Question

Write a note on the socio-economic causes of the revolt of 1857 A. D.

Answer 1

Instructions:

• Explain the social causes of the revolt of 1857.
• Explain the economic causes of the revolt of 1857.

Solution:

• Social causes:
  • ​Interference in religious practices​: Britishers declared sati-system and female infanticide illegal, allowed widow marriage, and banned caste-system and untouchability. But the Indians saw these social reforms as undue interference in their beliefs and customs.
  • Forced conversions into Christianity​: The Christian missionaries propagated Christianity in India. They insulted Hindu and Muslim religions while propagating Christianity. The Government never put any restrictions on their activities. So, the Indians were annoyed with this policy of the British.
  • Racial discrimination​: The British did not treat Indians well. They referred to Indians as rustics and Black Indians. Indians could not bear this insult.
• Economic causes:
  • ​​Discrimination in government jobs: During British rule, Indians were not given higher posts.
  • Lower salaries to Indians​: Indians were given lower salaries than the English.
  • Decline of traditional Indian industries and local trade​: Britishers exported cotton and jute from India for cheap rates and sold the products at high rates. They started to drain India’s wealth. They put tariffs on Indian trade, which ruined India’s industry and trade.
  • High revenues and taxes from peasants and zamindars​: Heavy taxes were imposed on Indian peasants and zamindars. Government employees used to exploit the zamindars during tax collection. Peasants lost their lands in case of failure to the repayment of loans to the moneylenders.