War of Independence (1857)

 War of Independence is an important landmark in

the history of Sub-Continent.

 This War was fought in 1857 by Indians against the

British in order to get rid of their domination.

 When British occupied most of the regions of sub-

continent the Mughal empire and their rule was
declining.

 It was a war after that British captured sub-continent

completely and replaced old systems with new.
 Debate…

1857 War

Independence Mutiny/ Rebellion

For Indians For British
 Causes
Militarily

Economic
War 1857 Religious
Causes

Political
1. Military Revolt:
 Indians were discriminated in British military.
 British hurt Indians' religious affected emotions
in the army.
 There was a huge difference between Indians
and British salaries in military—Indians 7 rupees
and British 27 rupees at that time.
 Indians were not given promotions.
 British preached Christianity in cantonments.
2. Religious
 East India company was only a trade company but it also
brought Christianity and preached that.

 Indians were stressed to convert to Christianity.

 Christian scholars were allowed to preach.

 Christianity was given official patronage/ support in which

Indians sub-ordinates were forced to listen and attend
sermons.

 Hence, local people against British.

3. Political Causes
 British defeated Mughal rulers badly.
 British wanted to wipe out all legacies of Islam
and Muslims from sub-continent as Muslims
could not regain their lost power again.
 British presented Muslims as barbaric and wild.
 Hindus were presented as innocent—Divide and
Rule….????
 British wanted to remove Bahadur Shah Zafar the
last Mughal emperor and Muslims prestige.
4. Economic Causes
 Before East India Company’s occupation all posts
were hold by Indians—Hindus and Muslims
 But after Company rule Indians faced two
hardships:
1. Indians were banned from jobs.
2. Officers were not Indians rather British who
visited England on the wealth of sub-continent.
 Local property of Indians was undermined by
introducing new laws.
 British destroyed local industries i.e. silk
 Immediate Cause
 British introduced Enfield Riffle in 1852.
 Cartridges greased shells made up from the fat of
cow and pork were used as ammunition in riffle.
 Soldiers had to open those cartridges with mouth.
 Cow sacred for Hindus and Pork unlawful for
Muslims.
 A low caste sweeper told about this secret.
 It made Indians emotional and they rebelled against
British under the command of Mangal Pandey.
 Outbreak of the War
 Soldiers of Meerut cantonment refused to use
those cartridges as a result Company sent all
rebels into jail.
 Other soldiers from different places also join
rebellion and it finally began.
 Communication wires, government places and
British soldiers were targeted.
 Moreover, Bahadur Shah Zafar also joined and
he led the war.
 Company had advantage as it controlled all
means of communication.

 Moreover, Sikh Gorkhas also supported

Company.

 It remained three weeks.

 Finally, it failed!
 Causes of Failure
1. Change in plan:
 Initially it was decided that they will start war
with plan and slowly but Cartridge issue caused
immediate action before plan.
2. Absence of active leadership:
 There was no any active leader.
 Bahadur Shah Zafar was old and he was
suddenly nominated for that.
 He was surrounded by many foes linked with
Company.
3. Treachery of Sikhs:
 Sikhs provided every support to Company
 They also financially supported Company.
4. Company’s control over means of
communication:
 Company had telephone wire by which it could
informed all other cantonments.
5. Economic:
 Company had money and other financial
resources but B.S Zafar demanded money from
public to fulfil war expenses.
 Results/ Effects
 It was first direct and collective challenge to British
rule in sub-continent by Indians.
 Common people challenged colonial master.
 Inspiration for coming anti-British people.
 Ended Mughal rule and British managed direct
control over whole sub-continent.
 East India Company was abolished and a Secretary
of State for India and a Council to assist him was
introduced.
 British started to wipe out Muslims and a new
Phase was started in the history of sub-continent.
Thank You &
Good Luck!