zamindars.
Both factors were crucial. The economic exploitation created the conditions for a large-scale rebellion, while the greased cartridges provided the immediate provocation.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Since both were major reasons for the revolt, the correct option is (iv) in the original image, which is (D).