Question

Do you agree with the view that the revolt of 1857 was only a mutiny by the sepoys

Answer 1

There is a discrepancy between the western and Indian historians over 1857 rebellion . Some say it was a sepoy mutiny whereas others suggest that it was the first war of independence. Some regard it as the biggest armed resistance to colonialism in the nineteenth century anywhere in the world. A situation developed in the northern parts of India in 1857 when the English East India Company faced a massive rebellion and that threatened the Company’s very presence in India. Sepoys mutinied in several places beginning from Meerut and a large number of people from different sections of society rose up in rebellion. Thus it would be unfair to just minimise it at the level of sepoy mutiny.

Answer 2

No it can't be said that Revolt 1857 was a mutiny by sepoys. It was more than a mutiny because :

The revolt was not confined to the sepoys.

Many Zamindars, Talukdars and peasants joined the revolt against the company.

Many dispossessed princes also joined the revolt and fought against British.

Bahadhur Shah II, was declared was declared the emperor of India and civil population declared their loyalty in his favor.

The revolt spread to the major areas of Northern India.

Civilian population of Oudh and Northwestern province openly supported the revolt.

Some staunch Muslim and Hindu groups participated in the revolt.

But it was not the First war of Independence either as propounded by some scholars and historians. It was actually more than a mutiny and less than the first war of Independence.