The Revolt of 1857, also known as the Sepoy Mutiny or the First War of Independence, had multiple causes. It was the result of 100 years of British colonial oppression. After the Battle of Plassey, British colonial rule began in India, and by 1857, various actions by the British had generated widespread resentment among Indians.

Political Causes: The British East India Company made every possible effort to increase its power and prestige in India, often breaking promises and causing political instability. This led Indian rulers to doubt British intentions. When the British started annexing Indian states under policies like the Subsidiary Alliance and the Doctrine of Lapse, Indian rulers feared they would be next. Consequently, many Indian rulers took up arms against the British during the Revolt of 1857.

Economic Causes: The primary motive of the British East India Company was to maximize profit in India. Their various methods led to the destruction of the Indian economy. All economic classes suffered under British rule. Land revenue systems like the Permanent Settlement, Ryotwari System, and Mahalwari System imposed high revenue rates, making farmers’ conditions miserable. Farmers had to take loans and often fell into debt traps. The commercialization of agriculture worsened their plight. Landlords also faced difficulties in paying revenue and often lost their land due to the Sunset Clause. For instance, in Awadh, 21,000 taluqdars (landlords) lost their estates. The Indian trade and mercantile classes suffered due to British policies. High tariffs were imposed on Indian goods, while British goods faced low import duties in India, nearly ending the export of Indian cotton and silk textiles. Artisans and handicraftsmen faced unemployment as Indian rulers who patronized them lost power. British policies promoted British goods while discouraging Indian handicrafts, forcing artisans to seek alternative livelihoods, which were hard to find due to the lack of modern industries in India. Thus, the exploitative economic policies of the British worsened the economic condition of Indians, becoming a major cause of the revolt.

The Revolt of 1857 began with Indian soldiers (sepoys) who were discontented due to several reasons. British officers often insulted them and blocked their career progression beyond Subedar. A recent dissatisfaction arose when the British stopped the foreign service allowance in Punjab and Sindh. The annexation of Awadh also angered many soldiers from that region. The immediate spark for the revolt was the introduction of the Enfield rifle, whose cartridges were greased with cow and pig fat, offending both Hindu and Muslim soldiers. The revolt started in Meerut on May 10, 1857, and quickly spread to Delhi and other parts of Northern and Central India. Notable leaders like Bahadur Shah Zafar, Nana Sahib, Rani Lakshmibai, and others led the uprising. Despite initial successes, the revolt ultimately failed by 1859 due to various factors.

The Revolt of 1857, also known as the Sepoy Mutiny or the First War of Independence, had multiple causes. It was the result of 100 years of British colonial oppression. After the Battle of Plassey, British colonial rule began in India, and by 1857, various actions by the British had generated widespread resentment among Indians.

Political Causes: The British East India Company made every possible effort to increase its power and prestige in India, often breaking promises and causing political instability. This led Indian rulers to doubt British intentions. When the British started annexing Indian states under policies like the Subsidiary Alliance and the Doctrine of Lapse, Indian rulers feared they would be next. Consequently, many Indian rulers took up arms against the British during the Revolt of 1857.

Economic Causes: The primary motive of the British East India Company was to maximize profit in India. Their various methods led to the destruction of the Indian economy. All economic classes suffered under British rule. Land revenue systems like the Permanent Settlement, Ryotwari System, and Mahalwari System imposed high revenue rates, making farmers’ conditions miserable. Farmers had to take loans and often fell into debt traps. The commercialization of agriculture worsened their plight. Landlords also faced difficulties in paying revenue and often lost their land due to the Sunset Clause. For instance, in Awadh, 21,000 taluqdars (landlords) lost their estates. The Indian trade and mercantile classes suffered due to British policies. High tariffs were imposed on Indian goods, while British goods faced low import duties in India, nearly ending the export of Indian cotton and silk textiles. Artisans and handicraftsmen faced unemployment as Indian rulers who patronized them lost power. British policies promoted British goods while discouraging Indian handicrafts, forcing artisans to seek alternative livelihoods, which were hard to find due to the lack of modern industries in India. Thus, the exploitative economic policies of the British worsened the economic condition of Indians, becoming a major cause of the revolt.

The Revolt of 1857 began with Indian soldiers (sepoys) who were discontented due to several reasons. British officers often insulted them and blocked their career progression beyond Subedar. A recent dissatisfaction arose when the British stopped the foreign service allowance in Punjab and Sindh. The annexation of Awadh also angered many soldiers from that region. The immediate spark for the revolt was the introduction of the Enfield rifle, whose cartridges were greased with cow and pig fat, offending both Hindu and Muslim soldiers. The revolt started in Meerut on May 10, 1857, and quickly spread to Delhi and other parts of Northern and Central India. Notable leaders like Bahadur Shah Zafar, Nana Sahib, Rani Lakshmibai, and others led the uprising. Despite initial successes, the revolt ultimately failed by 1859 due to various factors.