Annexation Policies: The British policy of annexing Indian states through the Doctrine of Lapse and other means created widespread resentment.

Nawabs Lose Their Power: Nawabs like Wajid Ali Shah of Awadh and Nana Saheb, the adopted son of Peshwa Baji Rao II, lost their titles and pensions. This created a deep sense of injustice and anger among Indian rulers.

Loss of Sovereignty: Indian rulers and their subjects were angered by the loss of sovereignty and traditional power structures.

Exploitation: Heavy taxation, exploitation of resources, and the destruction of traditional industries left many Indians impoverished.

Land Revenue Policies: The revenue policies, including the Permanent Settlement, Ryotwari, and Mahalwari systems, heavily burdened the peasants.

Interference in Social Practices: British interference in social and religious practices, such as the abolition of sati and the introduction of the Widow Remarriage Act, offended many Indians.

Racial Discrimination: The British racial superiority complex and discrimination against Indians fueled resentment.

Sepoy Discontent: Indian soldiers (sepoys) in the British army were dissatisfied with their pay, conditions of service, and lack of respect from British officers.

Enfield Rifle Incident: The introduction of the new Enfield rifle, which required soldiers to bite off the ends of greased cartridges believed to be made of cow and pig fat, offended both Hindu and Muslim sepoys.

Common Grievances: Both peasants and sepoys shared common grievances against British policies, including high taxes, economic hardships, and disrespect for local customs and traditions.

United Resistance: The widespread discontent among both groups led to a united front against the British during the revolt.

Meerut Incident (10 May 1857): The revolt began in Meerut when sepoys refused to use the greased cartridges, leading to their imprisonment and subsequent rebellion.

March to Delhi: The rebellious sepoys marched to Delhi, where they were joined by Indian soldiers and civilians. They declared Bahadur Shah Zafar as their leader.

Kanpur: Nana Saheb led the revolt in Kanpur, capturing the city before it was recaptured by the British.

Lucknow: Begum Hazrat Mahal and her supporters held Lucknow against the British for several months.

Jhansi: Rani Lakshmibai bravely defended Jhansi against the British before being killed in battle.

Bihar: Kunwar Singh, a zamindar from Bihar, led the rebellion in the region.

British Retaliation: The British retaliated with brutal force, using their superior military strength to recapture the lost territories.

Divide and Rule: The British used the divide and rule policy to create divisions among the rebels and regain control.

Battle of Kanpur: Nana Saheb led the capture of Kanpur before it was recaptured by the British.

Siege of Lucknow: Begum Hazrat Mahal and her supporters held Lucknow against the British for several months.

Defence of Jhansi: Rani Lakshmibai bravely defended Jhansi against the British before being killed in battle.

Term for British: The term “Firangis” was commonly used by Indians to refer to the British, highlighting the foreignness and perceived threat posed by the colonizers.

British Retaliation: The British brutally suppressed the revolt, with widespread executions, destruction of property, and punitive measures against the rebels.

End of the Mughal Empire: Bahadur Shah Zafar was captured, tried, and exiled to Rangoon, marking the end of the Mughal Empire.

End of Company Rule: The British East India Company’s rule ended, and India was brought under the direct control of the British Crown.

Policy Changes: The British adopted policies to win over Indian rulers and people, including respecting Indian customs and traditions, and recruiting more Indians into the administration and military.

Administrative Reforms: The British reorganized the administration to include more Indians in civil services, although the higher positions were still dominated by the British.

Social and Economic Impact: The revolt led to changes in social and economic policies, including reforms in land revenue and efforts to improve the condition of peasants.

Rise of Nationalism: The revolt of 1857 sowed the seeds of Indian nationalism, inspiring future generations to fight for independence.

Military Reorganization: The British reorganized the Indian army, reducing the number of Indian soldiers and increasing European troops to prevent future rebellions.

Administrative Reforms: Introduction of new administrative measures to control the Indian population and integrate the princely states more firmly into the empire.

Economic Policies: Changes in economic policies to safeguard British interests and ensure the economic exploitation of India continued effectively.

Khurda Kingdom: Located in present-day Odisha, the Khurda Kingdom was ruled by Raja Mukunda Deva II.

British Interference: The British interfered in the administration and revenue collection of Khurda, leading to widespread resentment among the local population.

Initial Rebellion: The rebellion began in 1817 when the British tried to annex the Khurda Kingdom and imposed heavy taxes.

Support from Tribals: The local tribals, including the Kandhas, joined the uprising against the British.

Suppression: The British used their military strength to suppress the uprising, capturing Raja Mukunda Deva II and executing many rebels.

Early Resistance: The Khurda Uprising was one of the early resistances against British rule, setting a precedent for future rebellions.

Legacy: The uprising highlighted the resilience of the local population and their willingness to fight against colonial oppression.

Activity: Examine a historical document or record related to the Revolt of 1857 and discuss its significance and impact.

Example: Analyze a proclamation issued by the rebel leaders and discuss its objectives and implications.

Exercise: Create a timeline of key events and battles of the Revolt of 1857.

Example: Include the Meerut Incident, the capture of Delhi, major battles, and the suppression of the revolt.

The chapter “When People Rebel 1857 and After” provides a comprehensive understanding of the causes, events, and consequences of the Revolt of 1857. It highlights the various factors that led to the uprising, the key battles and leaders, and the significant changes in British policies that followed.

Meerut Incident (10 May 1857): The revolt began when sepoys in Meerut refused to use greased cartridges.

Battle of Kanpur: Nana Saheb led the capture of Kanpur before it was recaptured by the British.

Siege of Lucknow: Begum Hazrat Mahal and her supporters held Lucknow against the British for several months.

Defence of Jhansi: Rani Lakshmibai defended Jhansi against the British before being killed in battle.

Khurda Uprising (1817): Early resistance against British annexation and heavy taxation in the Khurda Kingdom.

Impact of the Revolt: The Revolt of 1857 had a profound impact on British policies in India, leading to the end of the East India Company’s rule and the beginning of direct British control.

Legacy of the Revolt: The revolt sowed the seeds of Indian nationalism and inspired future generations to fight for independence.