Question

Who was approached for leadership by the sepoys of Meerut who broke out in mutiny against the British in 1857?

• A. Rani Lakshmi Bai
• B. Nana Sahib
• C. Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah
• D. Kunwar Singh

Hint:

The march to Delhi was the first strategic move of the Meerut rebels. Their goal was to capture the imperial capital and gain legitimacy by having the Mughal emperor as the symbolic head of the revolt.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks who the rebellious sepoys from Meerut sought as their leader at the very beginning of the 1857 Revolt.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
After their uprising in Meerut on May 10, 1857, the sepoys marched directly to Delhi. Their immediate objective was to seek the sanction and leadership of the aged and largely powerless Mughal emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar. They saw him as the legitimate, pre-British sovereign of Hindustan. By appealing to him and proclaiming him their leader on May 11, they transformed the sepoy mutiny into a broader political rebellion aimed at overthrowing British rule and restoring the Mughal empire. Although initially hesitant, Bahadur Shah eventually accepted their leadership.
The other leaders mentioned were crucial figures but led the revolt in different regions:

Rani Lakshmi Bai in Jhansi.
Nana Sahib in Kanpur.
Kunwar Singh in Arrah, Bihar.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The sepoys of Meerut approached the Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah for leadership.