what is the political cause of revolt of 1857
Answers
The strict enforcement of the policy of Doctrine of lapse.
There armies were disbanded and they became dependent on company for all their needs.
The British policy of annexing territories led to the displacement of ruling classes.
There could be many reasons political as well as non political, but I confine my argument to only onepolitical reason which I think would have caused revolt.Much before 1857, the Indian kings, bothHindu and Muslm , considered East IndiaCompany as only oneof the competitors which is fighting for more space , just likethem. They considered it as one among them and only tried about getting a benefit out of it by using it cleverly against their opponents. Hindu kings and people in general would not have been offended by some far away country with a different culture fighting for establishing an empire as they are already being ruled by the then foreigners and a totally different culture. Every kingdom was concerned with its own safety and did not bother when another kingdom hadfallen to British.The British grew boldand their empire building intentions were becoming morepronounced and realization as to the continued safety of their own kingdoms had started to dawn on Indian kings. The doctrine of lapse, whereby the kingdoms can be legitimately taken over by the company,if the ruler dies without leaving heirs had been the last straw. Now, the then rulers of various Indian kingdoms realized that The company had grown too big in its shoes and it was their last chance to retain theirpower and dignity if they unite and fight. Even the Mughal emperor who was holding on to Delhi was got convinced and agreed to take part and lend support. It was a case of now or never.They grossly underestimated their enemy and the revolt was quelled eventually , even though it had some initial success.The doctrine of lapsewas withdrawn later, but it was too late by then. British empire was fully entrenched by then.