Describe the causes and results of the Revolt of 1857.
The people of India witnessed the most remarkable event which took place in 1857. The revolt of 1857 was the result of the culmination of popular discontentment that had been accumulated for a long banuo time against the policies of the British in India. However, the causes of the Revolt of 1857 can be classified under the following heads:
Political causes :- The British rulers in India bit ni followed imperialistic policy and annexed a large baul number of territories to the British empire. They has adopted various policies to expand the British empire in India.
Firstly, Lord Dalhousie introduced the policy of boso Doctrine of Lapse' which helped in acquiring more g territories like Satara, Nagpur, Sambalpur, Jaitpur, ya Jhansi etc. Consequently, the rulers of this state became the staunch enemy of the British.
Secondly, Lord Dalhousie accused the Nawab of Avadh of maladministration and annexed Avadh to the British empire. The policy of annexation To bla onli bu terrified the native rulers who began to doubt the integrity of the Indian nation.
Thirdly, the English Governor-Generals occupied Mysore, Maratha and other kingdoms and axtended their empire in India. As a result of this the general masses and the soldiers became the bitter enemy of the British rule.
Fourthly, the British rulers created dissatisfaction and anger among the Indian rulers. Lord Dalhousie abolished the tittle of Bahadur Shah Zafar and cid ordered him to vacate the palace of the Red Fort Dalhousie also stopped the pension of Nana Sahib on the ground that he was no more Peshwa after the death of Peshwa Baji Rao. All these factors were responsible for the dissatisfaction which occured in the minds of Indian native rulers and their subjects against British rule.
Administrative causes :- The other important cause of the Revolt of 1857 was the defects in the administrative circle. The British system had abolished several intermediaries like Jagirdars, Taluqdars etc who lost their job and began to spread message against the British policy. Discrimination in the field of employment against Indians created bitter feelings against the British authority. A large number of educated Indians became the arch enemy of the British. The Indians were deprived of important posts in the govt. services. Promotion was a far cry for the Indians working under the British authorities. The British also practised discrimination against Indians in the field of administration of justice. The British excluded the Indians from all high civil and military jobs. In the army the highest post which an Indian could get was that of a Subedar while the highest post in the civil service for which an Indian could qualify was that of a Sadar Amin Thus all these reasons prepared the dissatisfied Indians to rise against the British authority.
Economic Causes :- The British rule was based on the Principle of exploitation and economic benefits. The British did not come to India to enrich us. They came to India to enrich themselves. The Governor-Generals of India introduced a series of reforms in various field but their motto was based on economic exploitation. Consequently, the amil British followed the policies like Dual Govt in 20 Bengal, Subsidiary Alliance, Doctrine of Lapse and Drain of Wealth which helped the British in extending their territory for exploitation of the resources of annexed territories. The British traders were free to make export and import but Indian traders had to pay heavy tariffs for their goods. In bother words we can say that British rulers had one lie way trade. Consequently, the economy of British India became prosperous where as the economic i conditions of Indians deteriorated. The British or economic policy was responsible for the destruction of Indian art and craft, industries, modi agriculture, trade and commerce, textile industries, ori cotton industries etc. Besides, the British rulers shad imposed heavy land revenue on the peasants and farmers who were overburdened with taxes. Thus the poor economic condition and exploitation of Indians aggravated the situation against the British rule.
Religious Causes :- Religion played a vital role in the outbreak of the Revolt of 1857. The Indians were quite apprehensive of British intentions concerning religion. They feared that the English ah were trying to spoil their religious belief and they z would convert them into Christianity. Certainly, certain measures of the British govt confirmed the m belief of Indians that the British were bent upon to o destroy the religion and culture of India. Establishment of missionaries school, charitable house etc spread the message that the British would convert the Indians into christianity. Introduction of English schools with English language for the Indian children includings girls made the people to think that the British would uproot their religion oand culture. In addition to it, the British passed the law against Sati system, infanticide, child marriage with a view to improve the social condition of India to n but Indians misunderstood it. In 1832 and 1850 iaws were passed concerning succession of property, the Religious Disabilities Act, widow Remarriage Act e te made the people to believe that the British were interfering in their religious affairs. Consequently, absinthe Indians were highly annoyed with the British system of administration.
Military Causes :- The British army in India was Heon composed of maximum number of Indian soldiers Tost who were deprived of better pay, allowances, gon promotion, facilities and these drawbacks sro prepared a strong background for the outbreak of the Revolt of 1857. The Brahmin and Rajput soldiers were forbidden to use red mark on forehead and Sikhs were prevented from using turban and were also asked to shave daily. All these factors created ton bluo bild anger and resentment among the Indian soldiers no against the British rulers. In addition to it, the Indian soldiers were asked to take part in the battle taking o place beyond the sea but Indian soldiers believed that it they would cross the sea their religion would be spoilt. In conclusion, it can be said that Indian to o on soldiers were much dissatisfied with the British officers who use foul language even to the aged and respectable soldiers. It hurts the sentiments of b y the Indian soldiers who were prepered to revolt et against the British rule.
Immediate Cause :- The immediate cause of the Revolt of 1857 was the introduction of Enfield deb Rifle which contained cartridges smeared with cow Oli and pig fats. As a result of this the Indian soldiers " refused to use the greased cartridges. Mangal Pandey who was forced to obey the British command, shot dead two officers on the spot. Consequently, he was captured and hanged till death.
The news of Mangal Pandey's hanging spread like wild fire and the soldiers at Meerut revolted on 24th April 1857. Gradually the revolt spread far and wide in north India.
Result of the Revolt of 1857:-
Though the Revolt of 1857 was suppressed with iron hand by the British an authority but it had shaken the British empire for the first time. Consequently, the British Queen victoria came to India and made certain proclamation:
(i) It was declared that the British govt. would not interfere in the religious affairs of the Indians.
(ii) The administration of India was taken by the British Parliament and the Court of Directors was replaced by the Indian council. It was to be led by the secretary of state for India. The rule of East blue India company came to an end.
(iii) As a result of the Revolt of 1857 the title of the Governor General of India was changed. He came to be known as the Viceroy of India.
(iv) The British reorganized the Indian army and the number of European soldiers were increased Artillery was placed under the control of British officers.
(v) Queen Victoria also declared that the British would not incorporate the princely states into British empire and "Doctrine of Lapse" was dann abandoned.
vi) The most important legacy of the Revolt of 1857 was the unity of the Hindu and the Muslims.
(vii) The British authority adopted the policy of divide and rule between the Hindus and the Muslims. They realised that if both the Hindu and the Muslims boni are united the English would have to leave India bag and baggage.
