Revolt of 1857 Notes CLASS 8 HISTORY

-

 Revolt of 1857 Notes


Causes of the Revolt

- Political Causes:

    - Annexation policies like the Doctrine of Lapse, which allowed the British to annex Indian states if the ruler did not have a male heir

    - Insult of Bahadur Shah: The Governor-General told the Mughal Emperor that he would be the last emperor of India

    - Unjustified annexation of Awadh, which annoyed the people and the sepoys

- Economic Causes:

    - Heavy taxation and exploitation of resources

    - Destruction of traditional industries

    - Land revenue policies like the Permanent Settlement, Ryotwari, and Mahalwari systems heavily burdened the peasants

- Social and Religious Causes:

    - Introduction of Western Education System

    - British interference in Indian social and religious customs

    - The British were converting Indians into Christians by promising them many concessions

    - The English passed the Religious Disability Act, 1856 to spread Christianity


Key Events

- The Revolt Begins: The revolt started on May 10, 1857, in Meerut, when sepoys refused to use greased cartridges

- Spread of the Revolt: The revolt spread to Delhi, Kanpur, Lucknow, and other parts of North and Central India

- Key Leaders:

    - Mangal Pandey, who initiated the rebellion at Barrackpore

    - Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last Mughal emperor who was declared the symbolic leader of the revolt

    - Nana Sahib, who led the revolt in Kanpur

    - Rani Lakshmibai, who led the revolt in Jhansi

    - Tantia Tope, who used guerrilla warfare against the British


Consequences

- End of the East India Company's Rule: The revolt led to the end of the East India Company's rule in India, and the British Crown took direct control

- Rise of Indian Nationalism: The revolt marked the beginning of the Indian nationalist movement

- Changes in British Policies: The British introduced changes in their policies, including the abolition of the Doctrine of Lapse and respect for the rights of landlords and princes


Important Terms

- Sepoy: An Indian soldier in the British East India Company's army

- Doctrine of Lapse: A policy introduced by Lord Dalhousie, which allowed the British to annex Indian states if the ruler did not have a male heir

- Subsidiary Alliance: A system where Indian rulers allowed British troops to be stationed in their territories in exchange for protection


Short Answers

1. Who led the revolt in Kanpur?

Nana Sahib


2. What was the immediate cause of the revolt?

The introduction of greased cartridges


3. Who was the Governor-General of India during the revolt?

Lord Canning


Long Answers

1. What were the main causes of the Revolt of 1857?


The Revolt of 1857 was caused by a combination of political, economic, and social factors. The British annexation policies, including the Doctrine of Lapse, led to widespread discontent among Indian rulers and nobles. The economic exploitation of India by the British, including heavy taxation and destruction of traditional industries, further fueled the discontent. Additionally, the British interference in Indian social and religious customs, including the introduction of Western education and the spread of Christianity, contributed to the outbreak of the revolt.


2. Describe the role of Rani Lakshmibai in the Revolt of 1857.


Rani Lakshmibai, the queen of Jhansi, played a significant role in the Revolt of 1857. She led the revolt in Jhansi, fighting bravely against the British forces. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, Rani Lakshmibai refused to surrender and fought till the end. Her bravery and leadership inspired many others to join the revolt, and she became a symbol of Indian resistance against British rule.


3. What were the consequences of the Revolt of 1857?


The Revolt of 1857 had significant consequences for India and the British. The revolt led to the end of the East India Company's rule in India, and the British Crown took direct control of the country. The revolt also marked the beginning of the Indian nationalist movement, which would eventually lead to India's independence from British rule. Additionally, the British introduced changes in their policies, including the abolition of the Doctrine of Lapse and respect for the rights of landlords and princes.


Questions and Answers

1. Who initiated the rebellion at Barrackpore?

Mangal Pandey


2. Who was declared the symbolic leader of the revolt?

Bahadur Shah Zafar


3. What was the outcome of the revolt?

The British Crown took direct control of India, ending the East India Company's rule.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Literacy Rate in India 2025: State-Wise Insights

-
Image
  Literacy Rate in India 2025: State-Wise Insights As citizens of India, understanding the literacy rate of our country is crucial. India, the world's largest democracy, has made significant progress in improving literacy levels over the years. However, challenges remain, with disparities across states and between genders. In this article, we provide an updated and detailed analysis of the literacy rate in India in 2025, including state-wise data, key trends, and insights into how we can further improve literacy levels nationwide. India's Literacy Rate in 2025: As of 2025, India's overall literacy rate stands at 77.7%, reflecting steady progress from earlier years. While this is an improvement from the 2011 Census figure of 74.04%, it still means that nearly one in four Indians remains unable to read or write. The male literacy rate is 84.7%, while the female literacy rate is 70.3%, highlighting a persistent gender gap. Key Highlights of India's Literacy Rate  - Categor...
Read more

MY STRUGGLE FOR THE EXISTENCE

-
Image
As I ruminate on my life's journey, I am reminded of the capricious nature of fate, which can effortlessly metamorphose one's existence in the blink of an eye. At the tender age of six, I became an orphan, bereft of the loving care and nurturing presence of my parents. This cataclysmic event would indelibly leave an imprint on my psyche, shaping my worldview and informing my future endeavors. Despite the formidable challenges that lay ahead, I was fortunate to have my indefatigable single Muslim mother, Shazia Rehman, who assumed the onerous responsibility of raising me. Her unwavering dedication, unrelenting perseverance, and unconditional love served as a bulwark against the vicissitudes of life, enabling me to navigate the complexities of growing up. As I traversed the labyrinthine corridors of my educational journey, I began to develop a profound affinity for Hinduism and, more importantly, humanism. The eclectic mix of philosophical and theological perspectives that I enco...
Read more

Public Facilities

-
Image
 Public Facilities Public facilities are essential services and amenities provided by the government or other public entities to the general public. These facilities aim to improve the quality of life for citizens and promote the overall well-being of the community. Types of Public Facilities:-  - Education: Schools, colleges, universities, libraries  - Healthcare: Hospitals, clinics, dispensaries, community health centers  - Transportation: Roads, railways, public buses, airports  - Water and Sanitation: Clean drinking water, sewage treatment plants, public toilets  - Electricity: Power supply and distribution  - Communication: Post offices, telephone exchanges, internet connectivity  - Recreation: Parks, playgrounds, community centers, sports facilities  - Safety and Security: Police stations, fire stations, disaster relief services Importance of Public Facilities:-  - Essential for human development: Access to education, healthcare, a...
Read more