Write the nature and significance of the revolt of 1857 under colonial rule.
Relations and Policy Changes The Indian Rebellion of 1857 created a watershed moment in the history of British rule in India, changing the nature of British Crown rule over Indian territories. The revolt revealed every fault of governance by the East India Company and helped to establish British conRead more
Relations and Policy Changes The Indian Rebellion of 1857 created a watershed moment in the history of British rule in India, changing the nature of British Crown rule over Indian territories. The revolt revealed every fault of governance by the East India Company and helped to establish British control over India.
Effects on British-Indian relationships:
1. End of Control of the East India Company:
Passing under the Government of India Act (1858), which removed the East India Company, administrative authority was transferred right to the British Crown.
British sovereignty was officially recognized when Queen Victoria, the British monarch, became known as ‘Empress of India in 1876’.
2. Distributed Power:
In Britain, a Secretary of State for India was established to manage Indian affairs, with a body known as the India Council supporting him.
Representing the British Crown, the Governor-General of India was renamed the ‘Viceroy of India’.
significant developments in British policies toward India:
1. Administrative as well as military changes:
Rearranging the Army: British forces were more abundant and Indian soldiery in the army cut. Recruits from communities seen as “loyal,” including Sikhs and Gurkhas, were selectively chosen to be Indian troops.
2. Divide and Rule Tactic: By encouraging distinctions along religious and regional lines, the British sought to stop Indian peoples from uniting.
3. Indian Culture and Religion Policy of Noninterference:
As a means of lessening resentment, Queen Victoria’s Proclamation of 1858 assured Indians religious freedom and non-interference in social customs.
More racial discrimination, considering Europe’s treatment of Gypsies across centuries.
British government gradually came to doubt Indians and laws kept reinforcing segregation and marginalizing Indian participation in government operations.
4. Princely Estates: Strengthened
Abandoned to gain the support of the princely states was the annexation plan of the *Doctrine of Lapse.* Many monarchs were promised security as long as they stayed close to Britain.
5. Financial exploitation on the rise:
India stayed in the British imperial economy providing raw materials and a market for British goods. Increasing worse for rural despair was the government’s heavy taxation and land revenue policies.
The British response to India after the Indian Rebellion of 1857 changed to one of direct control, bureaucratic overhaul, and a more conservative governmental strategy. The three conditions necessary for the preservation of their rule and the seeding of future nationalist movements were British security, economic exploitation, and social division at every level.
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The rebellion of the Bengal Army in 1857 was a traumatic event in the history of British Indian rule. It began in Meerut on 10 May 1857 and ended with the fall of Gwalior on 20 June 1858. It spread to Delhi, Kanpur, Lucknow, Jhansi, Bengal, Orissa, and Bihar, but the main battleground was in UP. ThRead more
The rebellion of the Bengal Army in 1857 was a traumatic event in the history of British Indian rule. It began in Meerut on 10 May 1857 and ended with the fall of Gwalior on 20 June 1858. It spread to Delhi, Kanpur, Lucknow, Jhansi, Bengal, Orissa, and Bihar, but the main battleground was in UP.
The causes were the introduction of new gunpowder cartridges that were rumored to be greased with cow or pig fat, which insulted both Hindus and Muslims; the conversion of Indians into Christianity forcibly; the Doctrine of Lapse; the unfair judicial verdict towards the Indians; heavy taxation; the divide and rule policy and the erosion of traditional social structures.
Prominent leaders were Nana Shahib, Tantia Tope, Rani Lakshmi Bai, Begum Hazrat Mahal, Kunwar Singh, and Bahadur Shah Zafar.
The course of the Revolt– The sepoys, accompanied by peasants, and artisans led by the Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar vent their opposition to British rule by attacking the government buildings and prisons, raiding their treasury and charging the barracks and courthouses. Despite the early successes the revolt ultimately failed as the rebels lacked leadership and unified strategies. There were varied ideologies, strategies, and objectives among the rebels. Therefore the British were able to suppress the rebellion using military tactics.
Significance– The Revolt of 1857 holds significant historical importance to political, social, and economic aspects.
The 1857 Revolt was a significant event in Indian history, symbolizing the beginning of the struggle for independence against colonial oppression that eventually led to India’s independence in 1947.
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