Causes of Revolt 1857

Reading Time: 10 Minutes

The year 1857 is significant in the history of India. During this year, India experienced a major revolt that shook the very foundations of British rule in India. By 1856, the English had nearly completed their conquests in India. They were unable to maintain their rule peacefully. These revolts erupted as a result of people's dissatisfaction with the Company's government and misrule.

The Revolt of 1857

Date- 10 May 1857 – 1 November 1858

                (1 year and 6 months)

                Location -India (Uttar Pradesh)

                Result -British victory

1. Suppression of revolt

2. Formal end of the Mughal Empire

3. End of Company rule in India

4. Rule transition to the British Crown

The year 1857 is also known as the Sepoy Mutiny, Indian Mutiny, Great Rebellion, Revolt of 1857, Indian Insurgency, and First War of Independence. Is provided by various Indian writers.

The 1857 Great Uprising was a manifestation of nationalist sentiments. The Indian rulers and people had refused to accept the company's rule. Without a doubt, the uprising was poorly organized and premature, but the nationalist nature of the revolt should not be underestimated. As a result, we can refer to it as India's First War of Independence.

The Indian Rebellion of 1857 was an armed uprising against the British East India Company that took place between early 1857 and mid-1858, primarily in north-central India.

Mangal Pandey, a Hindu sepoy in the British army, led the 1857 Revolt. He was India's first freedom fighter. He is widely regarded as the spark that sparked the revolt. In 1857, the British executed Pandey. He is regarded as one of the first freedom fighters of the 1857 Revolt.

When sepoys refused to use new rifle cartridges, which were thought to be lubricated with grease containing a mixture of pig and cow lard and thus religiously impure for Muslims and Hindus, the revolt of 1857 occurred.

Bahadur Shah Zafar was the main leader of the 1857 Revolt. He declared his support for the mutiny and accepted the title of mutiny leader.

Read also Konark Sun Temple

Revoltary Causes/First War Independence

The 1857 rising was caused by a number of factors, including political, socio-religious, economic, and military factors.

1. Political Causes:

( i ) Lord Dalhousie annexed many Indian states, including Satara, Jhansi, and Nagpur, using the Doctrine of Lapse Policy. This doctrine stated that if an Indian ruler did not have a son of his relative to succeed him. As a result, following the death of such a king, his kingdom was annexed to the British empire in India. Thus, Dalhousie's policy instilled fear and resentment among the Hindu rulers.

(ii) Muslims were also dissatisfied with the British Company. The company declared that after the death of Bahadur Shah II, his successors would not enjoy the Mughal emperor's little Raja. They would also have to leave the Royal Red Fort.

(iii)On the pretext of misgovernment, Lord Dalhousie annexed Oudh to the British Empire.

(iv) The English also disbanded the armies of the annexed states, causing those in the army to lose their source of income. As a result of the annexation policy, no ruler felt safe under British rule.

2. Social and Religious Causes:

(i) The English introduced some changes in Indian social life and customs, such as the abolition of Sati, the prohibition of child marriage, widow remarriage, and the prohibition of girl-child infanticide. The orthodox Hindus saw these innovations as an intrusion into their social structure.

(ii) Christian missionaries were harshly critical of Hinduism and Islam. They attempted to convert Indians to Christianity through propaganda and good jobs or positions.

(iii) With the introduction of railways, the untouchables were forced to travel in the same compartments as Brahmins. The orthodox section saw it as an attempt to discredit their religion.

3 Economic Causes:

(i) The most powerful source of unrest became economic exploitation of India and her people. The English Company and its officials brought India's wealth to England in a variety of ways.

(ii) The British destroyed Indian industries and crafts by abolishing duties on British goods and imposing heavy duties on Indian products.

(iii) India was transformed into a market for the supply of raw materials to England as well as the consumption of English machine-made products.

 (iv)India's wealth was drained away to England by paying high salaries to the Company's officials in civil and military administration in British India and Princely states. The Indian states were required to pay a high price to keep the Company's forces and Residents in their areas. This money was sent to England as a savings account.

4 Military Causes: 

(i) The Indian soldiers faced discrimination. They were thought to be inferior.

(ii) The Indian soldiers could not hope to advance in the army's hierarchy because all avenues of advancement were closed to them. Higher-ranking positions were reserved for European officers.

(ii)There was a significant wage disparity between Indian and European soldiers. The extra allowance given to Indian soldiers during the war was discontinued.

(iv) Indian soldiers were also sent across the sea, which was prohibited according to Hindu religious beliefs.

5 The Immediate Cause: 

The Enfield rifle was introduced into the Indian Army by the Company. In this rifle, greased cartridges were to be used. Before using the cartridge, the soldiers had to bite the end of it. The use of these cartridges irritated both Hindu and Muslim soldiers. They saw it as an attempt to contaminate them and their religion. This emotion ignited the 1857 rebellion. The use of greased cartridges was the direct cause of this national disaster.

Causes of Failure of Revolt of 1857:

( i ) There is a lack of unity.

(ii) Leadership Deficit.

(iii) Inadequate superior weapon.

(iv) A lack of significant military strength.

Result of Revolt of 1857:

The British government was shocked and alarmed, and it realized it was time to end the East India Company's rule. The British Government decided to take control of India in 1858. On behalf of the Crown, a Viceroy was appointed to rule over India. The Indian rulers were allowed to rule their kingdoms but were subject to English control. The people of the country were promised the freedom to practice their traditions and customs. The Indians, on the other hand, realized that if they banded together, they could drive the British off Indian soil.

Read also Osman Ghazi and Ottoman Empire

List of Significant Leaders Linked to the 1857 Uprising.