MEP7 British Control In India

Question 1

Why were there British soldiers in India?

Answer 1

• They were stationed to ‘protect’ eic employees and to help things run smoothly
• the army also recruited local Indian soldiers known as sepoys

Question 2

Why were the sepoys discontented?

Answer 2

• little hope of promotion
• many felt that they weren’t treated well
• often the first to be sent to the most dangerous fights
• some felt pressure into converting to Christianity

Question 3

Why did the sepoys dislike the new rifle?

Answer 3

In 1857 a new rifle was introduced to
- to load it the sepoys had to bite off the ends of
The cartridges
- a rumor spread among the sepoys that the the grease used to lubricate the cartridges was pigs and cows
- so to have contact with it was an insult to Muslims and Hindus

Question 4

How did the Indian rebellion start?

Answer 4

In 1857 the sepoys objected to the new cartridges 85 sepoys refused to use them and were sent to prison for 10 years

Question 5

What happened as a result of the sepoys being sent to prison?

Answer 5

Other sepoys rose up and broke them out of prison - British soldiers were killed and homes of British civilians living in the area were set on fire - the situation escalated and many sepoys in northern India rebelled

Question 6

What did the British do as a result of the sepoy rebellion?

Answer 6

• The rebellion shocked the British
• the British government took over responsibility for running India from the EIC
• the British government were more careful about how they governed and interfered less with religious matters