Very famous for "The Great Revolt of 1857"

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Revolution Vs Revolt 1
1. Revolution
(1) Revolution is something which brings rapid, marked and permanent change.
(2) It need not be violent. Like Industrial revolution.
(3) It can also be a political revolution, war.
2. Revolt
(1) to rebel, particularly against an authority.
(2) It will not bring a permanent change.
Outline
Causes
Course
Outcome
Major Causes

Introduction[Date/Origin/Definition]
1. The revolt of 1857 was not a sudden occurrence rather it was the result (product) of the character and policies of the
British Government over the period of 100 years from Battle of Plassey in 1757 to the sepoy mutiny in 1857. The sepoy
mutiny in 1857, immediate reason behind the revolt, ignited the accumulated simmering discontent.
Political causes
Annexation of Princely states

1. The princely states annexed under Wellesley’s Subsidiary Alliance Policy and Dalhousie’s Doctrine of Lapse (Satara –
1848, Jaitpur, Sambalpur, Baghat, Udaipur, Jhansi, Nagpur) revolted against BEIC (or the British rule). {Code: SaJaS BUJha
Na}
(1) Jhansi:
i. Jhansi was a Maratha-ruled princely state in the Bundelkhand region.
ii. The Raja of the Jhansi, Gangadhar Rao, had died without leaving a biological male heir.
iii. The Dalhousie annexed Jhansi under the Doctrine of Lapse, rejecting the claim of Damodar Rao (adopted
son of Rani Laxmi Bai and her late husband Gangadhar Rao) to the throne.
iv. The Aggrieved, Rani raised the banner of revolt and participated in the revolt of 1857.
2. Annexation of Awadh in 1856 on the ground of misgovernance led to participation of nearly 3/4th of the adult population
of Awadh in the revolt of 1857.
3. Nana Sahib
(1) Nana, the adopted son of the last peshwa Baji Rao II, was refused pension by the British that was being paid to Baji
Rao II {Nana was forced to vacate Pune, his family seat, and lived far away at Kanpur}.
(2) Nana Sahib raised the banner of revolt at Kanpur.
Abolition of Regal titles

1. The British abolished regal titles of the Mughal emperor hurting sentiments of the Muslim subjects.
2. The British also abolished regal titles of the Nawabs of Carnatic and Tanjore.
The Alien rule of the British

1. The earlier foreign invaders such as the Afghans and the Mughals had conquered India, and settled and made India as
their home over a period of time. The collected revenue from Indians was spent in India itself. However, the British invaded
India for economic loot and drain and never attempted to make India as their home. The collected revenue from Indians
was invested for prosperity of the British, not for India.
2. The practise of ‘absentee sovereigntyship’ i.e. the rule by foreigners from a distant land also embittered the Indians
against the British rule.
Administrative Causes
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1. Unsympathetic administrators and their policies 2
2. Oppressive police force and their atrocities
3. Bitter taste of the Rule of law
a. The Upper caste Hindus felt bitter taste of the Rule of law as it brought all Indians equally under the rule of law.
4. Costly and time consuming judiciary
5. Rampant corruption
6. Under the administration of local princes and chieftains, Indians used to serve at all levels – higher and lower. Under the
British Administration, higher posts were occupied by the Europeans while Indian were largely appointed on petty posts.
Economic Causes
1. Exploitative Land Revenue Settlements introduced by the British
(1) The British introduced the land revenue settlements such as Permanent, Ryotwari and Mahalwari settlements.
(2) A High rate of taxation
i. A High rate of taxation forced peasants to take credit from local moneylenders who charged exorbitant
interest. This led to falling of peasants in vicious cycle of debt and poverty.
ii. A high rate of taxation reduced the scope for investment on Agricultural land resulting loss in soil fertility
and reduced agricultural productivity.  increased frequency and intensity of famines
(3) Under Permanent Land revenue settlements, the land ownership rights of Zamindars were taken away leading to
participation of Zamindars in the revolt.
(4) Hence, the revolt of 1857 witnessed participation of peasants and zamindars (such as Kunwar Singh).
2. Process of De-industrialisation
(1) The economic policies of the British led to beginning of the process of de-industrialization in India resulting closure
of Indian industries and Indian handicrafts and rise in unemployment.
i. The products of the Indian industries became uncompetitive as products of the company were duty-free
while the same treatment was denied to the Indian industries.
ii. Economic policies were aimed to make India as market for selling of the British goods.
(2) Unemployed workers entered in already stressed Agriculture sector resulting unviable pressure on agricultural land
leading to decline in soil fertility and agriculture productivity  increased frequency and intensity of famines
3. Loss of jobs for cultural persons
(1) The dissolution of princely courts led to loss of jobs for cultural persons such as the poets, dramatists, writers, and
musicians, who were patronized by the princes.
4. P bits
(1) A British official Coverly Jackson demanded strict enquiry into the titles of the taluqdars of Awadh.
(2) Inam Commission was appointed in Bombay and confiscated nearly 20,000 estates.
Socio – Religious Causes
(1) British policy of social exclusiveness
(1) Sense of racial superiority
i. The Britishers felt racially supreme and often describe Indians as barbarians or uncivilised or ‘nigger’.
(2) Whiteman’s burden
(2) Introduction of some socio-religious reforms
(1) Some Hindu orthodox were not happy with some of the legislations like
i. Anti-Sati resolution of 1829,
ii. Religious Disabilities Act of 1850
iii. Widow’s remarriage Act of 1856, and
iv. female infanticide ban in 1856.
(2) In 1850, the Religious Disabilities Act was passed which modified certain Hindu customs; for example, it stated
that a change of religion would not debar a son from inheriting the property of his heathen father.
(3) These socio-religious legislations/reforms were viewed by many sections as a conspiracy against
religion/interference in religious matters.
(3) Few activities of the few Christian missionaries were also responsible for this revolt.
(1) The charter act of 1813 allowed Christian missionaries to go to India for preaching Christianity a license.
(2) There are evidences indicating that few Christian missionaries in India were involved in religious conversions of
the Indians into Christianity.
(3) Some missionaries were working for humanity like opening school, colleges, hospitals, charitable organisations,
etc. However, some claim that it was an westernisation attempt by the British that would help in the spread of
Christianity in India.
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Impact of Outside events [External]

1. Reverses/losses/damages suffered by the British in the wars in India as well as world during those time frames were
confidence-boosters for the Indians.
(1) First Anglo-Afghan War
(2) Anglo-Sikh wars
(3) Crimean wars
i. Happened in Europe between Turkey and Russia in 1854-56. Turkey was supported by the British and
French. Turkey became victorious. But, in this war, the British suffered heavy damages. [Britishers could
also be defeated]
Military Causes
1. Peasants in uniform
(1) The British introduced land revenue settlements such as Permanent, Ryotwari and Mahalwari settlements.
(2) Due to high rate of taxation, many of peasants joined the British Army to supplement their agricultural income.
Hence, the sepoys in the British Army in reality were peasants in uniform.
2. Annexation of Awadh
(1) In Bengal Army, nearly three-fifth of the sepoys were from peasant population of Awadh and high caste Brahmin
and Rajput families of North-West Provinces. Awadh was annexed by the British in 1856.
3. Professional Grievances (conditions of service in the army):
(1) The European soldiers were offered higher and better Salaries, promotion and pension as compared to the
European soldiers.
(2) In 1854, the Post Office Act was passed which withdrew the free-postage privilege of the sepoys.
4. Religious Grievances
(1) Many sepoys found that military service conditions were often in conflict with their religious beliefs.
(2) In 1806, at Vellore, the turban was replaced with a leather cockade. This caused the sepoys to rise in mutiny.
(3) Crossing the sea
i. Many upper caste Hindus sepoys at Barrackpore refused to go the Burma as they believed that if they
would cross the sea, then they would their caste {This was since Medieval period}
ii. The sepoys of Bengal Army refused to go to Sind as crossing Indus again meant loss of caste.
(4) Caste and Religious identities were in great crisis
i. Soldiers were not allowed to carry trademarks like janeo of Hindus and taweez of Muslims etc.
ii. Regularly humiliated by the officials, they were not called by their names, they were called as “nigger” or
else Suwar which means Pig.
(5) Christian Missionary’s activities within army as well as in acquired territories with the help of army has been
increasing. This was viewed by the Indian soldiers as interference in religion.
5. Reverses suffered by the British in the wars in the years immediately preceding the revolt of 1857 acted as confidence-
boosters for the Indian Sepoys.
(1) First Anglo-Afghan War (1838-42)
(2) Anglo-Sikh wars (1845-49)
(3) Crimean wars (1854-56)
(4) Happened in Europe between Turkey and Russia in 1854-56. Turkey was supported by the British and French.
Turkey became victorious. But in this war, the British suffered heavy damages. [Britishers could also be defeated]
6. The sepoys were only waiting for the right occasion and the occasion was supplied by greased cartridges incident.
Immediate Cause
1. In 1857, the older rifle Brown Bess was replaced with a new rifle Enfield.
2. A rumour spread in the Bengal Army that beef and pig fat was used in making greased cover of Cartridges to be used in
Enfield rifle. This completely outraged religious sentiments of both Hindu and Muslim sepoys resulting sepoy mutiny.
3. Although this was the immediate cause. But otherwise also, if it would not have happened, the revolt would have taken
place for one or other reasons.
Beginning and spread of the revolt
1. The revolt of the Army
(1) Initial Stages
i. Jan 1857  Note: Introduction of the Enfield rifle in Jan 1857.
 ii. Feb 1857  the sepoys of 19th Bengal Native Infantry in Berhampur refused to use greased cartridges in
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newly introduced rifle Enfield and this regiment was disbanded in the same year.
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iii. March 1857  the sepoys of 34th Native Infantry in Barrackpore refused to use greased cartridges in
newly introduced rifle Enfield. Mangal Pandey, one Brahmin Sepoy of this regiment, killed one European
officer and was hanged. This regiment was disbanded.
(2) The Revolt Begins (Meerut, 10th May 1857)
i. The revolt began on 10th May 1857 when sepoys of 3rd native cavalry infantry in Meerut released some of
their fellow sepoys, which were imprisoned due to refusal of use of greased cartridges in Enfield rifle, killed
few European officers and marched towards Delhi.
ii. On 12th May 1857, Delhi was captured by the rebels and proclaimed Bahadur Shah Zafar was Emperor of
India. [Why they fled to Delhi?]
1. Because at that time, Bahadur Shah Zafar was the only hope for these sepoys/rebels, so they fled
to Delhi.
2. There was nothing that could have united Indians at that time. Perhaps, Red Fort, symbolic
power attached with Mughals. Bahadur Shah himself was living on pensions. He was obvious
choice for soldiers.
2. The Revolt of the People
(1) Soon, many sections of society including peasants, artisans, zamindars, leaders, etc. and the sepoy mutiny got
converted into rebellion.
(2) Rebellion spread throughout Northern and Central India at Lucknow, Allahabad, Kanpur, Bareilly, Banaras and in
parts of Bihar, Jhansi and other places.
(3) India south of Narmada remained practically undisturbed as many Indian rulers remained loyal and extended
valuable support to the British in suppression of the rebellion.
(4) Hindu- Muslim Unity Demonstration during the revolt
i. The rebels had unanimously declared Bahadur Shah Zafar, a Muslim, as Emperor of India.
ii. The Hindu and Muslim sepoys respected each other’s religious sentiments.
iii. For instance, cow slaughter was immediately banned in several affected areas, as a symbol of solidarity.
Q.

Anw – (b)

Answer –(C)

Answer – (2)
The Storm Centres and the leaders and Causes
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1. Delhi
(1) At Delhi, the revolt was led by Bahadur Shah II and General Bakht Khan
i. Bahadur Shah II was proclaimed as Emperor of India in this revolt.
ii. Other details
1. The real command was in hands of a court of soldiers (consisting of 10 members, 6 of them from
the army = military and civilian persons) led by Bakht Khan.
2. BS-II wrote letters to other Indian rulers seeking confederacy of Indian rulers or grand alliance of
Indian rulers.
(2) Associated British Officer
i. Willoughby died while recapturing Delhi.
ii. The British officers such as Nicholson and Hudson – recaptured Delhi
2. Lucknow
(1) The Awadh Nawab, Wajid Ali Shah, was deposed in 1856 on the ground of misgovernance..
(2) Mother of Wajid Ali Shah, Begum Hazrat Mahal led the revolt at Lucknow and had declared her minor son “Birjis
Qadir” as the Nawab of Awadh.
(3) The begum with support from sepoys, peasants and zamindars drove away the British from Lucknow.
(4) Associated British Officer
i. The British Resident Henry Lawrence was killed.
ii. The British officers Havelock and Outram failed to recapture Lucknow.
iii. Colin Campbell, sent from England, recaptured Lucknow.
3. Kanpur
(1) In Kanpur, the revolt was led by Nana Sahib (the adopted son of Baji Rao – II) supported by Tantia Tope and
Azeem Ullah Khan.
(2) The sepoys in Kanpur revolted and declared Nana Sahib as the Peshwa.
(3) Associated British Officer
i. Hugh Wheeler  was killed
ii. Colin Campbell recaptured Kanpur.
iii. Nana Saheb escaped to Nepal.
4. Jhansi
(1) Jhansi which was annexed by Dalhousie under Doctrine of Lapse rejecting the claim of Damodar Rao (adopted son
of Rani and her late husband Gangadhar Rao) to the throne.
(2) Rebels in Kanpur declared Rani Laxmi Bai as the ruler of Jhansi.
(3) Rani escaped to Gwalior and joined Tatya’s forces at Gwalior.
(4) Associated British Officer
i. Hugh Rose
5. Bareilly
(1) Led by Khan Bahadur Khan (descendent of last ruler of Rohilkhand)
(2) He was dissatisfied with the pensions being granted to him by the British and joined the revolt.
6. Arrah
(1) Kunwar Singh was a deposed zamindar of Jagdishpur.
7. Faizabad
(1) Maulavi Ahmadullah
(2) Kunwar Singh fought British Commanders like Vincent Eyre and Doughlas in Arrah.
8. Baghpat
(1) Led by Shah Mal
(2) Other details
i. United peasants of 84 villages against the British.
 ii. Provided supplies to Delhi
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iii. Disrupted communication lines
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iv. Captured Irrigation dept built by the British.
v. Established the court
(3) British Officers:
i. While chasing Dunlap, he was shot dead by Parkar in July 1857.
9. Banaras
(1) Common people – popular uprising
10. Patna
(1) Mauli Pir Ali led the movement in Patna.
Q.

XB
The defeat of the rebels
1. In sequences
(1) Delhi Recaptured  (20th September 1857)  by the British forces led by Nicholson and Hudson.
(2) Kanpur recaptured  Colin Campbell
(3) Lucknow recaptured  Colin Campbell
(4) Jhansi recaptured  Hugh Rose
(5) Bareilly and Jagdishpur recaptured
Why did the revolt fail?

1. The revolt did not embrace the Entire country

(1) The revolt spread over vast territory of India but significant part of India including remained largely affected.
i. India south of the Narmada
1. Extended help to the British to suppress the revolt
ii. Punjab
1. John Lawrence suppressed the revolt
iii. Rajasthan and Sind
iv. Afghanistan
1. Dost Mohammad helped the British to suppress the revolt.
2. Lack of unity among Indians
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(1) Not all classes of Indian society participated in the revolt
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(2) The Sikhs
i. feared the revival of the Mughals.
(3) The Rajput chiefs and the Nizam of Hyderabad
i. feared the revival of the Marathas.
(4) Zamindars and moneylenders
i. Zamindars and moneylenders were helping the British
(5) Educated Indian Intelligentsia (educated middle classes)
i. middle educated class did not support the revolt (or) the remained neutral (why?)
1. middle educated class  product of British education system
2. Mistakenly believed that the British influence was needed to lead India to modernisation.
3. class size small.
4. They were not sure about the result.
5. They were just graduated in English and English culture and so were more close to British
system/culture.
(6) Indian rulers
i. Just 1% of Indian rulers joined the revolt.
ii. Majority of Indian rulers helped the British to suppress the revolt
1. The Scindias
2. The holkers
3. The nizam of Hyderabad
4. Nawab of Bhopal
5. Maharaja of Kashmir
6. The Ranas of Nepal
3. Lack of unified programme and ideology
(1) Almost all elements supported the revolt as they had their own reasons and motives against common enemy
(2) The Rani of Jhansi  fought for her Jhansi
(3) Nana Sahib for his peshwaship
(4) Khan Bahadur Khan fought for Rohilkhand
(5) Begum of Awadh for rights of minor son
(6) Sepoys  specific professional and religious grievances
4. Lack of forward looking plan
5. Poor leadership and poor organisation of the revolt
(1) BS-II  weak personality, old age and lack of leadership  was declared emperor of India.
(2) British army was led by men of exceptional abilities such as Nicholson, Outram, Havelock, etc.
6. Superiority of British Resources
(1) Modern weapons of war vs Poor arms and equipment
(2) When a group is fighting with a state, state would be always in advantage because all the resources would be with
the state.
(3) Nana Saheb  ‘Blue cap kills before they fire’
7. Absence of modern nationalism
Significance
1. The revolt of 1857, a major milestone in Modern Indian History, was an unsuccessful but first great popular, united
and heroic effort of different sections of Indian Society including but limited to peasants, zamindars, traders to eliminate
the British rule, which shattered the invincibility of the British rule, created a valuable tradition of resistance to British
rule, and paved the way for the rise of modern national struggle.
2. Leaders of the revolt emerged as the earliest nationalist leaders
3. During the freedom struggle, many nationalists drew inspiration from the heroic stories of 1857.
4. It had anti-imperialistic sentiments and seeds of modern nationalism.
5. Even though the revolt had failed to overthrow the British rule in India, it proved to be a huge inspiration to the subsequent
stages of freedom struggle.
Debate regarding the revolt of 1857? (or) Nature of 1857
1. Was it a sepoy mutiny?
(1) British historians including John Lawrence and some contemporary including Sir Sayed Ahmad Khan tend to
define the Revolt as a sepoy mutiny.
(2) Many historians believe that revolt of 1857 began as a sepoy mutiny and quickly acquired the character of a popular
rebellion. Sepoy mutiny was just a triggering event that ignited the simmering discontent among Indians
 accumulated over the 100 yeas of the British rule. If not sepoy mutiny, any other event could have triggered the
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revolt.
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2. Was it a national struggle?
(1) VD Savarkar in his book The Indian War of Independence of 1857 termed the revolt of 1857 as a national struggle
or freedom struggle.
(2) However, the critics point out that the Revolt cannot be seen as a freedom struggle due to
i. absence of feelings of modern nationalism in the rebels and
ii. lack of a common vision for future.
3. Other Opinions on the Nature of the Revolt of 1857
(1) L. E. R. Rees
i. The Revolt was ‘a war of fanatic religionists against Christians'.
(2) T. R. Holmes
i. The Revolt was 'a conflict between civilisation and barbarism'.
(3) Sir James Outram and W. Tyler
i. The outbreak was 'a result of Hindu-Muslim conspiracy'.
(4) Benjamin Disraeli (Former British Prime Minister, then a contemporary leader in England)
i. It was a ‘national rising'.
(5) Sir Syed Ahmad Khan
i. The first Indian who wrote on this revolt was Sir Syed Ahmad Khan.
ii. He wrote about this revolt in his famous Urdu Book Asbab-e-Baghawat-e-Hind (It means causes for revolt
in India)
iii. He highlighted that between the Government and the people there is no such organization in between.
[ Unrest of people went directly against EIC.]
(6) V D Savarkar
i. He said that it was India’s first national war of independence.
(7) Ramesh Chandra Majumdar
i. He wrote that the revolt of 1857 was neither first nor national war of independence.
ii. However, the critics point out that the revolt cannot be seen as a freedom struggle due to
1. absence of feelings of modern nationalism in the rebels and
2. lack of a common vision for future.
(8) Bipin Chandra [Modern Historian]
i. He says that it was a popular uprise that in this revolt it was not only the sepoys but also the peasants,
zamindars, traders and many other groups participated.
(9) Irfan Habib
i. He said that revolt was different for different people. He also said that it is a national uprise and very big
event in the modern history which triggered the entire movement.
Nature of the revolt

How will you describe the 1857 revolt//My view about nature
Refer Significance
Consequences or impact of the revolt
1. Immediate Change
(1) Change of power through Government of India Act, 1858
i. In August 1858, the GoI Act, 1858 {formally Act for the Better Government of India} got royal assent and
came into force from November 1, 1858.
ii. The Government of India Act 1858 was passed by the British Government (passed in August 1858)
introduced following changes
1. abolished the EIC
 2. Power to govern India was transferred from the EIC to the British Crown
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a. ended EIC’s rule in India
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b. establishment of direct rule of the British Crown
ii. The Governor General was now to be called as Viceroy
iii. The Court of Directors and the Board of Control were abolished and powers of them were to be exercised
by newly established Secretary of State for India assisted by India Council of 15 members (also called
Advisory Council)
1. This Secretary of State was a member of the British Cabinet and as such responsible to the
Parliament. He was required to submit a periodic report on the moral and material progress of
India.
2. This act abolished East India Company’s Board of Control and Court of Directors were abolished.
Hence this act ended Dual system of Government which was brought by Pittas India Act 1984.
iv. New Office/Post of Viceroy was created.
1. Post of the Governor General of India would continue to work.
2. Both the offices were to be held by same person.
3. As a viceroy, he was to be representative of the British Government/Crown in India to both British
India and Princely States.
4. As a GGI, he was in-charge of governance in British India.
v. Other facts
1. First introduced Bill  by Palmerston (the then UK PM)  did not get passed
2. Another Bill  introduced by Henry Stanley (who became the first SoS for India) originally titled
as “An Act for the Better Government of India”
3. The Government of India Act, 1858 thus resulted in highly centralized structure of governance
in India. Further, it was a formal change and did not bring any substantial changes in the lives of
Indian people.
(2) Queen Victoria’s Proclamation (1858)
i. In 1858, Queen of England issued “a royal proclamation” which is popularly known as Queen’s
proclamation of 1858. On November 1, 1858, a grand darbar was held in Allahabad in which this
proclamation was announced. This proclamation lists down the principles and policies on the basis of
which India was to be governed in future
ii. The British Crown had assumed the direct government of India.
iii. There will be no further annexation of states and territories.
1. Comment: No state would be further annexed. [1/3 rd of India remained as princely states till 1947
because provision of no further annexation of states under 1858 Queen’s royal Proclamation.
Kings and Nawabs of India were very happy. They chanted “Maharani ki Jay”. In fact, when she
came to India in 1877 at Delhi, also known as Delhi Darbar of 1877, All- Nawab of Hyderabad,
Scindias, Holkers, Gwakwads came and welcomed Queen.]
iv. Non-interference in religious matters
1. CommentSome of people were complaining that Christian missionaries were converting the
locals by force. [Priest class happy]
v. No discrimination on the basis of race or creed for appointment to offices of the Government
1. Comment: No discrimination would be made in the recruitment of army services.
vi. Amnesty to all except those who had directly taken part in the murder of British subjects.
vii. The above proclamation was called “Magna Carta of people of India”
2. Later Changes
(1) Changes in Military Policy
i. The number of European soldiers was increased. In the Bengal army, ratio was fixed at one European
soldier for two Indian soldiers (1:2).
ii. European troops were strategically placed at key areas; all big positions in army and artillery were reserved
for Europeans.
iii. European troops were given exclusive charge of critical branches like artillery.
iv. Indian troops were organised on the ‘policy of divide and rule’ or 'balance and counterpoise'.
Regiments were formed along the lines of caste, community and region to prevent development of
feelings of solidarity and nationalism.
v. The British section of the Indian army served as an army of occupation and became the ultimate guarantee
of Britain's hold over India. The British Indian army was also used to further the cause of British
imperialism in Asia and Africa.
(2) Change in Policy Towards the Upper Classes (Princes and Landlords)
 i. Policy of annexations of princely states abandoned
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1. Prior to the Revolt, the British took up every opportunity to annex the Princely states. Yet, not
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more than 1 per cent of the Indian princes participated in the Revolt. They largely remained loyal
to the British and actively participated in suppression of the Revolt. Viceroy Canning later declared
that they had acted as 'breakwaters in the storm'.
2. Realising their utility as significant allies, the British abandoned the policy of annexations. The
Queen declared in her proclamation of 1858 that there shall be no more annexations, the states
will be allowed to adopt their heirs. Canning abandoned the Doctrine of Lapse (that had aggrieved
Rani of Jhansi, Nana Sahib and Begum Hazrat Mahal). The princes, zamindars and landlords were
now to be utilised as counterweights against the nationalists.
ii. Princes and landlords rewarded and befriended:
1. Villages were restored to taluqdars, subject to loyalty and transmission of information.
2. The princes who had remained loyal to the British during the Revolt were rewarded (these
included Bhopal, Baroda, Gwalior, Patiala and Rampur.
iii. Britain as paramount power: At the same time, as a price, the Indian States were made to acknowledge
Britain as the paramount power (Prior to 1857, at least in theory, the princely states were considered
subsidiary but sovereign). In 1876, Queen Victoria assumed the title of the Empress of India'. Curzon also
declared that the princely states were mere agents of the British Crown.
iv. Thus, the British now aimed to befriend the strongest elements of Indian society, i.e. the princes and the
landlords to consolidate their position.
(3) Change in Attitude Towards Educated Indians
i. Hostility Towards Higher Education
1. Even though the educated Indians did not participate in the Revolt, some of them had begun to
understand the real nature of the colonial rule. The British now became hostile to higher
education in India and even took active steps to curtail it after the formation of Indian National
Congress in 1885.
ii. Indian Civil Service Act of 1861
1. One of the assurances contained in the Queen's Proclamation stated- “our subjects, of whatever
race or creed, be freely and impartially admitted to office in our service...”. In order to give
expression to this pledge, the Indian Civil Service Act of 1861 was passed, which provided for an
annual competitive exam to be held in London. However, the detailed rules framed were such that
they had the effect of keeping the civil services a close preserve of the Englishmen.
iii. Indian Councils Act of 1861
1. The British realised that a major cause for the Revolt was the miscommunication between the
ruler and the ruled. Sir Bartle Frère, in his famous Minute of 1860, pushed for the
representation of Indians in the Legislative Councils. It was felt that the association of Indians
in legislation would familiarise the rulers with popular sentiments and avoid future
misunderstandings. In this way, the Act of 1861 marked a humble beginning towards
representative institutions in India.
(4) Change in Policy Towards the Common Masses
i. Socio-religious Reforms
1. The Queen's proclamation declared that, 'We disclaim alike the desire to impose our convictions
(religious) on any of our subjects.'
2. Social and religious institutions were an area in which the British intervened with great caution.
Yet, even this policy of limited social intervention was abandoned by the colonial government
after the Revolt of 1857.
(5) Divide and Rule
i. The revolt of 1857 witnessed the unity among the Hindus and Muslims.
ii. To break and prevent feelings of unity and nationhood among civilian population, the policy of divide and
rule was pursued vigorously after 1857 revolt.
iii. Immediately after the revolt, the policy of repression of Muslims were introduced (Since Bahadur Shah II
was appealed to head the revolt, the British believed the Revolt to be a Muslim conspiracy).
iv. Later, this policy was reversed and policy of appeasement of Muslims was introduced which sowed the
seeds of communalism in India and disrupted the national movement.
(6) Racial Discrimination
i. The British had always stayed aloof from Indians but the Revolt of 1857 widened this racial divide.
ii. The British began to pursue more vigorously the doctrine of racial supremacy to assert their authority
and humiliate the Indians.
 iii. The notices of ‘Europeans only' came up across railway coaches, parks, restaurants, etc.
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iv. In The Punch, a British weekly magazine of humour and satire, the Indian was cartooned as half gorilla
11
-half negro who could be controlled only by a superior race.
v. Henceforth, the British rule was justified by the philosophy of ‘Whiteman's burden' - the burden of
civilising the non-whites.
3. Note
(1) Summary
i. Positive Developments
1. Transfer of power from EIC to the British Crown.
2. GoI Act 1858 which provided Home Government for India
3. The Queens Proclamation of 1858
ii. Negative Developments
1. Increase in racial animosity between the British and the Indians
2. Setback to the social reforms (British refrained themselves for social reforms}
3. The policy of divide and rule
4. Creation of misunderstanding between Hindus and the Muslims
5. The Muslim renaissance received a set-back.
6. Territorial conquest was replaced by Economic loot.
Consequences

BoC: 6 to 3:
CoD: 24 to 18 Act of 1853
1853: peak of centralization
Before 1858 Act
After 1858

Before 1858 act, GGI= direct control of british India + signed agreements with Indian states (hence indirect control over such
Indian states)
Queen’s proclamation = all agreements like subsidiary alliance except Doctrine of Lapse will continue to exists.
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GGI+ direct control
12
Viceroy = agent between British Crown and Indian states (due to such agreements)
Even though they have signed agreement, we will respect dignity of the rulers/internal autonomy of such states. If any grievance,
then Viceroy between Indian states and british Crown. If two separate officers, then there might be such conficts.
So to avoid, two in one.

Proclamation

Earlier agreements will Indian rulers were t be valid but the era of annexations and doctrine of lapse ended.
The rulers of the Indian princely states were to have internal autonomy provided they accepted paramountancy or authority of
Biritish cornw.
The Indians were granted equal protection of law or rule of law like any other british subject
Indians were to be admitted into administration and civil services without any discrimination.
Indian religions, customs, values and traditions were to be given importance while enacting laws.
It was the carrning who read Q’s proclamation in Allahabad.
PYQ-Prelims
Q1. The educated middle class in India: [UPSC 1998] ??
(a) Opposed the Revolt of 1857 (b) Supported the Revolt of 1857 (c) Remained neutral to the Revolt of1857 (d) Fought against
native rulers

Q2. “In this instance, we could not play of the Mohammedans against the Hindus”. To which of the following events did this
remark of Aitchison relate? [UPSC 2000]
(a) Revolt of 1857 (b) Champaran Satyagraha (1917) (c) Khilafat and Non-Cooperation Movement (1919-22) (d) August Movement
of 1942

Q3. Which one of the following places did Kunwar Singh, a prominent leader of the Revolt of 1857, belong to? [UPSC 2005] (a)
Bihar (b) Madhya Pradesh (c) Rajasthan (d) Uttar Pradesh

Q4. Which one of the following territories was not affected by the Revolt of 1857? [UPSC 2005] (a) Jhansi (b) Chittor (c) Jagdishpur
(d) Lucknow
Q5. With reference to the Revolt of the Year 1857, who among the following was betrayed by a friend; captured and put to death
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by the British? [UPSC 2006] (a) Nana Sahib (b) Kunwar Singh (c) Khan Bahadur Khan (d) Tatya Tope
13

Q6. Who was the Governor General of India during the sepoy mutiny? [UPSC 2006] (a) Lord Canning (b) Lord Dalhousie (c) Lord
Hardinge (d) Lord Lytton

Q7. What was/were the object/objects of Queen Victoria's proclamation (1858)? [UPSC 2014]
1. To disclaim any intention to annex the Indian states. 2. To place the Indian administration under the British crown 3. To
regulate East India Company's trade with India. Select the correct answer from the following options.
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Pre-Practice
Q1. The educated Indians did not participate in the Revolt of 1857 because (a) They knew that India was militarily weak (b) They
believed that the British influence was needed to lead India to modernisation, (c) They believed that Indians needed a
master race to rule them. (d) None of the above

Q2. Which of the following was/were the reasons for the failure of the Revolt of 1857? 1. The rebels did not have any concerted
plan of action. 2. The military superiority of the British. 3. The rebels lacked a vision for future society.
Select the correct answer from the following options. (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 (c) 1 and 3 (d) All of the above

Q3. Which of the below is incorrectly matched?

(a) Awadh-Begum Hazrat Mahal (b) Delhi-Bakht Khan (c) Faizabad-Kunwar Singh (d) Bareilly-Khan Bahadur

Q4. Who among the following remained loyal to the British during the Revolt of 1857? 1. Nawab of Bhopal 2. Holkars of Indore 3.
Kunwar Singh of Jagdishpur
Select the correct answer from the following options. (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 (c) 2 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3

Q5. Which of the following events boosted the morale of Indian sepoys during the Revolt of 1857? 1. The Punjab Wars 2. Defeat
of Russia by Japan 3. The Crimean War 4. Defeat of the Italian army by the Ethiopians
Select the correct answer from the following options. (a) 1 and 2 (b) 1 and 3 (c) 2 and 4 (d) 1, 2 and 3

Q6. Which of the following contributed in the failure of the Revolt of 1857? 1. Holkars and Scindias supported the British. 2. The
revolt was backward looking. 3. India south of the Narmada remained largely unaffected.
Select the correct answer from the following options. (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 3 (c) 2 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3

Q7. Which of the following were the causes of discontent among the sepoys that contributed to the Revolt of 1857? 1. They were
no longer gifted with jagirs for their meritorious deeds. 2. They were forced to serve in far -away regions without payment of any
extra batta (allowance). 3. They were forced to eat pig and cow fat when serving overseas. 4. Their free-postage privilege was
withdrawn.
Select the correct answer using from the following options. (a) 2 only (b) 2 and 3 (c) 1, 2 and 4 (d) All of the above

Q8. Consider the following statements with regard to changes in the military policy after 1857. 1. European troops were
strategically placed at key areas. 2. Punjabis, Gorkhas and Pathans were declared as martial. 3. Regiments were formed on the
basis of equality to prevent accumulation of grievances.
Which of the above statements is/are true? Select the correct answer from the following options. (a) 1 (b) 1 and 2 (c) 1 and 3
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Q9. Which of the following was not a cause of the Revolt of 1857? (a) Humiliation of the Indian sepoys. (b) Grievances of the
educated Indians. (c) Various land revenue settlements introduced by the British. (d) Dalhousie's Doctrine of Lapse.

Q10. were the princely states that remained loyal to the British during the Revolt of 1857.
(a) Bhopal, Baroda, Gwalior, Rampur (b) Bhopal, Baroda, Gwalior, Awadh (c) Jhansi, Baroda, Gwalior, Rampur (d) Baroda,
Gwalior, Rampur, Arrah

Q11. Jhansi was recaptured under the leadership of British officer (a) John Nicholson (b) Sir Campbell (c) Hugh Rose (d) None of
the above
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Q12. Which of the following is incorrectly matched? (a) Lucknow-Begum of Awadh (b) Arrah-Kunwar Singh (c) Bihar-Maulvi
14
Ahmadullah (d) Bareilly-Khan Bahadur Khan

Q13. Which of the following princely states did not help the British in suppression of the Revolt?
(a) Bhopal (b) Nepal (c) Kashmir (d) None of the above

Q14.
1. Indian troops were organised on the policy of ‘balance and counterpoise'.
2. In the Bombay army, ratio was fixed at one European soldier for two Indian soldiers. [Correct: Bombay and Madras 1:3 or
2:5]
Which of the above statements are correct with regard to the changes introduced post1857? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) both (d)
neither

Q15.
1. A general amnesty was granted to all the rebels of 1857 revolt.
2. The British gave up the policy of annexation and the Doctrine of Lapse was abandoned.
Which of the above statements is/ are correct with regard to the Queen's proclamation of 1858?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) both (d) neither
PYQ- Mains
Q1. "What began as a fight for religion ended as a war of independence, for there is not the slightest doubt that the
rebels wanted to get rid of the alien government and restore the old order of which the king of Delhi was the rightful
representative.' Do you support this viewpoint? [UPSC 1999]
Introduction#1 (70 words)

The revolt of 1857, a major milestone in Modern Indian History, was an unsuccessful but first great popular, united and
heroic effort to eliminate the British rule. The revolt of 1857 was the result of the character and policies of the British
Government over the period of 100 years in socio-religious, economic, military and political spheres. The sepoy mutiny in 1857
acted as triggering factor which ignited the accumulated simmering discontent.
Introduction#2 (60 words)

The revolt of 1857, a major milestone in Modern Indian History, was an unsuccessful but first great popular, united and
heroic effort to eliminate the British rule. The revolt of 1857 was the result of accumulated simmering discontent among
Indians against the British rule over the period of time with triggering factor provided by the sepoy mutiny in 1857.
Body1

The sepoys of

Conclusion#1 (30 words)

The revolt of 1857 shattered the invincibility of the British rule, created a valuable tradition of resistance to British rule,
and paved the way for the rise of modern national struggle.

Q2. What administrative changes were introduced in India after 1858? What were the objectives of these changes?
[UPSC 2001]

Q3. Examine the policy of Subordinated Union towards Princely states. Account for the shift from the policy of
Subordinate Isolation. [UPSC 2005]

Q4. What are the salient features of Government of India Act of 1858? [UPSC 2007]

Q5. Explain how the uprising of 1857 constitutes an important watershed in the evolution of British policies towards
colonial India. [UPSC 2016]

Mains - Practice
Q1. What were the grievances of the people on the eve of the Revolt of 1857? To what extent were they responsible for
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the Revolt? Discuss.
15

Q2. “The Religion became a rallying cry of the Revolt. Critically analyse.

Q3. Comment on the nature of the Revolt of 1857.

Q4. Comment on the changes introduced in British policy after the Revolt of 1857. What were the objectives behind
these changes?

Q5. What was the contribution of Dalhousie in hastening the events of 1857?

Q6. What were the causes for the failure of the Revolt of 1857? Write your answer with special reference to the role
played by the educated middle class.

Q7. The Revolt of 1857 was a milestone in Indian National Movement. Evaluate.

Later Changes
After 1857 revolt, the British were trying to adopt some corrective measures to achieve certain targets like
 To appease certain section of Indian Society at a time so that British could rule India peacefully without any outbreak.
 Post 1857 revolt:-
(1) They literally started taking Muslims as their enemy number one.
(2) Their policy was to suppress Muslims. [Most of the important posts were started given to upper caste
Hindu. This led to some direct confrontation between Hindu and Muslims.]
(3) This policy was adopted only to please certain section of Hindus and to suppress certain sections of the
Muslims.
(4) In 1870, when Sir Syed Ahmed Khan started his “Aligarh Movement”.He found it extremely difficult as the
British were completely anti – Muslims.
(5) He tried his level best to prove that the Muslims are as loyal as the Hindus.
(6) Sir Syed Ahmed Khan founded “Mohammedan Patrotic Association” in 1888 and its purpose was to
challenge the congress.
(7) He also wrote some letters to Badruddin Tybji in this regard.
 After Swadeshi Movement,
(1) the British policies started changing because large number of Bengali Hindus were against British during
swadeshi movement.
 (2) Now their policy was to suppress the certain sections of Hindus and to appease certain sections of the
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Muslims.
16
(3) This resulted in the formation of Muslim League in 1906.
(4) [One section of Muslim i.e. elite Muslim was going to be patronized by Britishers, appeased by British so
that it could be used to suppress the Hindus.
 This is know as “Divide and Rule Policy”. [Initially Hindus appeased. Later Musims appeased.]
 They started changing their army strategically from 1857 to 1947 in phases.
 During Canning, it was decided that the ratio of Indian soldiers to European solders would be never more than two
times and artillery was put exclusively in the hands of the European army. [If Indian soldiers rebel then English soldier
can be used to suppress]
 All sensitive posts were made only for English soldiers.
 Caste based battalion is now increased. [Sikh, Rajput, Gorakha, Pathan. If one battalion rebelled, other batallion could be
used to suppress the rebellion]
Queen Victoria’s Proclamation (1858)


End of East India’s Army

 The last solemn assembly of East India Company was held on September 1, 1858. With the queen’s proclamation, armies of
East India Company ceased to exist and forces in India were incorporated as integral part of the British army. The Indian
sepoys were enlisted in the regular service of British army.