Describe five main cause of the first war of Independence ?
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Answer:
The War of Independence is an important landmark in the history of the Sub-Continent. This War was fought in 1857 by Indians against the British to get rid of their domination. It is also given names as Indian Rebellion, Indian Mutiny as well as Indian Revolt. The Reasons for this are:
◘ The immediate cause was the introduction of Enfield rifles. There was a rumor that the cartridges to be used for the rifles were greased with the fat of cows and pigs. This sparked off the Mutiny.
◘ Religious & Social Causes – Racism or racial discrimination was believed to be a major reason for the revolt of 1857 wherein Indians were exploited and were kept away from mixing with Europeans. The whites also started interfering in the religious and cultural affairs of Indians and tortured them as well.
◘ Political Causes - The British expansion had led to the propagation of unjust policies that led to the loss of power of the Nawabs and Zamindars residing at various places of India.
◘ The introduction of unfair policies like the policy of Trade and Commerce, the policy of indirect subordination (subsidiary alliance), the policy of war and annexation, the policy of direct subordination (doctrine of lapse), the policy of misgovernance (through which Awadh was annexed) greatly hampered the interests of the rulers of the native states, and they one by one became victims of British expansionism. Therefore, those rulers, who lost their states to the British, were naturally against the British and took sides against them during the revolt.
◘ Economic Factors - There were various reforms in the taxation and revenue system that affected the peasants heavily. British Government had imposed and introduced various administrative policies to expand their territory.
◘ Military Grievances: The extension of British dominion in India had adversely affected the service condition of the Sepoys. They were required to serve in an area away from their homes without the payment of extra Bhatta. An important cause of Military discontent was the General Service Enlistment Act, 1856, which made it compulsory for the sepoys to cross the seas, whenever required. The Post Office Act of 1854 withdrew the free postage facility for them.
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