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.
Uday BhatiaBegginer
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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 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.
The revolt of 1857 was a major anti colonial movement and uprising against the British in India. The revolt was started when East India Company’s Indian soldiers rebelled against them in Meerut. Although the East India company managed to successfully suppress the revolt, it dealt a major blow to the British administration in India. It lead to widespread changes in the structure and policies of the British.
TRANFER OF POWER
The Government of India Act was passed in 1858, which transferred the power to govern India from the East India Company to the British Crown.
The authority of governing India was transferred from the Directors of the company to a Secretary of State for India who would be aided by a council.
CHANGES IN MILITARY
The proportion of European soldiers to Indian soldiers was increased drastically. Also important military positions artillery and weapons was placed in European hands.
DECENTRALISATION
The Act of 1861 established that legislative councils similar to that in the Centre be established first in the three major presidencies – Bombay, Madras and Bengal followed by other provinces.
Local government was also promoted through municipalities. This was done to avoid recurrent financial difficulties.
PRINCELY STATES
The Doctrine of Lapse was abandoned and rulers of the princely states were allowed to adopt their heirs.
This was done to reward the rulers who had stayed loyal to the British Empire even during the revolt.
CONCLUSION
Although the revolt of 1857 failed to achieve its objectives, it led to significant changes and ignited a fire of nationalism and unity among Indians which would inspire future Indian Independence struggles.