The Revolt of 1857, also known as the Sepoy Mutiny or the First War of Independence, stemmed from a century of British colonial oppression following the Battle of Plassey. Political causes included the British East India Company’s efforts to expand power, using policies like the Subsidiary Alliance and the Doctrine of Lapse, which threatened Indian rulers and led to widespread discontent. Economically, the British aimed to maximize profits, devastating the Indian economy. Land revenue systems imposed high rates, pushing farmers into debt, while landlords lost land due to the Sunset Clause. The Indian trade suffered due to high tariffs on Indian goods and low duties on British imports, leading to unemployment among artisans and craftsmen. The dissatisfaction among sepoys was fueled by British officers’ mistreatment, halted career progression, and the removal of foreign service allowances. The immediate trigger was the introduction of the Enfield rifle with cartridges greased with cow and pig fat, offending Hindu and Muslim soldiers. The revolt began in Meerut on May 10, 1857, and spread across Northern and Central India, with leaders like Bahadur Shah Zafar, Nana Sahib, and Rani Lakshmibai at the forefront. Despite initial successes, the revolt failed by 1859 due to various factors.