Question

Choose the correct option based on the following statements.

Statement 1: The Revolt of 1857 is also called the First War of Independence.

Statement 2: The Revolt of 1857 took place only because it was rumoured that soldiers were given Enfield rifles with cartridges greased with cow and pig fat.

• A. Only Statement 1 is true.
• B. Only Statement 2 is true.
• C. Both the statements are true.
• D. Both the statements are false.

Answer 1

The correct option is A Only Statement 1 is true.

A rumour spread that Indian soldiers were given Enfield rifles with cartridges that were greased with cow and pig fat. This was the immediate reason for the sepoy mutiny. However, a large number of soldiers, civilians, and Indian rulers joined the revolt because of the long term oppression they had faced at the hands of the British. This is why the revolt came to be known as the First War of Independence.