The Revolt of 1857, also known as the First War of Independence or the Sepoy Mutiny, stands as a pivotal chapter in India’s modern history. Aspirants preparing for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examinations delve into the intricacies of this historic event through the lens of NCERT notes. These notes serve as an indispensable resource, offering a comprehensive understanding of the socio-political landscape leading up to the revolt, the catalysts that ignited the uprising, and its far-reaching consequences. The UPSC NCERT notes on the Revolt of 1857 provide a nuanced perspective, unraveling the complex tapestry of events that shaped the course of India’s struggle against colonial rule. As candidates embark on their UPSC journey, a thorough grasp of this crucial period becomes essential, and these meticulously crafted notes serve as a beacon guiding them through the multifaceted dimensions of the Revolt of 1857.
The biggest threat to the British colonial power during its rule in India. This was the major uprising against the rule of British East India Company. It is primarily considered the first ever gaint step of Indians to free its own nation
Introduction
- The Revolt of 1857 transpired as a result of the cumulative impact of British expansionist policies, economic exploitation, and administrative measures spanning several years. These policies had detrimental effects on the various segments of Indian society, including the rulers of Indian states, sepoys, zamindars, peasants, pandits, traders, and maulvis.
| The discontent among Indians manifested in numerous mutinies and insurrections at different times and in different regions. However, the upheaval in 1857 was unparalleled, shaking the very foundations of the British empire in India. |
- This event led to a transformative shift in the administration of British India, replacing the Company rule with the rule of the crown.
Pre-1857 Sepoy Revolts
- Before the Revolt of 1857, several popular uprisings occurred against the British, and at times, against Indian landlords. Notable mutinies preceding 1857 included:
Bengal Sepoy Mutiny (1764)
- The Bengal Sepoy Mutiny marked the first such uprising in India. Sepoys demanded equal treatment and increased pay, citing the substantial accumulation of wealth by the East India Company. The mutiny, predominantly non-violent, was quelled by the British.
Vellore Mutiny (1806)
- The Vellore Mutiny unfolded on July 10, 1806, at Vellore Fort. This marked the first instance of a violent mutiny by Indian sepoys against the East India Company, occurring almost fifty years before the Great Revolt of 1857.
The immediate trigger for the mutiny was the enforcement of a new dress code for sepoys in November 1805. Hindus were forbidden from wearing religious marks on their foreheads while on duty, and Muslims were mandated to shave their beards and trim their mustaches. |
- Additionally, they were instructed to wear a leather cockade to replace their existing turbans.
- During the uprising, several officers and soldiers, including Colonel St John Fancourt, the Fort’s Commander, were killed by the sepoys. To quell the rebellion, Sir Robert Rollo Gillespie was dispatched by the British, and he ruthlessly subdued the revolt.
- Following the mutiny, all three Madras battalions involved were disbanded. The senior British officers responsible for the controversial dress regulations were recalled to England, and the orders regarding the new turbans (round hats) were rescinded.
Barrackpore Mutiny (1824)
- The Mutiny at Barrackpore cantonment in 1824 stemmed from the resistance of the 47th Native Infantry of the Bengal Army to march to Chittagong and, subsequently, board ships destined for Rangoon to partake in the First Anglo-Burmese War in October 1824.
| The Barrackpore cantonment, where the 1824 Mutiny occurred, became the site of another mutinous event in 1857 (March 29, 1857). |
- During this period, higher-caste Indian Sepoys held a taboo against crossing the sea, fearing a loss of their high caste. Furthermore, there were no bullocks available to transport the sepoys’ belongings until Chittagong. Consequently, the native soldiers refused to march unless their emoluments were increased, and means were provided for carrying their belongings.
| Under the leadership of Bindee Tiwari, the sepoys revolted against the company though it was completely non-violent. The company forces however, ruthlessly suppressed the revolt under the Commander-in-Chief, General Sir Edward Paget. |
Causes of the 1857 Revolt
The uprising of 1857 was shaped by several pivotal factors, encompassing:
- Administrative Factors
- Economic Factors
- Military Factors
- Political Factors
- Socio-Religious Factors
- Immediate Causes
Political Grievances
- The East India Company neglected the interests and appeals of monarchs and nawabs, leading to widespread discontent.
- Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi sought her adopted son’s right to inherit the kingdom after her husband’s demise.
- Nana Saheb, the adopted son of Peshwa Baji Rao II, demanded his father’s pension from the company but faced rejection.
- Hindu princes were denied the right to succession, with the Doctrine of Lapse and Subsidiary Alliances employed to dominate states and strip them of their powers.
- Awadh, a significant contributor of around 75,000 sepoys to the company, was annexed by Lord Dalhousie under allegations of misgovernance, provoking discontent among sepoys.
- The Company terminated the Mughal Dynasty, removing the Mughal king’s name from the coins it minted.
| In 1849, Governor General Dalhousie declared that, following the death of Bahadur Shah Zafar, the king’s family would be relocated from the Red Fort to another residence in Delhi. He proclaimed Bahadur Shah Zafar as the last king, and subsequent heirs would be referred to as princes. |
Subsidiary Alliance and Doctrine of Lapse
- The Subsidiary Alliance was a treaty formulated by Wellesley between the East India Company and Indian rulers. Under this arrangement, Indian rulers had to relinquish their armed forces, provide maintenance to the British army, and refrain from forming alliances. A Company official, known as the Resident, was stationed at the court of rulers to oversee the implementation of the treaty.
- The Doctrine of Lapse, implemented by Dalhousie during his rule from 1848 to 1856, was an annexation policy. According to this doctrine, any ruler without a male heir could be annexed by the Company, and any adopted son would inherit only his father’s personal property and assets.
- States annexed under the Doctrine of Lapse include:
- Satara (1848)
- Jaitpur (1849)
- Sambhalpur (1850)
- Baghat (1850)
- Udaipur (1852)
- Jhansi (1853)
- Nagpur (1854)
Administrative Grievances
Several administrative aspects contributed to the discontent among Indians:
- The replacement of the Persian language with English as the court language was unpopular among the people.
- Under British rule, both peasants and landlords faced hardships. Peasants bore heavy taxes, and while zamindars understood the peasants’ problems, British focus on fixed revenue collections led to dissatisfaction.
- Zamindars were unhappy as their lands were often seized, making them feel inferior.
- Revenue settlement policies dissatisfied new zamindars and subjected peasants to harsh collections and official brutalities.
- Corruption at lower levels of administration, including the police, petty officials, and lower law courts, adversely impacted common people.
- The intricate judicial system facilitated the exploitation of the poor by the wealthy. Instances of torturing and imprisoning cultivators for unpaid rent, land revenue, or debt were widespread.
Socio-Religious Factors
- British colonialists believed in their cultural superiority and considered it their right to civilize Indian society. Their interventions, such as the abolition of the practice of sati, the legalization of widow remarriage, and the introduction of Western education for girls, were perceived as unwarranted interference.
- A significant factor contributing to anti-British sentiments was the fear of religious interference. This fear arose from the activities of Christian missionaries who infiltrated schools, hospitals, prisons, and marketplaces. These missionaries attempted conversions and openly attacked Hinduism and Islam, criticizing long-standing customs and traditions.
- Religious sentiments were further wounded by the policy of taxing lands associated with temples, mosques, priests, and charitable institutions, which were previously exempt from taxes.
Economic Factors
- The primary cause of popular discontent stemmed from the economic exploitation by the British. The complete disruption of the traditional economic structure led to the impoverishment of a vast majority, including peasants, artisans, handicraftsmen, and traditional zamindars and chiefs.
| British policies dismantled local rulers and their courts, which had been patrons of handicrafts and artisans. This, in turn, resulted in the decline of local craftsmen and artists. |
- The British also favored Western imports, often selling them at lower prices, making it difficult for Indian commodities to compete. Both of these factors contributed to the impoverishment of the populace.
- This economic strain created pressure on agricultural lands, fostering discontent in rural areas, which also affected sepoys originating from these regions.
Military Causes
- Indian sepoys constituted more than 87% of the British troops stationed in India, yet they were perceived as inferior to their British counterparts. Notably, an Indian Sepoy received lower pay than a European sepoy of the same rank.
- Discrimination within the army, evident in disparities in payments and promotions between British and Indian soldiers, further exacerbated the sepoys’ grievances. The withdrawal of foreign allowances (Bhatta) for sepoys compounded their dissatisfaction with their pay, allowances, and overall conditions of service.
- Historically, in 1824, sepoys were ordered to travel to Burma by sea to fight for the East India Company. When they initially refused, they faced punishment, but later, they acquiesced to go by the land route.
| In 1856, Lord Canning’s General Services Enlistment Act mandated that every new recruit in the Company’s army had to agree to serve overseas if required. |
Immediate Cause
- The immediate cause of discontent among sepoys was fueled by the introduction of the Enfield rifle in 1857. The cartridge for this rifle, rumored to be greased with cow and pig fat, was required to be bitten before use. Additionally, reports circulated about the mixing of bone dust in flour (Atta). These issues became focal points for the growing dissatisfaction among sepoys, who believed these measures aimed to violate their religious beliefs and potentially convert them to Christianity.
- Both Hindu and Muslim sentiments were deeply hurt by these actions, and no steps were taken to allay these fears. On May 9, 85 soldiers in Meerut refused to use the new rifle, leading to their sentencing to ten years’ imprisonment.
Enfield P-53 rifle
- The Enfield P-53 rifle, introduced by the East India Company in the mid-1850s, required soldiers to bite off the ends of greased cartridges for loading, further contributing to the grievances among the sepoys. The rumor that the grease used was cow or pig fat, considered objectionable to Hindu and Muslim soldiers, added to their discontent.
Outside Influences on the Revolt of 1857
- The period when discontent among the people was on the rise coincided with events that shattered the prevailing belief in the invincibility of the British. These events encouraged the perception that the days of British rule were numbered.
| The British faced setbacks in various battles both within and outside India, including the Santhal uprising (1855-57), the First Afghan War (1838-42), the Punjab War (1845-49), and the Crimean War (1854-56). These incidents instilled a belief that the British could be challenged and defeated. |
Beginning and course of Revolt
- The beginning of the revolt traces back to April 8, 1857, when Mangal Pandey was hanged for attacking his officers in Barrackpore. Subsequently, sepoys at Meerut refused to perform army drills using new cartridges suspected of being coated with the fat of cows and pigs.
- On May 9, 1857, the sepoys were dismissed and sentenced to ten years in jail for disobedience. The response of other Indian soldiers in Meerut was remarkable. On May 10, they marched to the jail, released the imprisoned sepoys, attacked and killed British officers, captured guns and ammunition, set fire to British buildings, and declared war on the firangis (foreigners).
| Choosing Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar as their leader, the rebellion transformed into a widespread revolt extending beyond military camps. Civilians, including peasants, zamindars, religious leaders, and civil servants, joined the unrest, particularly in North-Western and Awadh. |
- Delhi was recaptured by the British on September 20, 1857, and Bahadur Shah was taken prisoner and sent to Rangoon (Myanmar), where he died in 1862. Many leaders of the rebellion, including Nana Saheb and Rani Lakshmibai, were defeated. Nana Saheb escaped to Nepal in 1859, while Rani Lakshmibai died on the battlefield in June 1858. By 1859, the revolt had been suppressed, and the British had to bring in additional supplies and resources to re-establish their governance.
Spread of the Mutiny and Revolt
| Date | Description |
| 29th March 1857 | The sepoys at Barrackpore, near Kolkata, refused to use greased cartridges. Mangal Pandey attacked and fired at sepoys at Batant, killing two British army officers. The 34th Native Infantry regiment was disbanded, and sepoys guilty of rebellion were punished. |
| 9th May 1857 | At Meerut, 85 sepoys of the 3rd Cavalry regiment were court-martialed and sentenced to long terms of imprisonment for refusing to use greased cartridges. |
| 10th May, 1857 | Sepoys broke out in open rebellion at Meerut, shot their officers, released fellow sepoys, and headed towards Delhi. |
| 11th-30th May, 1857 | Meerut mutineers crossed over to Delhi, appealed to Bahadur Shah Zafar II, the Mughal emperor, to lead them, proclaimed him Shaheisaah-e Hindustan, and seized Delhi. Outbreaks spread in various parts of North and Central India. European inhabitants in Delhi faced losses. |
| June, 1857 | Mutinies at Kanpur (2nd Cavalry and 15th Native Infantry), Gwalior, Bharatpur, Jhansi, Allahabad (Prayagraj), Faizabad (Ayodhya), Sultanpur, Lucknow, etc., started. |
| 1st July, 1857 | Civil Rebellion spread through the Indo-Gangetic plain, Rajputana, Central India, and some parts of Bengal. Mutinies at Indore, Mhow, Saugar, and places in Punjab like Jhelum, Sialkot, etc. |
| 21st September, 1857 | English recaptured Delhi; further outbreaks occurred in Central India. |
| 15th October, 1857 | Revolt spread to Kotah state. |
| 28th November, 1857 | Rebels defeated General Wyndham outside Kanpur; Tatya Tope escaped. |
| 6th December, 1857 | Sir Colin Campbell won the Battle of Kanpur. |
| 14th March, 1858 | Lucknow recaptured by the English. |
| 3rd April, 1858 | Jhansi fell to the English. Fresh rising in Bihar led by Kunwar Singh. |
| 5th May, 1858 | English recaptured Bareilly, Jagdishpur, and Kalpi. Indian rebels began Guerrilla warfare in Rohilkhand. |
| July-December, 1858 | English authority re-established in India. |
Important Centres of Revolt
| Centres | Description |
| Lucknow | – Led by Begum Hazrat Mahal. – Seized control of Lucknow and declared her son as the ruler. – British resident Henry Lawrence and several Europeans killed. – Attempts by Havelock and Outram to take over Lucknow were unsuccessful. – Final capture by British troops in November 1858 under the leadership of Campbell. |
| Kanpur | – Revolt began on 5th June 1857. – Led by Nana Saheb, the adopted son of Peshwa Baji Rao II, aided by Tatya Tope. – British surrendered in June 1857. |
| Jhansi | – Rani of Jhansi, a leading figure, joined the revolt on 5th June 1857. – Became a symbol of resistance to British rule and Indian Nationalism. – Died fighting on 17th June 1858. |
| Faizabad | – Maulvi Ahmadullah led the revolt. – Commander of rebels in the Battle of Chinnat. – Revolt harshly suppressed by the British. |
| Bareilly | – Khan Bahadur Khan led rebels, proclaimed himself the Nawab. – Defeated by Campbell and sentenced to death by hanging. |
| Bihar | – Kunwar Singh, Zamindar of Jagdishpur (Arrah), took up arms against the British. – Successfully kept up the struggle until his death on 26th April 1858. |
| Assam | – Maniram Dutt attempted to revolt, proclaimed the grandson of the last Ahom king as the ruler. – Hanged on 26th February 1858. |
| Odisha | – Prince of Sambhalpur Surendra Shahi and Ujjwal Shahi emerged as leaders of the revolt. – Surendra Shahi forced to surrender in 1862. |
| Rajasthan | – Kota emerged as the center of rebel activities, led by Jai Dayal and his brother Har Dayal. – Jai Dayal subsequently caught and blown to pieces by a cannon. |
Different Leaders Associated with the Revolt of 1857
| Places | Leaders |
| Barrackpore | Mangal Pandey |
| Delhi | Bahadur Shah II, Bakht Khan |
| Lucknow | Begum Hazrat Mahal, Bijris Qadir |
| Kanpur | Nana Saheb, Rao Saheb, Tantia Tope, Azimullah Khan |
| Jhansi | Rani Laxmibai |
| Bihar (Jagdishpur) | Kunwar Singh, Amar Singh |
| Allahabad and Banaras | Maulavi Liaquat Ali |
| Faizabad | Maulavi Ahmadullah |
| Farrukhabad | Tufzal Hasan Khan |
| Bijnor | Mohammed Khan |
| Muradabad | Abdul Ali Khan |
| Bareilly | Khan Bahadur Khan |
| Mandsor | Firoz Shah |
| Gwalior | Tantia Tope |
| Assam | Kandapareshwar Singh, Maniram Datta |
| Odisha | Surendra Shahi, Ujjwal Shahi |
| Kullu | Raja Pratap Singh |
| Rajasthan | Jaidayal Singh and Hardayal Singh |
| Gorakhpur | Gajadhar Singh |
| Mathura | Devi Singh, Kadam Singh |
Causes of the Failure of the Revolt
Several significant factors contributed to the failure of the Revolt of 1857, including:
Lack of a Unified Ideology
- The revolt lacked a common idea or goal, and after gaining control of various regions, leaders and rebels failed to articulate a cohesive plan for India’s future.
- Leaders of the revolt were united by a shared disdain for alien rule, but they lacked a visionary alternative. Not having a forward-looking plan undermined their ability to withstand the British onslaught.
| Prominent leaders of the rebellion, such as Nana Saheb, the Begum of Awadh, Rani of Jhansi, were representatives of the old feudal world and did not have a well-defined strategy for the future, contributing to the failure of the revolt. |
Lack of Unity Among Leaders
- The rebels faced a lack of unity, as the sepoys of Bengal revolted against the East India Company, while soldiers from Punjab and Bombay supported the Company against the sepoys.
- Sepoys and leaders like Tantia Tope fought for Mughal rule, while Sikhs in Punjab resisted returning under Muslim rule. These internal divisions weakened the spirit within the ranks of the rebels, with selfishness and narrow perspectives among the leaders draining the strength of the revolt.
Lack of Support from Regional Powers
- Regional powers did not uniformly support the rebellion. Many natives actively assisted the British in suppressing the revolt.
- Sikhs, fearing the potential revival of Mughal authority, did not support the rebels, given their history of oppression under Mughal rule.
- Similarly, Rajput Chieftains in Rajasthan and Nizams in Hyderabad, having suffered harassment from the Marathas, were not inclined to support the revival of Maratha power.
Lack of Support from Educated Indians
- Educated Indians, especially in Bengal and Bombay regions, viewed the Revolt of 1857 as a backward-looking attempt by self-interested individuals. This educated middle class, product of the British education system, considered the British as proponents of modernization.
Military Superiority of the British
- The rebels fought with limited weaponry such as swords, spears, and lances, while the British were equipped with advanced munitions of war, including Enfield rifles, giving them a significant military advantage.
- Sepoys serving under the East India Company utilized firearms provided by the company. When their ammunition depleted, the sepoys and other rebels transitioned to traditional weapons like swords and spears.
Consequences of the Revolt
- The Revolt of 1857 led to significant alterations in the administrative structure of British India, prompting changes in government policies.
| The Queen’s Proclamation, issued on 1st November 1858, announced amnesty for those who surrendered by 2nd January 1859, except those directly involved in the murder of British subjects. Lord Canning proclaimed Queen Victoria’s edict in Allahabad (now Prayagraj). |
- Following this proclamation, a new policy emerged, emphasizing perpetual support for native princes and non-intervention in matters of religious belief in India.
- The proclamation declared that India would henceforth be governed by and in the name of the British Monarch through a Secretary of State.
Significance of the Revolt
- The Revolt of 1857 showcased complete cooperation between Hindus and Muslims at all levels—among the people, soldiers, and leaders.
- This unity was evident in the spontaneous recognition of the last Mughal king, Bahadur Shah Zafar, as the leader of the country.
- The unity symbolized Hindu-Muslim collaboration at the national level, representing a significant aspect of political unity.
- Immediate bans on cow slaughter were implemented in areas where the revolt succeeded. Leadership roles were equally represented by Hindus and Muslims; for example, Nana Saheb had Azimullah, a Muslim, serving as an expert in political propaganda.
Impact of the Revolt/Mutiny
- The British Government realised problem. bolt was only a symptom of a deep-seated problem. The Policy of the Government of India underwent a drastic modification.
Political Impact
- The immediate consequence of the revolt was the dissolution of the English East India Company. The Government of India Act (1858) was swiftly passed in the British Parliament, effecting the transfer of power from the Company to the British Crown.
- According to the act, “India shall be governed by and in the name of the sovereign through the Secretary of State of India, assisted by a council of 15 members.”
- A new declaration of policy towards India was articulated by the British Government, embodied in the Queen’s Proclamation of 1858. This proclamation marked the initiation of a new approach towards the Indian States.
Queen’s Proclamation 1858
- The Proclamation pledged benevolence and religious toleration.
- It is committed to respecting the dignity and honor of the native princesses of India.
- Pardon and amnesty were extended to all those who were still in arms against the British Government, provided they were not found guilty of the murder of British subjects.
Government of India Act, 1858
- Enacted in the aftermath of the Revolt of 1857, this significant Act, known as the Act for the Good Government of India, abolished the East India Company and transferred the power of government, territories, and revenue to the British Crown.
Some features of the Act are as follows:
- It stipulated that India would henceforth be governed by and in the name of Her Majesty. The designation of the Governor-General of India was changed to the Viceroy of India, who became the direct representative of the British Crown in India.
- The Act put an end to the dual government by abolishing the Board of Control and the Court of Directors. Instead, it established a new office, the Secretary of State for India, endowed with complete authority and control over Indian administration. The Secretary of State, a member of the British Cabinet, was ultimately responsible to the British Parliament.
| A 15-member Council of India was instituted to assist the Secretary of State for India. This Council served as an advisory body, with the Secretary of State acting as its Chairman. |
- The Act constituted the Secretary of State-in-Council as a corporate body, capable of suing and being sued in India and in England.
Reorganization of the Army
- The Army underwent reorganization after 1858, with an increased proportion of British troops in the Indian Army. British troops were primarily deployed to maintain internal security, while Indian troops were trained and organized for overseas service, aiming to subjugate Asian and African territories for British Imperialism.
- Artillery was taken away from Indian hands, and all higher and more sensitive appointments were reserved for the British. Indians were restricted from employment in the Army headquarters, except as clerks in non-military capacities.
| Battalions were drawn from diverse elements such as the Sikhs, Punjabi Muslims, Pathans, Rajputs, Gurkhas, etc. The British exploited communal, caste, and regional differences among the sepoys. |
- A notable distinction was made between martial and non-martial races, and a myth based on this distinction was propagated.
- The Sikhs and Gurkhas, who remained loyal to the British during the revolt, were categorized as martial races. In the aftermath of the revolt, significant changes were implemented in the judicial domain. New Civil and Criminal Procedure Codes were enacted.
| The judiciary underwent reorganization with the passage of the Indian High Courts Act, 1861. High Courts were established in Calcutta, Bombay, and Madras, replacing the Sadar Courts and Supreme Courts that existed before the revolt. |
Social and Cultural Impact
- The previous policy of actively promoting reforms was abandoned, as it was argued that this policy had contributed significantly to the events of 1857. The responsibility for reform was now entirely entrusted to the initiative of the Indian population, and this remained the fundamental policy of the Government of India for over half a century.
- The Muslim Renaissance, which had been gaining momentum in Delhi before 1857, suffered an irreparable setback.
Different Views Related to the Nature of Revolt
| Views Related to Nature of Revolt | Given by |
| Specially medieval, but efforts of powerless class to get their lost power | Disraeli |
| A Hindu-Muslim conspiracy | Dr. Tarachand |
| Not only sepoy mutiny, formed the shape of civil rebellion. The real form was of feudalistic, though some nationalistic elements were also present | J. Outram and W. Taylor |
| Neither First nor National nor War of Independence | Jawaharlal Nehru |
| Inherited in the Constitution of British rule an effort by the conservative elements to turn back the clock | RC Majumdar |
| First War of Indian Independence | TR Holmes, VD Savarkar |
| Wholly unpatriotic and selfish Sepoy Mutiny, with no native leadership and no popular support | Sir John Seeley |
| The entire movement, lacked a unified and forward-looking program to be implemented after the capture of power | Bipan Chandra |
| Here lay the women (Laxmi Bai), who was the only man among the rebel | High Rose |
British Officials Associated with Revolt
| British Officials | Places |
| General John Nicholson | – Captured Delhi on 20th September 1857. – Died soon due to a fatal wound received during the fighting. – Killed Bahadur Shah’s sons and grandsons in Delhi. |
| Major Hudson | – Defended against Nana Saheb’s forces in Kanpur until 26th June 1857. – British forces surrendered on 27th on the promise of safe conduct to Allahabad. |
| General Neil | – Recaptured Banaras and Allahabad in June 1857. – Killed Indians in revenge for English killings by Nana Saheb’s forces in Kanpur. – Died at Lucknow while fighting against the rebels. |
| Sir Colin Campbell | – Final recovery of Kanpur on 6th December 1857. – Final reoccupation of Lucknow on 21st March 1858. – Recapture of Bareilly on 5th May 1858. |
| Henry Lawrence | – Chief Commissioner of Awadh. – Died during the seizure of British residency by rebels at Lucknow on 2nd July 1857. |
| Major General Havelock | – Defeated Nana Saheb’s forces on 17th July 1857. – Died at Lucknow in December 1857. |
| William Taylor and Eye | – Suppressed the revolt at Arrah in August 1857. |
| Hugh Rose | – Suppressed the revolt at Jhansi and recaptured Gwalior on 20th June 1858. – Brought the whole of Central India and Bundelkhand under British control. |
| Colonel Oncell | – Captured Banaras. |
Books related to the Revolt of 1857
| Books | Authors |
| Eighteen Fifty-Seven | Dr SN Sen |
| History of the Sepoy War in India (later completed by Colonel GB Malleson) | John Kaye |
| Civil Rebellion in the Indian Mutinies 1857-59 | SB Chaudhary |
| The Sepoy Mutiny and the Revolt of 1857 | BC Majumdar |
| 1857 in India | AT Embree |
| The Peasant and the Raj | Eric Stokes |
| The Sepoy Mutiny 1857 | HP Chattopadhyay |
| Rebellion 1857 | PC Joshi |
| Eighteen Fifty-Seven | Maulana Abul Kalam Azad |
| The Indian War of Independence 1857 | VD Savarkar |
| 1857 A Great Revolt | Ashok Mehta |
| Great Mutiny | Christopher Hibbert |
| The Indian Mutiny of 1857 | George Bruce Malleson |
| Religion and Ideology of the Rebels of 1857 | Iqbal Hussain |
Prelims Facts
- When was the new Enfield rifle with a greased cartridge introduced in the British Indian Army? – December 1856 [BPSC (Pre) 2005]
- Who called the Revolt of 1857 a conspiracy? – Sir James Outram and W Taylor [BPSC (Pre) 1995]
- The Statement ‘the so-called first national war of independence was neither first nor national, nor a war of independence is associated with RC Majumdar (UPPSC (Mains) 2010)
- Who termed the uprising of 1857 as the first War of independence? VD Savarkar (UPPSC (Mains) 2015]
- Who was the official historian of the Indian freedom struggle? SN Sen (UPPSC 2010
- What was the symbol of the 1857 independence struggle? – Lotus and Chapatis [MPPSC (Pre) 1990
- In the middle of the 19th century, Indian nationalism was in its embryonic stage. Historians who believe in this fact were – DR. RC Majumdar and Dr. SN Sen (MPPSC (Pre) 2021)
- Who was the bitterest enemy of the British during the Revolt of 1857? – Maulvi Ahmadullah Shah (BPSC (Pre) 2001
- What is the name of the birthplace of Maharani Lakshmibai, the heroine of the 1857 freedom struggle? – Varanasi [BPSC (Pre) 2015
- Where is the situated? mharani Laxmibai Gwalior (MPPSC (Pre) 2013
- With who? did Maharani Lakshmibai have combat in last battle? – Hugh Rose [MPPSC (Pre) 1992]
- Who spearheaded the Revolt of 1857 in Bihar? – Kunwar Singh [BPSC (Pre) 2020]
- Who was the chief advisor of Nana Saheb? – Azimullah Khan [UKPSC (Pre) 2012]
- Who was the leader of the 1857 struggle for freedom in Lucknow? – Hazrat Mahal [BPSC (Pre) 2008, UPPSC (Pre) 2015]
- The real name of which leader of 1857 was Ram Chandra Pandurang’? – Tatya Tope [UPPSC (Pre) 2011]
- Who was the leader of the revolution of 1857 in Assam? – Diwan Maniram Dutta [UPPSC (Mains) 2007]
- Which Urdu poet witnessed the Revolt of 1857? – Ghalib [BPSC (Pre) 2002]
- Which dynasty supported the British maximum during the 1857 freedom movement? – Scindias of Gwalior [MPPSC (Pre) 2010]
UPSC NCERT Practice Questions
1. Which of the following was not the reason for making the sepoys of the East India Company rebellious? BPSC (Pre) 2018
(a) Efforts of the officers of the company to spread Christianity.
(b) Order to the soldiers to travel on the ship.
(c) Withholding of allowance.
(d) Incapability of officers.
2. Which of the following statements about the first Act of the Revolt of 1857 is/are true?
1. It occurred in Meerut when two sepoys stole a superior officer’s rifle.
2. It began when the Rani of Jhansi declared war on the British.
3. It began when Mangal Pandey fired at a European officer in Meerut.
4. It began when Mangal Pandey fired at a European officer in Barrackpore.
Select the correct answer by using the codes given below.
(a) Only 2
(b) 1, 2 and 3
(c) Only 4
(d) l and 4
3. Which of the following brave from Bhopal led the main movement and sacrificed his life during the First Struggle for Independence in 1857? MPPSC (Pre) 2019
(a) Fazil Mohammad Khan
(b) Sheikh Ramzan
(c) Dost Mohammad Khan
(d) Habibulla Khan
4. Which of the following persons had participated actively in the Revolt of 1857? BPSC (Pre) 2020
(a) Nana Saheb (Kanpur)
(b) Begum Hazrat Mahal (Lucknow)
(c) Maulavi Ahmadullah (Faizabad)
(d) Begum Zeenat Mahal (Delhi)
(e) None of the above/More than one of the above
5. Who was the leader of the rebellion in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh during 1857?UPPSC (Pre) 2023
(a) Nana Saheb
(b) Kunwar Singh
(d) Khan Bahadur Khan
(c) Hazarat Mahal
6. Which among the following British officers lost their lives at Lucknow? UPPSC (Pre) 2008
1. General John Nicholson
2. General Neil
3. Major Havlock
4. Sir Henry Lawrence
Select the correct answer by using the codes given below.
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 1, 3 and 4
(c) 2, 3 and 4
(d) All of these
7. In the middle of the 19th century, Indian nationalism was in its embryonic stage. Historians who believe in this fact were MPPSC (Pre) 2021
(a) Dr RC Majumdar and Dr SN Sen
(b) Sir James Outram and W Tailor
(c) TR Holmes and LER Reese
(d) Sir John Lawrence and Seeley
8. Which of the following statements are correct about the Revolt of 1857?
(a) It is carefully arranged by the Rajas, Nawabs, and Talugdars and there was a planned rebellion.
(b)Rumors and predictions had no role.
c) Rebellious declarations ine posT made repeated of their caste (religion) and creed.
appeals to all sections of the population, regardless
(d) The British were successful in controlling the rebels quickly and easily.
9. Which of the following groups did not participate in the Revolt of 1857? BPSC (Pre) 1995
1. Agricultural Labour
2. Sahukars
3. Farmers
4. Landlords
Select the correct answer from the codes given below.
(a) Only 1
(b) 1 and 2
(c) Only 2
(d) 2 and 4
10. Which one of the following conceptions is true about the Revolt of 1857? UPPSC (Mains) 2010
(a) Indian historians have described it as an Indian Mutiny.
(b) British historians have described it as a war of independence.
(c) It gave a death blow to the system of East India any’s rule in India.
(d) It was for the improvement of the administrative machinery in India.
11. What was/were the object/objects of Queen Victoria’s Proclamation (1858)? IAS (Pre) 2014
1. To disclaim any intention to annex the Indian States.
2. To place the Indian administration under the British Crown.
3. To regulate East India Company’s trade with India.
Select the correct answer by using the codes given below.
(a) 1 and 2
(b) Only 2
(c) 1 and 3
(d) All of these
Know Right Answer
1 (d)
2 (c)
3 (a)
4 (c)
5 (d)
6 (c)
7 (a)
8 (c)
9 (d)
10 (c)
11 (a)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Question: What were the main causes of the Revolt of 1857?
Answer: The main causes of the Revolt of 1857 included socio-religious discontent, economic exploitation, military grievances, and the introduction of new cartridges greased with animal fat, which offended the religious sentiments of both Hindu and Muslim sepoys.
2. Question: Who were the key leaders of the Revolt of 1857?
Answer: The Revolt of 1857 had both civilian and military leaders. Some prominent leaders were Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi, Bahadur Shah II, Kunwar Singh, Nana Saheb, Tantia Tope, and the sepoys who played a crucial role in various regions.
3. Question: What were the consequences of the Revolt of 1857?
Answer: The consequences of the Revolt of 1857 were far-reaching. The British government took direct control of India from the East India Company, marking the end of the Company’s rule. The event also led to the policy of direct imperial rule, and the Indian National Congress was later founded in 1885 as a political platform.
4. Question: How did the British suppress the Revolt of 1857?
Answer: The British suppressed the Revolt of 1857 through a combination of military force, strategic diplomacy, and political maneuvering. They employed a policy of divide and rule, using loyal sepoys and local rulers to counter the rebels. The British also conducted ruthless military campaigns to quell resistance in different regions.
5. Question: How did the Revolt of 1857 impact India’s struggle for independence?
Answer: The Revolt of 1857 is considered a turning point in India’s struggle for independence. While the immediate rebellion was suppressed, it laid the foundation for future movements against British rule. It fostered a sense of national unity and inspired subsequent generations to strive for freedom, contributing significantly to the Indian independence movement in the 20th century.
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