Why was the war of 1857 considered a forerunner to the national struggle for freedom
Answers
The Revolt of 1857 is called “The first war of Indian Independence ” bcoz it was the first time when Indian military declared Bahadur Shah Zafar the Mughal Emperor Of India and brought rulers of other different provinces on their side to launch a combined agitation of all at an ALL INDIA LEVEL in 1857.
Answer:
1857 is the point in history that divides the historical timeline of modern India before and after.
It was a time of history where Hindu soldiers fought for a Muslim emperor and religion did not divide them, their goal being to drive out foreigners and make the Mughals the ruler of India.
For India, this is a watershed moment from where the administration of India goes from EIC to the British crown which led to political integration of the country, we already had social reformers which led to the spiritual unity of the country.
For the rise of nationalism in the country, we need political unity, spiritual unity, government press, education and defect in rulers. We all got together with this rebellion.
This rebellion failed due to differing motives and long-term planning of the people fighting in different regions but it was the beginning of a fire that lasted until 1947.
Another reason is from the point that the British knew that if they wanted to survive in India, they would have to divide society and hence Hindu Muslims.
The major influence of 1857 was the fear that it had flared up among the British and they realized that it was not easy to subdue the Indians. From this day onwards, they enacted reactionary policies against Indians and repressed more, and created more anger.
When Dadabhai Naoroji wrote his book, he exposed the exploitative policy of the British and then finally when the British saw that they were angry they formed a toothless Congress (though it was their nemesis).
So 1857 changed Indians and united them
hoope it helps