1857 in India

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See also: 1856 in India, other events of 1857, 1858 in India and the Timeline of Indian history.

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The Indian rebellions of 1857 (also known as the Sepoy Mutiny) as known to the British or The First War Of Indian Independence as known to the Indians was a period of uprising in northern and central India against British rule in 1857-1858. It is also known as the Sepoy Rebellion, the Great Mutiny, and the Revolt of 1857. It is widely acknowledged to be the first-ever united rebellion against colonial rule in India. Mangal Pandey, a Sepoy in the colonial British army, was the spearhead of this revolt. Other main leaders were Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi and Tantia Tope Causes of the Revolt Failure of the Revolt

[edit] Causes of the Revolt

(1) The establishment of the British rule in India had political, social and military consequences. The Indians had no say in the Government of their own country.They were exploited by the British East India Company, which ignored the miserable conditions of the Indian peasants, while exploiting the rich natural resources of the country to pursue other imperialistic ventures. The English used India as a supplier of raw materials to the England based industries and also as a dumping ground for the finished products. Although the Indians formed a great part of the British Army,they were given lower positions and pay scales than their British counterparts. In the year 1857, the British Army inducted a new type of rifle, the Enfield, whose cartridge was said to be greased in cow and pig fat. Hindus consider the Cow a sacred animal and refrain from eating beef, while Muslims Consider it an offense to consume pork. The entire Indian faction of the British Army rose in rebellion against the British. Soon, the flames spread and it turned into a full- fledged rebellion. (2)artisans were being ruined due to the introduction of railways as British made goods penetrated deep into the country.

(3)peasants suffered under the permanent,mahalwari,ryotdari settlements.

[edit] Failure of the Revolt

The Revolt of 1857 proved to be a gain, as it was confined only to the Northern Part of the country, and was not well synchronised. However, it did shake up the British, who then brought India directly under the Queen's rule, and introduced several reforms. Queen Elizabeth, by a proclaimation on 1st November, 1858, included India within her rule from the English East India Company.