Question

What was the immediate cause of the first war of independence?

Answer 1

Introduction of the Enfield rifle whose cartridge had a cover greased with the fat of cows and pigs which had affected the sentiments of Hindus and Muslims, respectively as they weren't permitted to consume beef and pork respectively.

Answer 2

Immediate cause

In 1856 , a new rifle called the Enfield rifle was introduced to replace the old fashioned musket.

The loading process of the rifle involved bringing the cartridge to the mouth , biting the greased cartridge and then putting the pellets.

In 1857 , there was a rumor among the soldiers especially in Bengal that the paper had the fat of cow or pig.

This was a deliberate cause of discontent particularly because cow was sacred to Hindus.

The pig was a taboo for the Muslims.

Hence they refused the rifle when they were forced to use.

This led to an uprising and was the immediate cause of the First War of Independence.

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