Even though the 1857 uprising was put down, it dealt a serious blow to the British government’s operations in India. The British government was given a new framework and underwent significant changes. Describe.
Model Answer Introduction The Uprising of 1857, known as the Indian Rebellion or the First War of Independence, was a pivotal event in colonial India. It marked a significant turning point in British policies, reshaping the governance and administration of the region. Impact on British Policies 1. TRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
The Uprising of 1857, known as the Indian Rebellion or the First War of Independence, was a pivotal event in colonial India. It marked a significant turning point in British policies, reshaping the governance and administration of the region.
Impact on British Policies
1. Transfer of Power
The most notable outcome of the uprising was the Government of India Act of 1858, which dissolved the British East India Company and established direct British rule under the Crown. This shift marked a transition from an economic-centric administration to a politically driven governance model, emphasizing control over mere profits.
2. Military Reorganization
In response to the rebellion, the British recognized the need to reorganize the Indian military. They reduced the proportion of Indian soldiers in the army, increased the number of British troops, and ensured that Indian soldiers were segregated by caste and region. This restructuring aimed to prevent any future uprisings and maintain control.
3. Administrative Changes
The British implemented policies promoting limited Indian representation in local governance. They encouraged the recruitment of Indian civil servants and established Indian legislative councils. However, these measures primarily benefited the elite and educated classes, reflecting a cautious approach to inclusion.
4. Land and Revenue Policies
The introduction of permanent settlements fixed land revenue rates, providing stability to landowners and reducing dispossession risks. This policy aimed to create a loyal class of landowners who would support British rule.
5. Social and Cultural Policies
The British withdrew support for certain social reforms, such as the abolition of Sati and promotion of widow remarriage, to avoid offending Indian sensibilities and maintain stability.
6. Education Expansion
The British expanded educational efforts, focusing on English language instruction and Western-style education, which played a crucial role in shaping modern Indian society.
Conclusion
The Uprising of 1857 was a watershed moment that significantly influenced British colonial policies, leaving a lasting impact on modern India and laying the groundwork for the subsequent independence movement.
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After the East India Company established British rule over the Indian territory, disappointment and anger started to thrive in the hearts and minds of the Indians. There were several reasons like the introduction of a permanent settlement system, widow remarriage act of 1856, subsidiary alliance andRead more
After the East India Company established British rule over the Indian territory, disappointment and anger started to thrive in the hearts and minds of the Indians. There were several reasons like the introduction of a permanent settlement system, widow remarriage act of 1856, subsidiary alliance and the doctrine of lapse, overseas wars in Burma, and more.
However, the main incident that caused the breakout of revolt of 1857 was the introduction of greased cartridges. It was made from the fats of pig and cow that violated Muslim and Hindu religion.
The sepoys refused to use those cartridges and it initiated the revolt.
The Course of the Great War of IndependenceTo understand the causes of the 1857 revolt, it is essential to understand the course of Mutiny that can be dated back to 1857, on 29th March. Mangal Panday rejected operating the cartridges and killed the deputy on this day. With him, 85 other enthusiasts at Meerut rejected the use of the same.
However, the significance of the revolt of 1857 provided a charge of imprisonment on the soldiers, which the other soldiers strongly opposed. In 1857, on 10th May, the soldiers killed the officers and headed towards Delhi. They requested the Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah II to take back the throne and help them fight against the British. The revolt of 1857 was widespread indeed but it failed to bring together the entire country. Southern India never participated in the mutiny. In fact, many rulers who first contributed to the war backed out when they saw the defeat of the sepoys.
Failure of the revolt 1857
The sepoy mutiny was more localized. Due to the lack of any central influence, it became easier for the British to suppress the revolts.
No one was there to lead the sepoys and make them understand about the game plan. On the other hand, the British army was led by governors and expert military persons.One of the main reasons for the failure of the revolt of 1857 was the characters of the Bengal soldiers. They were hated everywhere and the uprisings were crushed down by the locals themselves.
Even though they were a strong and united reason for the uprisings, the sepoys didn’t know whom to put in power if they were able to overthrow the British.
The sepoys lacked unity and discipline unlike the British soldiers who were highly disciplined.
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