India 1857-1890 Flashcards
What was the cause of the Indian mutiny
Religion - the British failed to appreciate the importance of the specific requirements and complexities of the various religious groups that formulated India. such as Hindu and Islam
lost touch - particularly with the Sepals and those in the army
overconfidence of the East India Company - conquering more areas of India demanded more EIC resources High taxation imposed by the EIc made them unpopular
Dalhousie reforms - tea plantations set up which damaged traditional economies, encouraged ‘christianising missionaries’
cartridges
How did the Indian rebellion begin?
may 1857 - Seepoys rose up against their English officers and killed them at naval base in Meerut
Sepals took control of many northern cities - short lived attempt to resurrect ehe Mughal Emperor
Delhi, Cawnpore and Lucknow were the areas where major battles were fight
massacre of 2,000 British women and children at Cawnpore caused massive British outrage
How did the British respond to the Indian rebellion?
70,000 Briths soldiers were sent armed with the latest colt revolver
British gave swift and brutal revenge, when captured, Muslim mutineers were stitched to pigs skin and Jung
British regained control after the battle of Gwalior in June 1858
What was the impact of the Indian mutiny?
East India Company control ended.
Government of India act 1858 - complete British rule, introduced Secretary of State for India, Indian Council and Cicero
British Indian Army reformed - sepoy units more closely supervised and septs treated with greater respect
British adopt policy of appeasement - rulers of Old India had prestige restored
What was the administration of the British raj?
Viceroy ruled with a legislative Council - being part of the Civil Sercvice was a well respected job
Some educated Indians in the civil service but only wealthy ones
greater respect shown to Indian customs post rebellion
increasing political awareness of some sections in India - with the Indian National Congress being set yup in 1995
Education extended yet only privileged few could benefit
missionaries were discouraged but Education was still controlled by British
Defence - efforts made to strejtyenBritish Indian army
Greater ration of British to Indian troops
Native troops mixed up to prevent ‘unity’ and loyal areas had greater numbers such as Nepal
Britain wanted to promote greater co-operation with native people e.g. Princely states
What were the overall attitudes
