Question

What was the immediate cause of the Revolt of 1857?

Answer 1

Instructions:
Mention the following points:

• Introduction of the Enfield Rifles
• Composition of the grease of the Cartridges
• Indian soldier’s reaction and the reason for it.

Solution:
Introduction of Enfield Rifle: The British rule and their economic, political and military policies caused a growth of anger among the Indians against them. The immediate reason that caused the outbreak of the 1857 Revolt was the introduction of the Enfield Rifle.

Composition and reaction of the Indian soldiers: After the rifle was introduced in January, there was a massive setback among the Indian soldiers. The 19th Battalion of the Indian Army in Barrackpore refused the use of cartridges, and the entire battalion was disbanded.

Reason behind such a reaction: The cartridge of the rifle was greased with cow and pig fat and had to be bitten before loading. This was unacceptable to the Hindus and Muslims, as consumption of beef and pork was against their religion. This paved the way for immediate protest by Mangal Pandey, and the revolt broke out.