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HIstory Question, Balakot, 1857

The Battle of Balakot was fought between Ahmed Shah Brelvi and the Sikhs, led by Ranjit Singh, resulting in the deaths of Ahmed and his commander due to betrayal by local leaders. The War of Independence in 1857 failed due to lack of unity, unclear objectives, and some local leaders siding with the British, alongside deep-rooted religious differences among the populace. Religion played a significant role in the uprising, particularly the controversy over greased cartridges, which provoked widespread resentment against British rule and their cultural impositions.

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26 views2 pages

HIstory Question, Balakot, 1857

The Battle of Balakot was fought between Ahmed Shah Brelvi and the Sikhs, led by Ranjit Singh, resulting in the deaths of Ahmed and his commander due to betrayal by local leaders. The War of Independence in 1857 failed due to lack of unity, unclear objectives, and some local leaders siding with the British, alongside deep-rooted religious differences among the populace. Religion played a significant role in the uprising, particularly the controversy over greased cartridges, which provoked widespread resentment against British rule and their cultural impositions.

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© © All Rights Reserved
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(a) What happened at the battle of Balakot.

It was a battle of Ahmed shah Brelvi against the Sikhs. The Sikhs were led by Ranjit Singh. Ahmed, was
killed in this Battle alongside with his commander Ismail shah. The local leaders betrayed Ahmed by
telling Ranjit Singh a way through the mountains, through which he could attack the army of Ahmed
more effectively as his army would be unprepared for the sudden attack.

b) Why was war of independence not successful? 7

The War of Independence, 1857, was unsuccessful as the people had no proper aims to fight as there
was no leader to guide them about their aims and lead them to success. This meant that people were
not motivated enough to stage a revolt since they didn’t know what they were fighting for.

Furthermore, most of the people didn't participate in the war and some local leaders like the ruler of
Punjab even assisted the British. British promised him great benefits in return. This meant that British
were against a weak and scattered opposition.

Also, the people of India weren't united due to religious differences. People weren't ready to set aside
religious differences for anything at all and so could not fight for same cause. This was a great set back
as the British were united against the locals .

c) Was religion most important reason for the war of independence? 14

A major reason for the war of independence was religion. The Muslims and Hindus in British army were
provided with bullets with cartridge greased by pig and cow fat. Cow has always been sacred in Hindu
religion and Muslims consider Pig as unclean and prohibited for eating. This matter provoked the
soldiers and they rebelled causing a mutiny that turned into war.

Also, Christians from Britan used to force their lifestyle and religion on the Indians. This was
unacceptable for all religious communities of subcontinent and a source of great resentment. Even
before the “cartridge incident’ religious people didn’t accept British authority becausr od sich steps.

Other religious affairs of locals were also under attack. British made rules against using dupatta in
women dressing, and the ritual of ‘Suttee’ among Hindus was outlawed by British. These were matters
of religious sensitivity.

Also, the efforts of British, to teach Indians English made the local population angry. It was, in the
opinion of Indians, an effort to undermine their culture. Hence, protection of local culture was also an
issue that served as a reason for war.

Most of the population in India suffered with poverty. Despite this British burdened the locals with
heavy taxation. People blamed the British for their economic condition and participated in the war of
independence for their economic betterment

Doctrine of lapse allowed British to take control of local rulers’ lands if they had no direct male heir. The
people loyal to local rulers didn’t like this idea of increasing British control.
While people were suffering economically and their culture was also under attack the major reason for
the war of independence were religious. This is evident since after all the suffering of Indians only the
cartridge incident started the war of 1857.

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