Question

What was the main reason behind the Sepoy Rebellion of 1857?
A.
The sepoys were dissatisfied with their salary and wanted to receive better pay.
B.
The sepoys were unhappy with the use of pig and cow fat for sealing rifle cartridges.
C.
Hindu and Muslim sepoys couldn’t work together because of religious conflicts.
D.
The British officials favored Hindu sepoys, which caused Muslim sepoys to rebel.

Answer 1

B. The sepoys were unhappy with the use of pig and cow fat for sealing rifle cartridges.

Explanation:

• The rebellion began when the sepoys refused to use new rifle cartridges which were believed to be lubricated with a mixture of pig and cow fat and thus religiously impure for Muslims and Hindus.
• The soldiers were chained and put in jail, but their enraged comrades shot their British officers and headed for Delhi.
• The ensuing battle was brutal on both sides and ended in the defeat of the Indian troops.
• The immediate result was that the East India Company was abolished in favor of direct rule of India by the British Government; In addition, the British government started a policy of consultation with the Indians.

Answer 2

Answer:

B. The sepoys were unhappy with the use of pig and cow fat for sealing rifle cartridges.