Causes of the Great Revolt (1857)
- Political Causes
- The Doctrine of Lapse (Dalhousie) allowed the annexation of Indian states without a male heir, including Jhansi, Satara, and Awadh (Oudh). Princes and nobles feared the loss of power.
- Economic Causes
- Heavy land taxes, loss of royal privileges, and the destruction of traditional crafts caused widespread poverty. British trade policies ruined Indian artisans and weavers.
- Military Causes
- Indian soldiers (sepoys) made up most of the British army but faced low pay, racial discrimination, and lack of promotion.
- Religious and Social Causes
- Reforms like the abolition of sati, promotion of Christian missions, and Western education were seen as threats to traditional beliefs.
- Immediate Cause
- The introduction of Enfield rifles using cartridges greased with cow and pig fat offended both Hindu and Muslim soldiers, sparking mutiny.
Definition
Sepoy
- Indian soldier serving in the British army.
Definition
Cartridge Controversy
- Spark of revolt due to religious insult over rifle cartridges.
The Sepoy Mutiny at Meerut (May 1857)
Outbreak
- Sepoys at Meerut refused to use the new rifle cartridges.
- The soldiers were punished, humiliated, and imprisoned by their officers.
- On May 10, 1857, sepoys revolted, killed their officers, and marched to Delhi.
- They declared the Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah II as leader of the uprising.
- The rebellion spread rapidly across northern and central India.
Significance
- Transformed from a military mutiny into a widespread rebellion.
- United soldiers, peasants, and princes against British authority.
- Revealed deep-rooted resentment against the East India Company.
- Showed the fragility of British control in India.
- Became a symbol of resistance and unity for later nationalist movements.
Political, Social, and Economic Consequences
- End of East India Company Rule
- The British government took direct control of India through the Government of India Act (1858).
- Beginning of the British Raj
- Queen Victoria became Empress of India; power was centralized under the British Crown.
- Administrative Reforms
- The Indian Civil Service (ICS) was reorganized, giving more power to British officials than Indians.
- Military Reorganization
