ISC CLASS 12 HISTORY PROJECT
The Revolt of 1857
INDEX
1. Introduction
2. Causes of the Revolt
○ Political Causes
○ Economic Causes
○ Social and Religious Causes
○ Military Causes
○ Immediate Cause
3. Spread of the Revolt
4. Major Centers and Leaders of the Revolt
5. British Response and Suppression
6. Reasons for the Failure of the Revolt
7. Consequences of the Revolt
8. Impact on India’s Freedom Struggle
9. Conclusion
10.References
1. INTRODUCTION
The Revolt of 1857, also known as India’s First War of Independence, was the first
large-scale rebellion against British rule. It began on 10th May 1857 in Meerut and spread
across northern and central India. While British historians called it a mere Sepoy Mutiny, Indian
nationalists consider it the foundation of India's freedom struggle.
The revolt was triggered by multiple factors, including political annexations, economic
exploitation, social discrimination, and military grievances. The immediate cause was the
introduction of the Enfield rifle, which had cartridges rumored to be greased with cow and pig
fat, offending both Hindus and Muslims.
Though ultimately unsuccessful, the revolt played a crucial role in shaping the nationalist
movement in India.
2. CAUSES OF THE REVOLT
A. Political Causes
1. Doctrine of Lapse: Introduced by Lord Dalhousie, this policy allowed the British to
annex states where rulers died without a direct heir (e.g., Satara, Jhansi, Nagpur).
2. Annexation of Awadh (1856): The British deposed Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, leading to
resentment among soldiers and the local population.
3. Disrespect to Mughal Emperor: The British discontinued privileges to Bahadur Shah
Zafar, the last Mughal emperor.
B. Economic Causes
1. Heavy Taxation: Farmers were burdened with high land taxes under the Zamindari
system.
2. Destruction of Handicrafts: British policies favored British-made goods, ruining Indian
industries.
3. Unemployment: Many landlords, artisans, and soldiers lost their jobs due to British
economic policies.
C. Social and Religious Causes
1. Westernization and Christian Missionary Activities: Indians feared forced conversion
to Christianity.
2. Sati and Widow Remarriage Laws: Though progressive, these laws were seen as
interference in Indian customs.
3. Caste Discrimination in Army: British officers disrespected Indian customs and
soldiers.
D. Military Causes
1. Discrimination in the Army: Indian sepoys were paid less than British soldiers and
were denied promotions.
2. Service Abroad: Indian soldiers were forced to serve overseas, which went against their
religious beliefs.
E. Immediate Cause
The introduction of the Enfield Rifle in 1857 required soldiers to bite cartridges rumored to be
greased with cow and pig fat, offending both Hindus and Muslims. The refusal of sepoys to
use these cartridges led to open rebellion in Meerut on May 10, 1857.
3. SPREAD OF THE REVOLT
The revolt spread to various parts of North and Central India, including:
1. Meerut – The revolt started here when sepoys refused to use the new cartridges.
2. Delhi – Bahadur Shah Zafar was declared the symbolic leader.
3. Kanpur – Led by Nana Saheb, it saw fierce battles.
4. Lucknow – Begum Hazrat Mahal led the resistance.
5. Jhansi – Rani Lakshmibai fought against British forces.
6. Gwalior – Taken over by rebels under Tantia Tope.
4. MAJOR CENTERS AND LEADERS
City Leader
Delhi Bahadur Shah Zafar
Kanpur Nana Saheb
Jhansi Rani Lakshmibai
Lucknow Begum Hazrat Mahal
Bareilly Khan Bahadur Khan
Gwalior Tantia Tope
5. BRITISH RESPONSE AND SUPPRESSION
1. The British quickly regained control of Delhi in September 1857.
2. Bahadur Shah Zafar was exiled to Rangoon (Myanmar).
3. Jhansi and Gwalior were recaptured by British forces under Sir Hugh Rose.
4. Lucknow was retaken in 1858, forcing Begum Hazrat Mahal to flee to Nepal.
5. Tantia Tope was captured and executed in 1859.
6. REASONS FOR FAILURE
1. Lack of Unity: The revolt was not well-coordinated among all regions.
2. Limited Leadership: No central leadership emerged.
3. Weak Military Organization: Indian rebels lacked modern weapons and strategies.
4. Lack of Support from South India: Most southern states remained loyal to the British.
5. British Military Strength: The British had superior firepower and reinforcements.
7. CONSEQUENCES OF THE REVOLT
1. End of Mughal Rule: Bahadur Shah Zafar was exiled, and the Mughal dynasty ended.
2. Abolition of East India Company: The British Crown took direct control of India
(Government of India Act, 1858).
3. Reorganization of the Army: British increased European troops and reduced Indian
soldiers.
4. Rise of Nationalism: The revolt inspired future leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and
Subhas Chandra Bose.
8. IMPACT ON INDIA’S FREEDOM STRUGGLE
1. The revolt sowed seeds of nationalism in India.
2. Later movements, like the Swadeshi Movement (1905) and Non-Cooperation
Movement (1920), were inspired by the revolt.
3. Indian leaders realized the need for unity and political organization, leading to the
formation of the Indian National Congress (1885).
9. CONCLUSION
Though the Revolt of 1857 failed, it marked the beginning of India's struggle for
independence. It was the first instance of a unified rebellion against British rule, influencing
later movements and leading to India’s eventual freedom in 1947.
10. REFERENCES
1. ISC History Textbook (Class 12)
2. NCERT History Textbook
3. “India’s Struggle for Independence” by Bipan Chandra
4. British Archives on 1857 Revolt
