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🌟 Chapter 5: When People Rebel (1857 and After)

The year 1857 marks one of the most important turning points in Indian history. It was the first large-scale rebellion against British rule, often called the First War of Independence, the Sepoy Mutiny, or the Revolt of 1857.

This chapter helps us understand:

• Why the revolt broke out 🧐
• Who participated in it 🙋‍♂️🙋‍♀️
• How it spread like wildfire 🔥
• Why it eventually failed ❌
• And what impact it had on British policies 🏛️

🌍 Background to the Revolt

Before 1857, British rule in India had created widespread anger and unrest among different groups of people:

📌 1. Political Causes

• The Doctrine of Lapse introduced by Lord Dalhousie was very unpopular.
  • If a ruler died without a natural heir, his kingdom was annexed by the British.
  • States like Jhansi, Satara, Nagpur were taken away.
• Many Indian rulers felt insulted and cheated.

📌 2. Economic Causes

• Heavy taxes on peasants → widespread poverty. 🌾
• The destruction of Indian handicrafts and industries due to British manufactured goods. 🧵
• Traditional zamindars and landlords lost their lands.

📌 3. Social and Religious Causes

• Indians feared that the British wanted to destroy their culture and religion.
• Social reforms like banning sati and encouraging widow remarriage were seen as interference.
• Missionaries spread Christianity, creating suspicion among Hindus and Muslims.

📌 4. Military Causes

• Indian sepoys formed the backbone of the British army, but:
  • They were paid less than British soldiers. 💰
  • No promotions to high ranks.
  • They were often forced to serve far away from home.
• Immediate trigger: The Enfield Rifle cartridges, believed to be greased with cow and pig fat. 🐄🐖
  • Hindus considered cows sacred, Muslims considered pigs unclean → deep religious insult.

🔥 The Beginning of the Revolt

• March 1857 – Mangal Pandey, a sepoy in Barrackpore, attacked British officers.
• 10th May 1857 – Sepoys in Meerut revolted, killed British officers, and marched to Delhi.
• They declared Bahadur Shah Zafar as the Emperor of Hindustan 👑.

This gave the revolt a national character.

⚔️ Spread of the Revolt

The revolt spread quickly to different parts of North and Central India.

Key Centres of Revolt:

1. Delhi – Bahadur Shah Zafar became the symbol of rebellion. But the British captured Delhi in September 1857.
2. Kanpur – Led by Nana Saheb (adopted son of Peshwa Baji Rao II). His commander Tantia Tope fought bravely.
3. Lucknow – Led by Begum Hazrat Mahal, widow of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah.
4. Jhansi – Rani Lakshmibai became the most famous symbol of courage. She fought heroically against British forces but died in battle in 1858. 🗡️
5. Bihar – Revolt led by Kunwar Singh, an aged landlord, who inspired many fighters.

⚡ Why Did People Join the Revolt?

Different groups had different reasons:

• Sepoys → Anger at cartridges and discrimination.
• Peasants and Zamindars → High taxes and land loss.
• Rulers → Annexations by the Doctrine of Lapse.
• Artisans → Loss of livelihood due to British goods.
• Ordinary people → Fear of religious interference.

Thus, it was a mass movement where many sections of Indian society participated.

❌ Why the Revolt Failed

Although the revolt was widespread, it did not succeed. Reasons include:

1. Lack of Unity – Hindus and Muslims fought together but not all communities joined. Many rulers remained loyal to the British.
2. Poor Organisation – Rebels had bravery but no central leader or clear plan.
3. Limited Spread – Revolt was strong in North India, but South India, Punjab, Bengal, and Bombay were mostly quiet.
4. Better Resources of the British – Modern weapons, disciplined army, and strong finances.
5. Lack of Support from Educated Indians – Some Indian reformers and elites supported British rule.

🏛️ Aftermath of the Revolt

The revolt shook the foundations of British rule. Even though it failed, it led to major changes:

📌 1. End of the East India Company

• In 1858, the East India Company’s rule ended.
• India came directly under the rule of the British Crown.

📌 2. New Policy towards Indian Rulers

• The Doctrine of Lapse was abandoned.
• Princes and kings were assured that their kingdoms would not be annexed.

📌 3. Changes in the Army

• The ratio of British to Indian soldiers was increased.
• Indians were no longer trusted in large groups.
• Division by caste and religion was encouraged to avoid unity.

📌 4. Administrative Changes

• A new office of Secretary of State for India was created in London.
• A Viceroy was appointed in India (replacing the Governor-General).

📌 5. Relations with Indians

• The British now promised to respect Indian customs and religions.
• Policies became more cautious to avoid future revolts.

🌟 Significance of the Revolt

• First time Indians from many sections united against the British.
• Though it failed, it inspired future freedom movements.
• National leaders later called it the First War of Independence.

📝 Quick Revision Notes

• Year of Revolt: 1857.
• Immediate cause: Enfield Rifle cartridges.
• Leaders: Bahadur Shah Zafar (Delhi), Nana Saheb (Kanpur), Rani Lakshmibai (Jhansi), Begum Hazrat Mahal (Lucknow), Kunwar Singh (Bihar).
• End of revolt: 1858.
• Result: East India Company rule ended, British Crown took over.

🎯 Key Terms

• Doctrine of Lapse – Policy of annexing states without a male heir.
• Sepoy Mutiny – Another name for the Revolt of 1857.
• Bahadur Shah Zafar – Last Mughal Emperor, symbol of rebellion.
• Viceroy – Representative of the British Crown in India after 1858.

❓ Practice Questions

💡 Short Answer

1. What was the Doctrine of Lapse?
2. Name two leaders of the Revolt of 1857.
3. What was the immediate cause of the revolt?
4. Why was Rani Lakshmibai an important figure in the revolt?

💡 Long Answer

1. Explain the causes of the Revolt of 1857.
2. Why did the revolt fail despite widespread participation?
3. How did the British change their policies after 1857?