Here are the answers to the questions on the Revolt of 1857:
1. Short Answer Type Questions:
1. What were the main causes of the Revolt of 1857?
• Political Causes: Doctrine of Lapse and annexation of Indian states.
• Economic Causes: Heavy taxation, exploitation of farmers, and destruction
of traditional industries.
• Social Causes: Social reforms interfering with religious practices, like the
ban on Sati.
• Military Causes: Low salaries, poor treatment of Indian soldiers, and the
introduction of the Enfield rifle with greased cartridges.
• Immediate Cause: The use of greased cartridges, which hurt religious
sentiments.
2. Explain the role of the British policies in triggering the Revolt of 1857.
• The Doctrine of Lapse led to the annexation of Indian states.
• High taxation and economic exploitation caused widespread poverty.
• Social reforms interfered with religious and cultural practices.
• Discrimination against Indian soldiers and low pay fueled resentment.
3. Who was Mangal Pandey, and what was his role in the Revolt of 1857?
• Mangal Pandey was an Indian soldier who fired the first shot against British
officers on March 29, 1857, at Barrackpore, marking the beginning of open
rebellion.
4. What was the significance of the Battle of Cawnpore during the Revolt of
1857?
• The Battle of Cawnpore, led by Nana Saheb, was significant due to the
brutal massacre of British civilians, which increased British retaliation.
5. Mention two immediate consequences of the Revolt of 1857.
• The end of the East India Company’s rule and the British Crown taking
direct control of India (Government of India Act, 1858).
• Increased racial distrust between Indians and the British.
6. Describe the role of Rani Lakshmibai in the Revolt of 1857.
• Rani Lakshmibai led the Jhansi rebellion against the British after they
annexed her kingdom. She became a symbol of courage and resistance, dying
in battle in 1858.
7. Why did the Revolt of 1857 fail?
• Lack of unity among Indian leaders.
• Poor planning and inferior weapons compared to the British.
• No nationwide coordination—regional focus limited its impact.
• Superior British resources and reinforcements.
2. Long Answer Type Questions:
1. Discuss the causes and effects of the Revolt of 1857.
Causes: See the first question.
Effects:
• British Crown took direct control.
• Increased racial policies and distrust.
• Reforms in the military to prevent further uprisings.
• End of the Mughal Empire with Bahadur Shah Zafar’s exile.
2. Explain the role of Indian soldiers (sepoys) in the Revolt of 1857. How did
the British manage to suppress the rebellion?
• Indian soldiers led the uprising in places like Meerut, Delhi, and Kanpur.
• British suppression relied on divide-and-rule, better resources, and support
from loyal princely states.
3. Objective Type Questions:
1. Which of the following was a major cause of the Revolt of 1857?
d) All of the above
2. Who was the last Mughal emperor to play a role in the Revolt of 1857?
c) Bahadur Shah Zafar
3. Where did the Revolt of 1857 begin?
b) Meerut
Fill in the blanks:
1. The Revolt of 1857 is also known as the First War of Independence.
2. The British government ended the rule of the East India Company and took
direct control of India after the Revolt of 1857 through the Government of
India Act of 1858.
4. Case Study or Application-Based Questions:
1. Describe the significance of the Siege of Lucknow during the Revolt of
1857.
• The Siege of Lucknow was a prolonged defense of the British Residency by
Indian rebels. Key figures included Begum Hazrat Mahal, who led the
resistance.
2. Analyse the role of the Indian soldiers (sepoys) in the Revolt of 1857.
• Dissatisfaction arose due to low wages, discrimination, and religious insults
(Enfield cartridges). Their mutiny in Meerut marked the revolt’s beginning.
5. Conceptual Questions:
1. How did the introduction of the Enfield rifle contribute to the revolt?
• The Enfield rifle cartridges were rumored to be greased with cow and pig
fat, offending both Hindu and Muslim soldiers, sparking widespread
rebellion.
2. Explain the social and economic factors that contributed to the
dissatisfaction of the Indian people during British rule.
• Economic exploitation, land revenue policies, and the decline of traditional
crafts. Socially, interference in cultural and religious practices led to unrest.
6. Analytical Questions:
1. Why did the Revolt of 1857 fail to achieve its objectives?
• Lack of national leadership and unity, better British resources, and the
loyalty of some princely states to the British.
2. In what ways did the Revolt of 1857 impact the relationship between the
British government and the Indian rulers?
• British policy became more cautious—they stopped annexations and relied
on princely states for support.
3. Examine the contribution of Rani Lakshmibai in the Revolt of 1857 and
why she became a symbol of resistance.
• She led the Jhansi rebellion, fought against British annexation, and died
heroically in battle. Her courage and leadership made her an icon of Indian
freedom.
Let me know if you’d like more elaboration on any point!
