Question

In 1824, the sepoys at Barrackpore refused to go to Burma by sea. As a result, they were forced to march on foot to the destination.

Why did the sepoys refuse to go by sea?

• A. They were afraid as they did not know how to swim.
• B. They did not want to lose their caste identity.
• C. They did not want to aid the British war effort in Burma.
• D. The sea route was more dangerous than the land route to Burma.

Answer 1

The correct option is B They did not want to lose their caste identity.

The sepoys refused to go to Burma by sea since they wanted to preserve their caste identity. According to the existing cultural rules, crossing the sea would lead to the loss of caste and result in social exclusion.