What were the political cause of the revolt of 1857 18?
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There could be many reasons political as well as non political, but I confine my argument to only one political reason which I think would have caused revolt.
Much before 1857, the Indian kings, both Hindu and Muslm , considered East India Company as only one of the competitors which is fighting for more space , just like them. 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 had fallen to British.
The British grew bold and their empire building intentions were becoming more pronounced 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 their power 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The doctrine of lapse was withdrawn later, but it was too late by then. British empire was fully entrenched by then.
Much before 1857, the Indian kings, both Hindu and Muslm , considered East India Company as only one of the competitors which is fighting for more space , just like them. 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 had fallen to British.
The British grew bold and their empire building intentions were becoming more pronounced 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 their power 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 lapse was withdrawn later, but it was too late by then. British empire was fully entrenched by then.
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