The Great Revolt (Indian Mutiny) of 1857 Notes

Causes of the Great Revolt (1857)

1. Political Causes
   1. 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.
2. Economic Causes
   1. Heavy land taxes, loss of royal privileges, and the destruction of traditional crafts caused widespread poverty. British trade policies ruined Indian artisans and weavers.
3. Military Causes
   1. Indian soldiers (sepoys) made up most of the British army but faced low pay, racial discrimination, and lack of promotion.
4. Religious and Social Causes
   1. Reforms like the abolition of sati, promotion of Christian missions, and Western education were seen as threats to traditional beliefs.
5. Immediate Cause
   1. The introduction of Enfield rifles using cartridges greased with cow and pig fat offended both Hindu and Muslim soldiers, sparking mutiny.

Political, Social, and Economic Consequences

1. End of East India Company Rule
   1. The British government took direct control of India through the Government of India Act (1858).
2. Beginning of the British Raj
   1. Queen Victoria became Empress of India; power was centralized under the British Crown.
3. Administrative Reforms
   1. The Indian Civil Service (ICS) was reorganized, giving more power to British officials than Indians.
4. Military Reorganization
   1. The ratio of European to Indian soldiers increased; Indian troops were divided by religion and region to prevent unity.
5. Social Change
   1. The British became cautious with reforms i.e. less interference in religion, more “divide and rule” between Hindus and Muslims.

Broader Impact and Historical Significance

1. End of the Mughal Dynasty
   1. Bahadur Shah II was exiled to Burma, marking the final end of the Mughal Empire.
2. Rise of Nationalism
   1. Although the revolt failed, it sparked Indian national consciousness and later independence movements.
3. Economic Restructuring
   1. Focus shifted toward plantation crops (tea, cotton, jute) to benefit Britain.
4. British Attitudes Hardened
   1. Racial superiority and mistrust of Indians deepened after 1857.
5. Cultural Legacy
   1. The revolt became remembered as “India’s First War of Independence” in nationalist narratives.