Question

Discuss the causes and consequences of the Revolt of 1857.

Answer 1

Instructions: The answer to this question can be approached in the following way:

1. Discuss the causes:
   
   a. Annexation policies
   b. Cultural insensitivity
   c. Immediate cause
   
2. Discuss the consequences:
   
   a. Government of India Act
   b. Queen’s proclamation
   c. Military reforms

Solution:

• The British annexed various territories to British India with the help of two major policies, the doctrine of paramountcy and the doctrine of lapse.
• The British insensitivity towards the Indian cultural sentiments developed a negative opinion among the Indian sepoys. It led to multiple mutinies, like the mutiny at Vellore in 1806 and the mutiny at Barrackpur in 1824.
• The cartridges of the Enfield rifles provided by the British to the Indian sepoys were rumoured to be smeared with cow and pig fat.
• The British Parliament passed the Indian Government Act of 1858, after which India fell under the direct control of the British crown.
• Queen Victoria declared that the British would not interfere with Indian traditional and religious matters.
• The British promised to enable the recruitment of Indians into government services.
• The British increased the number of British soldiers in the army and limited the access of the artilleries to the British.