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Chapter Analysis
Intermediate14 pages • EnglishQuick Summary
This chapter discusses the uprising of 1857, known as the Sepoy Mutiny or the First War of Independence in India. It explores the causes, including policies that affected various social classes and the widespread discontent among the Indian sepoys in the British army. It recounts major events, such as the mutiny in Meerut and the subsequent uprisings across North India, the capture of Delhi, and the involvement of key leaders like Bahadur Shah Zafar. The chapter concludes with the rebellion's aftermath and the British response, which include significant changes in their governance strategies and policies.
Key Topics
- •The causes of the 1857 Revolt
- •Major events and leaders of the revolt
- •British military and administrative response
- •The role of Bahadur Shah Zafar
- •Socio-religious impact of British policies
- •Post-revolt changes in British policies
- •Economic and social discontent among Indians
- •International perspectives on the revolt
Learning Objectives
- ✓Understand the causes leading to the 1857 revolt
- ✓Identify key figures and events of the uprising
- ✓Analyze the British response and its effectiveness
- ✓Explore the socio-economic conditions under British rule
- ✓Discuss the changes introduced by the British after the revolt
- ✓Reflect on the historical significance of the revolt
Questions in Chapter
What was the demand of Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi that was refused by the British?
Page 63
What did the British do to protect the interests of those who converted to Christianity?
Page 63
What objections did the sepoys have to the new cartridges that they were asked to use?
Page 63
How did the last Mughal emperor live the last years of his life?
Page 63
What could be the reasons for the confidence of the British rulers about their position in India before May 1857?
Page 64
What impact did Bahadur Shah Zafar’s support to the rebellion have on the people and the ruling families?
Page 64
How did the British succeed in securing the submission of the rebel landowners of Awadh?
Page 64
In what ways did the British change their policies as a result of the rebellion of 1857?
Page 64
Find out stories and songs remembered by people in your area or your family about San Sattavan ki Ladaai. What memories do people cherish about the great uprising?
Page 64
Find out more about Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi. In what ways would she have been an unusual woman for her times?
Page 64
Additional Practice Questions
What were the economic impacts of the British policies on Indian peasants before the revolt?
mediumAnswer: The British policies imposed high taxes and rigid revenue collection methods, causing many peasants to lose their lands to moneylenders, leading to widespread destitution and resentment.
Who were some of the prominent leaders of the 1857 revolt, and what roles did they play?
mediumAnswer: Key leaders included Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi, who led her troops against the British; Bahadur Shah Zafar, who was proclaimed the symbolic leader of the revolt; Nana Sahib, who captured Kanpur; and Tantia Tope, who continued significant guerrilla warfare against the British.
How did the British military respond to the 1857 revolt?
hardAnswer: The British military responded by bringing reinforcements from England, implementing new laws to suppress the uprising more effectively, and retaking key strategic points, like Delhi and Lucknow, with significant force.
Discuss the role of Bahadur Shah Zafar in the Revolt of 1857.
mediumAnswer: Bahadur Shah Zafar became a symbolic leader of the revolt after being declared the sovereign by the rebelling sepoys in Delhi. His involvement gave the rebellion legitimacy, encouraging more widespread participation from various Indian states and communities.
What long-term changes did the British implement in India after the suppression of the 1857 revolt?
hardAnswer: Post-revolt, the British Crown took direct control of India from the East India Company, leading to significant administrative reorganization, changes in military structure, and policies aimed at placating Indian rulers and landlords.
How did the socio-religious reforms introduced by the British contribute to the unrest leading up to 1857?
mediumAnswer: British reforms, such as the outlawing of sati and promoting widow remarriage, alongside increased missionary activities, were seen by many Indians as an attack on traditional customs and religions, contributing to the simmering discontent.
Explain the significance of the city of Meerut in the beginning of the 1857 revolt.
easyAnswer: Meerut was the site where the first significant act of rebellion took place. On May 10, 1857, sepoys rose up against British officers, leading to a chain reaction of uprisings throughout North India.
Analyze the impact of the Doctrine of Lapse on the princely states of India.
mediumAnswer: The Doctrine of Lapse led to the annexation of princely states whose rulers died without a male heir, causing widespread anger among Indian royalty and contributing to the rebellion sentiment.
What role did the economic exploitation by the East India Company play in fomenting unrest among Indian society?
mediumAnswer: The Company's exploitation involved unfair trade practices, heavy taxation, and the destruction of local industries, leading to widespread poverty and resentment among different social classes.
Compare the Revolt of 1857 to other contemporary uprisings against colonial rule elsewhere in the world.
hardAnswer: The 1857 revolt shares similarities with other uprisings such as the Taiping Rebellion in China, showcasing local discontent against exploitative practices and foreign control, although differing in local context and outcomes.