The Revolt of 1857 was the first major uprising against British rule in India. It is also called the First War of Independence or the Sepoy Mutiny. It began on 10 May 1857 at Meerut and is a very important topic in modern Indian history.
Causes
- Political – the policy of Doctrine of Lapse by Lord Dalhousie angered many rulers.
- Economic – heavy taxes and ruin of Indian industries.
- Social and religious – fear that the British wanted to convert Indians.
- Military – the immediate cause was the use of greased cartridges in the new Enfield rifle.
Beginning of the Revolt
The revolt began when Mangal Pandey, a sepoy at Barrackpore, refused to use the greased cartridges and attacked British officers. The revolt spread quickly from Meerut to Delhi and other parts of north and central India.
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Important Leaders and Centres
- Delhi – Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last Mughal emperor.
- Jhansi – Rani Lakshmibai.
- Kanpur – Nana Saheb and Tantia Tope.
- Lucknow – Begum Hazrat Mahal.
- Bihar – Kunwar Singh.
Consequences
The British finally suppressed the revolt. As a result, the rule of the East India Company ended and India came under the direct rule of the British Crown through the Government of India Act 1858. The title of Mughal emperor was abolished, and a Viceroy was appointed to govern India.
Quick Revision Points
- Revolt began on 10 May 1857 at Meerut.
- Immediate cause was the greased cartridges.
- Mangal Pandey sparked the revolt at Barrackpore.
- Bahadur Shah Zafar led at Delhi.
- Rani Lakshmibai led at Jhansi.
- Ended East India Company rule.
- India came under the British Crown in 1858.