CLASS VIII
- WRITE A SUMMARY OF CHAPTER 1 AND 2 OF YOUR HISTORY TEXTBOOK.
- IMAGINE THAT YOU ARE A YOUNG EAST INDIA COMPANY OFFICIAL IN INDIA. WRITE A LETTER TO YOUR FAMILY IN ENGLAND ABOUT YOUR LUXURIOUS LIFE AND CONTRASTING IT WITH YOUR EARLIER LIFE IN BRITAIN. (CCT BASED qUESTION)
- WHAT ARE THE VARIOUS PARTS OF INDIAN PARLIAMENT AND HOW MANY MEMBERS ARE IN EACH PART.
- WRITE THE FUNDAMANTAL DUTIES OF INDIAN CITIZEN DEFINED IN INDIAN CONSTITUTION.
- Read the given information and answer the following questions. (CCT BASED qUESTION)
The Revolt of 1857
Causes of 1857 Revolt
The issue of greased cartridges and military grievances has been over-emphasized, as the factor for the Revolt of 1857. However, recent researches have proved that the cartridge was not the only cause for this revolt. In fact, multiple causes i.e., social-religious-political- economic worked together to produce the rebellion.
1. Social and Religious Causes: The British had abandoned its policy of non-interference in the socio-religious life of the Indians. Abolition of Sati (1829), Hindu Widow Remarriage Act (1856). Christian missionaries were allowed to enter India and carry on with their mission of proselytizing. The Religious Disabilities Act of 1850 modified the traditional Hindu law. According to it, the change in religion would not debar a son from inheriting the property of his heathen father.
2. Military Grievances: The extension of British dominion in India had adversely affected the service condition of the Sepoys. They were required to serve in an area away from their homes without the payment of extra Bhatta. An important cause of Military discontent was the General Service Enlistment Act, 1856, which made it compulsory for the sepoys to cross the seas, whenever required. The Post Office Act of 1854 withdrew the free postage facility for them.
3. Political Causes: The last major extension of the British Indian territory took place during the time of Dalhousie. Dalhousie announced in 1849, that the successor of Bahadur Shah II would have to leave the Red Fort. The annexation of Baghat and Udaipur was, however, canceled and they were restored to their ruling houses. When Dalhousie wanted to apply the Doctrine of Lapse to Karauli (Rajputana), he was overruled by the court of Directors.
Causes of Failure
1. Some of the local rulers like Scindia of Gwalior, the Holkar of Indore, the Nizam of Hyderabad, the Raja of Jodhpur, the Nawab of Bhopal, the rulers of Patiala, Sindh, and Kashmir, and the Rana of Nepal provided active support to the British.
2. The military equipment of the rebels was inferior. Comparative lack of efficient leadership.
3. The modern intelligent Indians also didn’t support the cause.
Impact of the Revolt
1. The revolt was mainly feudal in character carrying with it some nationalist elements.
2. The control of Indian administration was passed on to the British Crown by the Government of India Act, 1858.
3. The army was carefully reorganized to prevent the recurrence of such an event.
The Revolt of 1857 was an extremely important event in Indian history. It was merely a product of Sepoy but was accumulated grievances of the people against the Company’s administration and of their dislike for the foreign regime.
Read the passage above and answer the following questions.
Q1. What was the recent cause of 1857 struggle?
Q2. Name some Indian rulers that not supported the 1857 struggle?
Q3. Which Governor General announced that the successor of Bahadur Shah II would have to leave the Red Fort?
Q4. Who controlled the Indian administration after 1857?
Q5. Name some social causes of 1857 struggle?