Question

Explain the character and causes of the uprising of 1857

Answer 1

Causes of uprising of 1857
The Indian nationalists described it as the First War of Independence.

Answer 2

Answer:

Military:

• The Sepoys werepaid less than the British soldiers.

• All high posts in the army were reserved for the British.

• The sepoys were not allowed to wear caste and religious marks.

• Much to the anguish of the sepoys, travelling Overseas was made compulsory by an act.

• The Foreign Service allowance was discontinued.

Immediate:

The sepoys had to bite off the grease wrapper, which was rumoured to have been made from the fat of cow and pig, before loading the gun. This caused outrage among the sepoys.

Economic:

• High revenue demand and its Strict collection.

• Artisans and craftsmen could not face unequal competition.

• Loss of patronage for poets, musicians and artists leading to loss of livelihoods.

Political:

• Many ruling dynasties displaced because of the British policy of annexation.

• Dalhousie's Doctrine of Lapse turned many rulers against the British.

• Awadh's annexation was seen as an act of betrayal.

Social:

• The British initiative in banning Sati and legalizing the widow remarriage was not approved by the majority of the Indian society.

• The British attitude of racial superiority and the consequent acts of discrimination caused resentment among the people.

Religious:

The rising popularity of the Christian Missionaries led Indians to believe that their religion was in danger.