Introduction of Causes of Revolt 1857
In the annals of Indian history, the year 1857 stands as a watershed moment regarding the causes of revolt 1857. Marking a pivotal event that shook the foundations of British colonial rule.
Often termed the “First War of Indian Independence”. The Causes of Revolt 1857 was a complex and multifaceted rebellion against British authority. To comprehend the causes that led to this unprecedented uprising. It is crucial to delve into the socio-economic, political, and cultural milieu of pre-1857 India.
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Causes of Revolt 1857
Economic Causes
The British East India Company needed money for its war expenses and for that they started imposing tax on land. They created various types of land revenue settlements such as Permanent Settlement, Ryotwari and Mahalwari. These taxes used to be quite heavy, and it was not easy for the peasant to pay them. In such a situation, they used to borrow money from money lenders to pay the taxes. And used the money lender’s money to pay the taxes to the British.
But the debts of the money lenders remained on their heads. When they could not repay the money lenders’ debts, the money lenders used to snatch their lands. Due to revenue settlement, the British East India Company had worsened the condition of the peasants. Thus many peasants became landless.
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Peasants
Many peasants were evicted from their land and had become landless, it causes of Revolt 1857.
Artisans
The highly skilled Indian craftsmen were forced to look for alternate sources of employment. As British company promoted foreign goods, it causes of Revolt 1857.
Traders
When traders sold Indian made goods, they had to pay high tariffs on them, whereas for British goods these tariffs were much lower. British’s goods had started coming to India in large quantities and the Indian market was opened for British goods.
And Indian traders were not able to sell their goods outside the country because the export duty was very high. Because of this, cotton, and silk, which were already exported in large quantities from India, were now exported and due to these reasons, our Indian made goods could not compete with the British goods. Indian trade and mercantile class were ruined due to these policies of the British. Not only this, but the landlords also exceeded the policy of the British.
When these landlords could not meet the high revenue targets given by the British India Company, then British Company send them notices for not achieving the target of revenue collection, then in this way the land of many landlords was snatched away.
Political Causes
The most important causes of Revolt 1857 that East India Company increases its power and prestige, British east India company broke the pledges, promises and many times dishonor the treaties signed with Indian Rulers. So, due to this the Indian rulers had lost confidence in the British Company, they began to doubt the intentions of the British company.
On top of that, by implementing the Doctrine of Lapse and Subsidiary Alliance Policy, the British Company crossed the limits and directly annexed the Indian states. The rulers of the Indian states, troubled by the policies of the British East India Company, had a good opportunity to stand against the British Company by joining the 1857 Revolt.
Administrative Causes
The common people had to deal with the police officers, small officials and lower courts working within the British East India Company and there was severe corruption in these administrative departments of the British East India Company, due to which the common people of India had become unhappy.
These people joined the Revolt of 1857 to express their anger against the British East India Company.
Socio-Religious Causes
The British considered themselves more superior than the Indians based on color, they declared Indians are inferior. On top of that, Christian missionaries were roaming around in India promoting their religion, due to which the people of India started feeling that somewhere, preparations were being made to convert them.
Not only this, but the British East India Company also abolished Sati Pratha. Widows’ remarriages were also supporting. Along with this, they were also promoting women education, due to which the people of India were upset that, why is this company interfering in the social and religious domain of our society? On top of that, land tax is imposed on mosques and temples.
The Religious Disability Act 1856 attempted to change Hindu customs. It was mentioned that even if a person changes his religion or accepts any other religion, his rights on his father’s property will remain the same as before. This brought to people’s minds that somewhere or the other the British East India Company was luring people to change their religion.
Influence of outside events
Something was happening outside India also due to which the people of India started feeling that the British were not gods, and they too could be defeated. The First Afghan War took place from 1838 to 1842 in which the British were badly defeated. This increased the expectations of Indians significantly. After this, the Punjab Wars took place from 1845 to 1849 and the Crimean War took place from 1854 to 1856. Although Britain won both these wars, somewhere during these wars, Britain’s weakness came to the fore.
Discontent among sepoys
The Sepoys in East India Company were unhappy because there was restriction on wearing caste and sectarian marks. Governor general Lord Canning introduced the General Service Enlistment Act. As per this act, all future recruits to the Bengal Army had to give in writing. That they will have to serve anywhere their services might be required by the government. It is real cause of concern for Hindu of that time because it was considered that crossing the seas means loss of caste.
Indian Sepoys were paid less as compared to their British Counterparts. Foreign Service Allowance (Bhatta) was stopped for serving in Punjab and Sindh. Annexation of Awadh, which was home of many Sepoys too had inflamed their feelings.
And it was not that there had never been any Sepoys Mutiny before 1857. The Sepoys Mutiny took place in Bengal in 1764. Sepoys mutiny took place in Vellore in 1806, Barrackpore in 1825 and Sepoys mutiny was also seen during the First Afghan War from 1838 to 1842.
Conclusion
The Causes of Revolt 1857 stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of the Indian people in their quest for freedom. Fueled by a myriad of socio-economic, cultural, and political factors, this uprising laid the foundation for the subsequent independence movement, inspiring generations to come.
As we reflect on this pivotal moment in history, it is imperative to recognize the sacrifices made by those who participated and acknowledge the complex tapestry of reasons that led to this remarkable chapter in India’s struggle for independence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What were the immediate consequences of the Revolt of 1857?
A1: The immediate consequences of the Revolt of 1857 included the dissolution of the East India Company’s rule, the transfer of control to the British Crown, and intensified British colonial policies in India.
Q2: Did the Revolt of 1857 have any impact on subsequent freedom movements?
A2: Yes, the Revolt of 1857 served as a precursor to the Indian freedom movement. It inspired future leaders and movements, shaping the trajectory of India’s struggle for independence.
Q3: Were there regional variations in the participation in the Revolt of 1857?
A3: Yes, the participation in the Revolt of 1857 varied across regions. While some areas witnessed widespread rebellion, others remained relatively calm, highlighting regional disparities in grievances against British rule.
Q4: How did the Revolt of 1857 affect the British colonial policies in India?
A4: The Revolt of 1857 led to a shift in British colonial policies, with a more direct and assertive approach. The British Crown took control, leading to stringent measures and increased exploitation of Indian resources.
Q5: What lessons can we learn from the Revolt of 1857 in the context of national unity?
A5: The Revolt of 1857 and the causes of revolt 1857, underscores the power of unity in the face of oppression. It teaches us the importance of collective action and solidarity in the pursuit of freedom and social justice.