Causes of Indian Mutiny

Question 1

Long term causes of the Indian Mutiny

Answer 1

• Economic grievances
• Political grievances
• Religion
• Overconfidence of the EIC

Question 2

How were the EIC overconfident

Answer 2

EIC decided to conquer more parts of India as they were traders and wanted more profits.
This led to a greater demand on their resources.Greater demand on Resources meant overtaxation.
Overtaxation = Unpopularity

Question 3

Impact of the EIC being overconfident

Answer 3

Led to them struggling with resources so had to overtaxation. Caused unpopularity

Question 4

Economic grievances in India

Answer 4

• India was swamped by cheap British goods.
• British property developers bought up land, created a landlord system and imposed high taxes - some rebels were discontented landowners who lost out under British rule due to developers or peasants who hated taxation.
• Indian producers of products recieved very low prices for goods/ products.

Question 5

Political grievances in India

Answer 5

• Territorial expansion was greatly resented, especially latest rash of ‘ annexations’
• Policy of ‘westernisation’

Question 6

Impact of the policy of ‘westernisation’

Answer 6

Policy of ‘westernisation’ caused concern as it impacted everyday life.Village schools, national laws, central legal council and a university established.
Indians felt like they were being forced to accept an ‘alien’ culture

Question 7

How was a religion a reason for unpopularity of British rule and the Mutiny ?

Answer 7

Britain failed to appreciate the importance/complexities of the various religious groups in India

Question 8

How were the British disrespectful to religions ?

Answer 8

British were disrespectful as they disregarded their religons and tried to force catholicism
- Land meant for mosques was taken for churches to be built.

Question 9

How did natives feel about Britains approach to religion ?

Answer 9

Natives felt like the British were trying to convert them