THEME TEN- Rebels and the Raj: The Revolt of 1857 and Its Representations
Pattern of the Uprising:
1.1 How the Mutinies Began:
The revolt started with a signal, such as the firing of a gun or sounding of a bugle.
Soldiers (sepoys) seized weapons, attacked government buildings, and destroyed records.
Both Hindus and Muslims were called to unite and fight against the British.
Ordinary people, including peasants, joined the revolt, targeting moneylenders and the rich, whom they saw as British supporters.
1.2 Lines of Communication:
The revolt spread because sepoys communicated with each other across towns and cantonments.
They often wrote to other units, asking them to join the uprising.
In some areas, panchayats (village councils) were used to discuss the revolt and make collective decisions.
1.3 Leaders and Followers:
Rebel leaders were often former rulers or local chiefs like Bahadur Shah (Delhi), Nana Sahib (Kanpur), Rani Lakshmibai (Jhansi), and Kunwar Singh (Arrah).
In some cases, religious leaders and ordinary men also led local rebellions.
1.4 Rumours and Prophecies:
The revolt was fueled by rumors, like the British mixing cow and pig fat with cartridges, which would harm both Hindu and Muslim religious beliefs.
People feared that the British wanted to destroy their religions and convert them to Christianity.
Prophecies predicted that British rule would end on the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Plassey (1757).
1.5 Why Did People Believe in the Rumours?
British reforms that aimed to change Indian society, such as promoting Western education, banning traditional practices, and annexing kingdoms, caused fear and distrust among Indians.
These reforms made people feel that their way of life was under threat, making them more likely to believe in rumors.
Awadh in Revolt:
2.1 “A Cherry That Will Drop Into Our Mouth One Day”:
Awadh was annexed by the British in 1856 under the excuse of mismanagement.
The British believed they could profit from its fertile lands, especially for crops like indigo and cotton.
2.2 “The Life Was Gone Out of the Body”:
The people of Awadh loved their Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, who was exiled by the British.
His departure caused widespread grief, with many lamenting the loss of their beloved ruler.
2.3 Firangi Raj and the End of a World:
The annexation of Awadh displaced not only the Nawab but also the taluqdars (landlords).
The British reduced the power of taluqdars, taking away their lands and forcing peasants to deal directly with the British tax collectors, which increased their hardships.
What the Rebels Wanted:
3.1 The Vision of Unity:
The rebel leaders appealed to both Hindus and Muslims to join forces against the British.
They referred to a time when different communities lived together in harmony under Mughal rule.
Despite British attempts to divide people along religious lines, the rebels maintained unity.
3.2 Against the Symbols of Oppression:
The rebels rejected British rule entirely, condemning land revenue settlements and foreign trade practices.
Artisans, landholders, and peasants who had been ruined by British policies joined the revolt, hoping to restore their traditional way of life.
3.3 The Search for Alternative Power:
Rebels tried to establish their own governance structures in places like Delhi and Lucknow, often going back to pre-British traditions.
These attempts were short-lived but showed the desire to revive the Mughal way of administration.
Repression:
The British passed strict laws to suppress the revolt, including giving military officers the power to try and punish rebels without proper trials.
They launched attacks from both Calcutta and Punjab, slowly regaining control of Delhi and other rebel-held areas.
The British used both military force and promises to break the unity of the rebels, rewarding loyal landholders while punishing those who fought.
Images of the Revolt:
5.1 Celebrating the Saviours:
British artists created paintings like the “Relief of Lucknow,” which celebrated the bravery of British soldiers who defended English civilians from the rebels.
5.2 English Women and the Honour of Britain:
Paintings like “In Memoriam” portrayed English women as innocent victims of rebel violence, stirring public anger in Britain and increasing calls for harsh punishment of the rebels.
5.3 Vengeance and Retribution:
Images of British justice depicted the brutal execution of rebels as a necessary act of revenge for their rebellion against British rule.
5.4 The Performance of Terror:
The British used public executions, like blowing rebels from cannons, as a way to instill fear and assert their dominance.
5.5 No Time for Clemency:
Governor General Canning's attempt to show mercy was mocked in Britain. The British public demanded harsh punishments for rebels, as shown in cartoons like “The Clemency of Canning.”
5.6 Nationalist Imageries:
In the 20th century, Indian nationalists viewed the revolt of 1857 as the First War of Independence, celebrating leaders like Rani Lakshmibai as symbols of resistance against British rule.
