Question

Mention the main reasons responsible for discontentment among the indian rulers during 19th century ?

Answer 1

The Revolt of 1857 The revolt of 1857 was a product of the character and policies of rule. The cumulative effect of British expansionist policies, economic exploitation and administrative innovations over the years had adversely affected the positions of all— rulers of Indian states, sepoys, zamindars, peasants, traders, artisans, pundits, maulvis, etc. The simmering discontent burst in the form of a violent storm in 1857 which shook the British empire in India to its very foundations. The causes of the revolt emerged from all aspects— socio-cultural , economic and political— of daily existence of Indian population cutting through all sections and classes. These causes are discussed below.

Answer 2

The main reasons responsible for discontentment among the Indian rulers during 19th century are as :

1.  The territorial expansionist policies of British in the form of Doctrine of Lapse, rule of misgovernment etc deprived many rulers of their state which created discontentment among princely states.

2. The policy of subsidiary alliance which allowed the stationing of British forces in the princely states and bearing their expenses drained the resources of Indian rulers  was another main reason of discontentment.

3. The more and more interference in the affairs of princely states and the princes were seeing their power steadily being eroded by the British also created discontentment among them.

4. Tributes and exactions from Princely states by the British was another cause of discontentment among Indian rulers.