Causes of Indian mutiny Flashcards
What was the short term cause of the Indian mutiny / rebellion ?
The immediate cause of the Mutiny is not disputed.Sepoys in the Indian army mutinied in 1857 after refusing to bite cartridges before loading them because they were said to contain cow and pig grease.
Long term causes of the mutiny : Economical grievances ?
India was progressively swamped by cheap British goods.British property developers bought up land, introduced a landlord system and imposed high rents.Indian producers of exports goods such as tea, indigo and spices recieved very low prices for their products.
Why were landowners and peasants angry at British rule ?
Some rebels were discontented landowners whop had lost out under British rule due to British property developers, others were peasants who resented taxation.
Long term causes of the mutiny : Political grievances ?
Territorial expansion was greatly resented especially the latest ‘ rash ‘ of annexations. Also the policy of ‘ westernisation ‘ caused concern as it impinged so obviously on everyday life.Hundreds of village schools, a central legal council , national laws , a university and a postal service with English style post officers were established. A large number of Indians felt like they were being forced to accept an ‘ alien’ culture.
How was religion a cause of the mutiny ?
British failed to appreciate the importance or the complexities of the various religious groups that formulated India.British were disrespectful to their religions as they were disregarded and the British tried to force catholicism upon them.Land meant for mosques and temples was being taken for churches.Natives were concerned threat the British were trying to convert them to Christianity.
How was the overconfidence of the East India Company a cause for the mutiny ?
Naively, the EIC conquered more parts of India due to the fact they were traders and wanted to gain more profits.Conquering more areas meant that there was a greater demand on EIC resources which led them to increase taxes.Overtaxation made them unpopular.
