Question

outbreak of the revolt of 1857​

Answer 1

Answer:

The Revolt of 1857 was a valiant effort to overthrow the

colonial power. It shook the foundations of the British rule in India. It is

also known as the First War of Independence.

 

Indian soldiers were discontented with the British rule. The

main reasons were:

1. Indian soldiers formed a major part of the British army.

But they were not given any high posts or promotion.

2. The wages of the Indian soldiers were very less compared

to the British soldiers.

3. Indian soldiers were sent across the sea to fight. It was

against their religious sentiments.

4. In 1857 a new Enfield Rifle was introduced. Its cartridge

had to be bitten to be used. It was said that the cartridge had been smeared

with the fat of the cow and pig. Hindus regard the cow as sacred. Pork was

offensive to the Muslims. So it hurt their sentiments.

 

It was crushed by the British in the following ways:

1. The British used superior weapons like the Enfield rifle

while the mutineers used swords and spears. They had very few guns and muskets.

The British had unlimited artillery at their disposal while the rebels had

limited military supplies.

2. The British used the modern Railways and Telegraph to

communicate and plan quickly.

3. The British gained the support of the Princely rulers and

big Zamindars. They actively sided with the British.

Besides this, there were some other reasons for the failure

of the revolt. They were:

1. There was no planning among the rebels.

2. The leadership was weak.

3. All sections of society did not participate in it.

4. The rebels did not put forth any alternative to

feudalism.