Revolt of 1857 (First War of Indian Independence)

Causes of Revolt of 1857

Political and Administrative Factors

• Doctrine of Lapse: Introduced by Dalhousie, it allowed annexation of princely states without heirs.
• Displacement of Native Princes: Many rulers lost power and territories.
• British Policy of Divide and Rule: Encouraged rivalries among local rulers.
• Military Reforms: Recruitment of sepoys from different regions led to tensions.

Economic Factors

• Land Revenue System: Heavy taxation and exploitative revenue policies.
• Displacement of Artisans and Peasants: Due to British industrialization and land policies.
• Devaluation of Currency: Use of silver rupees led to inflation and hardship.

Social and Religious Factors

• Cultural and Religious Sensitivities: British policies were seen as undermining traditional values.
• Social Inequality: British dominance over local elites and suppression of indigenous culture.

Immediate Triggers

• Mangal Pandey Incident (March 29, 1857): First act of rebellion in Barrackpore.
• Khan Bahadur Khan’s Role: Spread of rebellion in Awadh.
• Rani Lakshmibai’s Leadership: Sparked revolt in Jhansi.
• Tantia Tope’s Role: Organized guerrilla warfare in Central India.

Course of Revolt of 1857

Early Stages (1857)

• Barrackpore (March 29, 1857): Mangal Pandey killed British officer, marking the start of rebellion.
• Jhansi (April 5, 1857): Rani Lakshmibai declared independence and led resistance.
• Meerut (May 10, 1857): The revolt officially began when sepoys rebelled against British officers.
• Delhi (May 11, 1857): Rebel forces reached Delhi and declared Bahadur Shah II as Emperor, making him the symbolic leader of the revolt.

Major Campaigns

Turning Points

• Lucknow Siege (May–July 1857): British recaptured city, leading to heavy casualties.
• Kanpur Massacre (June 15, 1857): British recaptured Kanpur, killing many rebels.
• Delhi’s Fall (July 1857): British recaptured Delhi, marking the end of the rebellion.

Aftermath

• British Consolidation: British reasserted control over North India.
• Repression and Pacification: British launched campaigns to crush remaining resistance.
• Loss of Lives: Estimated 40,000 to 100,000 killed, with many civilians also affected.

Major Leaders of Revolt of 1857

Native Leaders

• Rani Lakshmibai (Jhansi): Defied British annexation, led guerrilla warfare.
• Nana Sahib (Cawnpore): Declared independence, led rebellion in Awadh.
• Khan Bahadur Khan (Bareilly): Organized rebellion in Bareilly, supported Bahadur Shah II.
• Tantia Tope (Central India): Organized guerrilla warfare, defeated British forces.
• Bahadur Shah II (Delhi): Symbolic leader, declared Emperor, lost control of Delhi.

Sepoy Leaders

• Mangal Pandey (Barrackpore): First to kill British officer, sparked rebellion.
• Begum Hazrat Mahal (Lucknow): Led rebellion in Lucknow, supported Nana Sahib.

British Crown Takeover

Immediate Actions

• Proclamation of Queen Victoria (1858): Announced end of East India Company rule.
• Government of India Act, 1858: Transferred control of India to British Crown.
• Establishment of Viceroyalty: Lord Canning became first Viceroy of India.

Key Provisions of Government of India Act, 1858

Impact of British Takeover

• End of East India Company Rule: Company’s administrative and military powers transferred to Crown.
• Centralization of Power: British consolidated control over entire India.
• Reforms in Governance: New administrative structure established to prevent future uprisings.
• Legacy of Revolt: Shaped British policies towards India, leading to more inclusive governance.

Key Dates

• March 29, 1857: Mangal Pandey killed British officer, sparking revolt.
• May 10, 1857: Bahadur Shah II declared Emperor.
• July 1857: British recaptured Delhi.
• August 1857: British recaptured Lucknow.
• 1858: Government of India Act passed, transferring power to Crown.

Frequently Asked Questions (SSC, RRB)

• What was the main cause of Revolt of 1857?

  • Use of Enfield Rifles with greased cartridges, Doctrine of Lapse, and economic exploitation.

• Who was the first to kill a British officer?

  • Mangal Pandey (Barrackpore, March 29, 1857).

• Who was the symbolic leader of the Revolt?

  • Bahadur Shah II (Delhi, May 10, 1857).

• When did the British Crown take over India?

  • 1858, through the Government of India Act.

• What was the outcome of the Revolt?

  • British reasserted control, transferred power to Crown, and implemented reforms.