Q2. What was the demand of Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi that was refused by the British?
Ans. Rani Lakshmibai wanted the company to recognize her adopted son as the heir of the kingdom after the death of her husband. But the British refused her plea.
Q3. What did the British do to protect the interests of those who converted to Christianity?
Ans. Those who converted to Christianity would inherit the property of his ancestors.
Q4. What objections did the sepoys have to the new cartridges that they were asked to use?
Ans. The sepoys objected that the new cartridges that they were asked to use were coated with the fat of cows and pigs.
Q5. How did the last Mughal emperor live the last years of his life?
Ans. Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last Mughal emperor lived a very pathetic life during the last years of his life. He was tried in court and sentenced to life imprisonment. He and his wife were sent to prison in Rangoon, he died there after four years.
Q6. What could be the reasons for the confidence of the British rulers about their position in India before May 1857?
Ans.
- The freedom of the rulers reduced and their armed forces disbanded.
- Governor general lord Dalhousie announced that after the death of bahadur shah jafar the family of the king would be shifted out of the red fort.
- In 1856 governor general Canning decided that Bahadr Shah Jafar would be the last Mughal emperor .
Q7. What impact did Bahadur Shah Jafar’s support to the rebellion have on the people and the ruling families?
Ans.
- Their support boosted the morale of the ruling families.
- People of the towns and the villages rose up in rebellion.
- In Lucknow Birjis Qadr, in Jhansi Rani Laxmibai and Tantia tope the general of Nana Saheb fought against British.
Q8. How did the British Succeed in securing the submission of the rebel landowners of Awadh?
Ans. The British providing them inheritance rights. The British also exempted them from taxes.
Q9. In what ways did the British change their policies as a result of the rebellion of187?
Ans.
- The powers of the East India Company was transferred to the British Crown.
- The Governor General of India was given the title of Viceroy.
- All ruling chiefs of the country were assured that their territory would never be annexed in future.
- It was decided that the proportion of Indian soldiers in the army would be reduced.
The British decided to respect the customary religions and social practices of the people of India