British Rule & Revolt of 1857

Definition

British Rule refers to the period of direct and indirect British control over the Indian subcontinent, beginning effectively after the Battle of Plassey (1757) and ending with India's independence in 1947. The Revolt of 1857 was a major, but ultimately unsuccessful, uprising against the rule of the British East India Company, which served as a significant turning point in Indian history.

Key Points

• Causes of the Revolt:
  • Political: Doctrine of Lapse (Lord Dalhousie), Subsidiary Alliance (Lord Wellesley), annexation of Awadh, disrespect to Mughal emperor.
  • Economic: Heavy taxation, destruction of traditional industries, exploitation of peasants, land revenue policies.
  • Social & Religious: Activities of Christian missionaries, fear of conversion, interference with social customs (e.g., Sati abolition, widow remarriage), introduction of railways and telegraph.
  • Military: General Service Enlistment Act (1856), racial discrimination, low pay, greased cartridges controversy.
• Beginning: Started on May 10, 1857, from Meerut by sepoys.
• Major Centres & Leaders:
  • Delhi: Bahadur Shah II, General Bakht Khan
  • Lucknow: Begum Hazrat Mahal
  • Kanpur: Nana Saheb, Tantia Tope
  • Jhansi: Rani Lakshmibai
  • Bareilly: Khan Bahadur Khan
  • Bihar (Jagdishpur): Kunwar Singh
• Nature of the Revolt: Variously described as a 'Sepoy Mutiny' (British historians), 'First War of Indian Independence' (V.D. Savarkar), and a 'National Uprising' (Benjamin Disraeli).
• Reasons for Failure: Lack of central leadership, limited territorial spread, lack of modern weapons and resources, support of some Indian rulers to the British, and lack of a clear ideology.

Why Important for Exams

• Marks a significant turning point in Indian history.
• Led to the end of the British East India Company's rule and the direct assumption of power by the British Crown (Government of India Act 1858).
• Resulted in major administrative, military, and constitutional changes in India.
• Inspired future nationalist movements and the struggle for independence.

Important Facts / Landmark Case / Articles / Years

• 1757: Battle of Plassey (beginning of British political dominance).
• 1857: Outbreak of the Revolt.
• 1858: Government of India Act 1858 (transfer of power from Company to Crown).
• Lord Canning: Governor-General and Viceroy during the Revolt.
• Mangal Pandey: Sepoy whose actions at Barrackpore sparked early unrest.

Remember

The Revolt of 1857 ended Company Rule and initiated Crown Rule in India.

Related Topics

• Subsidiary Alliance
• Doctrine of Lapse
• Government of India Act 1858
• Peasant Revolts in British India
• Indian National Congress
• Early Nationalist Movements