Chapter 5- When People Revolt: 1857 and After
Policies and the People
Nawabs Lose Their Power
Gradual erosion of authority and resources for nawabs and rajas under British rule.
Examples: Rani Lakshmibai’s plea for her son’s rights, Nana Saheb’s pension request.
Peasants and Sepoys’ Discontent
High taxes and rigid revenue collection affected peasants and zamindars.
Sepoys faced pay and service grievances, including mandatory overseas service.
Responses to Reforms
Religious and Social Reforms by the British
Policies to end sati, promote widow remarriage, and encourage English education.
Resistance due to fear of cultural and religious erosion, especially with conversion laws.
The Mutiny Begins: A Popular Uprising
Sepoy Discontent and Mutiny
Concerns over greased cartridges suspected to contain cow and pig fat sparked the mutiny.
Sepoys in Meerut jailed for refusing the new cartridges, sparking wider rebellion.
Spread to Delhi
Mangal Pandey’s rebellion in Barrackpore and subsequent spread of mutiny to Delhi.
Sepoys rally around Bahadur Shah Zafar as symbolic leader of the uprising.
Uprising Expands Across Regions
Spread to Kanpur, Lucknow, Jhansi, and Beyond
Local rulers like Nana Saheb, Rani Lakshmibai, and Begum Hazrat Mahal joined the uprising.
Regional leaders like Ahmadullah Shah and Kunwar Singh also mobilized forces.
The British Response
British Retaliation
Reinforcements from England, new laws for quick punishment, and recapture of Delhi.
Bahadur Shah Zafar’s exile, lengthy battles to suppress remaining uprisings.
Submission of Rebel Leaders
British negotiations included amnesty offers to restore some rebels’ lands and rights.
Aftermath of the Uprising
Reorganization of British Rule
Transfer of power from East India Company to the British Crown.
Establishment of Viceroy in India, reduced Indian soldiers, and preference for Gurkhas, Sikhs, and Pathans in the army.
Policy Changes
Assurance to ruling chiefs on the security of territories.
Respect for local religious and social customs and strengthened rights of landlords.
Case Study: The Khurda Uprising of 1817
Background
Early anti-British resistance in Khurda, Orissa led by Paiks and Buxi Jagabandhu.
Impact
British introduced reforms post-rebellion, reducing salt prices and removing corrupt officials.
Activities and Discussion Questions
Questions
Discussion on sepoy grievances, British responses, and the rebellion’s impact on Indian society.
Research
Stories about the 1857 uprising, additional research on Rani Lakshmibai’s life and contributions.
