Question

Write any two reasons of Revolt of 1857.

Hint:

When asked for reasons for historical events like the 1857 Revolt, it's good practice to mention both a long-term political/social cause (like Doctrine of Lapse) and the immediate trigger (like the greased cartridges) to show a comprehensive understanding.

Answer 1

The Revolt of 1857, also known as the First War of Indian Independence, was a major uprising against British rule in India. Several factors led to the outbreak of this revolt. Below are two significant reasons:

• Political and Economic Grievances: The British colonial policies of annexation and economic exploitation created widespread discontent among Indian rulers and the common people. The Doctrine of Lapse, introduced by Lord Dalhousie, allowed the British to annex Indian states if the ruler died without a direct heir. This caused unrest among the Indian rulers, including the Marathas and the Nawabs of Oudh. Additionally, heavy taxes and economic exploitation of Indian resources led to widespread poverty and frustration.
• Religious and Cultural Insensitivity: The British policies, especially the introduction of reforms like the abolition of Sati (widow burning) and the promotion of Christianity, were seen as a threat to traditional Indian customs and religion. The immediate cause of the revolt was the introduction of the new Enfield rifle, which required soldiers to bite off the ends of cartridges greased with animal fat. This was offensive to both Hindu and Muslim soldiers, as the fat was made from cow and pig, which were considered sacred and impure, respectively. This act was seen as an attempt to undermine the religious beliefs of Indian soldiers, which triggered the revolt.

Conclusion:

The Revolt of 1857 was a result of various political, economic, social, and religious factors, and the two main reasons include political and economic grievances, along with religious and cultural insensitivity by the British.