Revolt of 1857 - Early rebellions, Economic and Military causes

Question 1

Describe the early rebellions against the British.

Answer 1

1. Indians were greatly affected by the economic and social policies
2. The people began to rebel against the British. However, they were easily suppressed
3. The revolts followed a similar pattern - British authority symbols like Police stations, law courts, and revenue offices were attacked
4. However, these rebellions were poorly organised, as the Indian people and peasants had no military training
5. Though they failed, the Indians realised that the British could be defeated f the rebellion was done unitedly.

Question 2

What was the significance of the Revolt of 1857?

Answer 2

1. It was the 1st major, collective challenge to the British rule
2. It was the 1st war of the Indian Independence struggle
3. It did not involve all regions

Question 3

Describe the economic impact of the British?

Answer 3

1. Once the British gained power, they introduced many changes in the economic, political and social spheres
2. We have seen that India in the 1750s saw the decline of the Mughal empire and the emergence of the successor states
3. British, who came to India for trade, became the rulers of territories
4. They introduce many changes to the politics, economy, and society of India.
5. The British policies towards agricultural industry mainly aimed at their benefit. This resulted in the commercialisation of agriculture and the ruin of traditional Indian industries.

Question 4

Explain the impact on agriculture (1st economic impact).

Answer 4

1. Agriculture was the main aspect of Indian economy.
2. The British changed the character of Indian agriculture by encouraging peasants to grow cash crops, such as cotton, tea, Indigo, silk, instead of crops like rice and wheat, which were food crops
3. This is referred to as the ‘commercialisation of agriculture’.
4. This lead to shortage of food.
5. Moreover, the tribal people were deprived of their livelihood when \ forest were cleared for agricultural. In some cases, those who resisted were massacred

Question 5

Explain the British taxation in India (2nd economic impact).

Answer 5

1. After the Battle of Plassey and Buxar the British got direct control over the revenue of Bengal.
2. They increased land revenue for the purpose of improving their own treasury. This led to massive economic exploitation of the common people.
3. There was no relaxation even during the time of drought, famine, or other hardships.
4. The peasants often had to borrow money from money lenders to pay the high taxes and money lenders charged a high rate of interest.
5. They were unable to repay their money and lost their land to the money lenders. This resulted in massive impoverishment
6. Munda Rebellion - headed by Birsa Munda

Question 6

Explain the Industrial Changes (3rd economic impact).

Answer 6

1. Before the industrial revolution began in Britain, there was a great demand for Indian goods like textiles and handicrafts
2. The introduction of power looms in Britain led to more production, both at cheap rates and higher quantities.
3. Since they produced more finished products, they require more markets to sell the finished products.
4. India instead became the main ground for selling of these products.
5. This led to a decline in Indian industry, massive unemployment, and reduced supply of locally made goods.

Question 7

Explain the mistreatment of Indian soldiers.

Answer 7

1. Indian soldiers working for the British army were called ‘Sepoys’
2. Sepoys were treated harshly by officers
3. There was intense racial discrimination and Indian soldiers were never promoted to higher parts
4. Sepoys were forced to cross the seas to fight battles
   a. This hurt the sentiments of Hindu soldiers who felt this was against their caste

Question 8

Explain the immediate cause behind the Revolt of 1857?

Answer 8

1. The discontentment of the Indian sepoys grew worse when the new Enfield rifles were introduced.
2. These rifles used greased cartridges, which had to be bitten before being inserted into the rifles. Rumours spread that these rifles were being greased with cow and pig fat.
   a. Cows were sacred to hindus and contact with pig meat was considered a sin in Islam
   b. This made the Indian sepoys angry as it hurt their religious sentiments
   c. United both religions - the Hindus and the Muslims