The Revolt of 1857, also known as the First War of Indian Independence or the Sepoy Mutiny, was a major but ultimately unsuccessful uprising against British rule in India. It began with Indian soldiers (sepoys) in the British East India Company’s army and quickly spread to various parts of northern and central India.
Causes of the Revolt of 1857
Political Causes
Doctrine of Lapse: Introduced by Lord Dalhousie, annexing Indian states without a direct male heir.
Annexation of Awadh: Taken over in 1856 for alleged misgovernance, sparking resentment.
Disrespect to local rulers: Indian rulers were sidelined and humiliated.
Loss of Privileges: Zamindars, landlords, princes lost land and status.
Exclusion from administration: Indians were denied high positions in civil and military services.
Economic Causes
Heavy taxes and land revenue policies caused widespread farmer distress.
Drain of wealth: India’s resources were extracted for British benefit.
Destruction of traditional industries due to British imports.
Famine and poverty increased due to British economic policies.
Social and Religious Causes
Discrimination and racial superiority fostered resentment.
Religious interference: Abolition of sati, missionary activities raised fears of forced conversions.
Greased cartridges incident: The immediate trigger where soldiers believed Enfield rifle cartridges were greased with cow and pig fat, offending Hindu and Muslim religious sentiments.
Military Causes
Indian sepoys faced discrimination, poor pay, and lack of promotions.
Reduction in Indian soldiers and increased European presence caused distrust.
Course of the Revolt
Began in Meerut on May 10, 1857, when sepoys rebelled.
Spread rapidly to Delhi, Kanpur, Lucknow, Jhansi, and many other regions.
Rebel leaders included Mangal Pandey, Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi, Nana Sahib, Bahadur Shah II (the last Mughal emperor).
Despite widespread support, the revolt lacked unified leadership and was eventually suppressed by 1858.
Consequences of the Revolt of 1857
End of East India Company: The British Crown took direct control of India with the Government of India Act, 1858.
Reorganization of Army: Increase in European troops, restructuring of Indian regiments to prevent unity.
Policy change toward princely states: Annexation policies abandoned; rulers were appeased.
Divide and Rule: British exploited religious and caste divisions to prevent future unified uprisings.
Political and administrative reforms: Introduction of more representative administration to some extent.
National Awakening: Though failed, the revolt sowed seeds of Indian nationalism and inspired later freedom movements.
কোন মন্তব্য নেই:
একটি মন্তব্য পোস্ট করুন