Mention any four causes for the 1857 struggle for Independence.
Answers
. Political Causes – In the late 1840s, Lord Dalhousie imposed the Doctrine of Lapse. Under this, no ruler will be allowed to adopt any child & only true & natural heir has the right to rule. The political cause was the extension of British policies like the Doctrine of Lapse. If a ruler dies without a male heir & is under east India company it will be annexed.
. Economic Causes – The peasants & farmers were affected by the various British reforms. They were forced to pay heavy taxes & the ones that were unable to pay the taxes or loans had to surrender their lands to the Britishers. Constantly Indians have to compete with the British industry machine manufactured goods with Indian handicraft goods.
. Military causes – The Indian sepoys were paid less than European sepoys. Indians were considered menial & European sepoys were given much importance in terms of salary, pension & promotion.
. Social Causes – East India company abolished Sati pratha, child marriage & encouraged widow remarriage, at that time it was considered as a threat to Indian traditions. Britishers wanted Hindus & the Muslim religion to be converted into Christianity.