(To be written in the notebook) Learning Outcomes: Students will Discuss the Nature of the Revolt. Explain the Causes of the revolt of 1857.
Glossary : The Revolt of 1857: The Indian Rebellion of 1857 was an armed uprising, mainly concentrated in north central India, against the British East India Company which occurred between early 1857 and mid 1858. It is also known as the First War of Indian Independence. Resident :A colonial official acting as adviser to the ruler. Confiscated : To seize. Traitor: One who betrays one’s country.
Class Discussion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MV0fYMIvtyU
PRE-ASSESSMENT (To be written in the notebook) 1 . When did the revolt took place? Who was the First Martyr of the Revolt of 1857? Who was the Mughal ruler of Delhi at the time of the revolt of 1857? In which year the Enfield Rifle was introduced? 5. What did the Indian writer’s call the Revolt of 1857?
Background In the history of India, the year 1857 has a great importance. During this year, there occurred a major revolt in India. Which shook the very foundation of the British rule in India. The English had almost completed their conquests in India by 1856, But they were not fair and just. So there was always a revolt in one part or other part of the country. They could not carry their rule peacefully. These revolts broke out due to the dissatisfaction amongst the people against the government of the Company and its misrule.
The Revolt of 1857 Historians have different views about the nature of the Revolt of 1857. According to Indian writers like Ashok Mehta and Vir Savarkar , this revolt was ‘First War of Independence’ due to the following reasons.
Reasons for the First War of Independence First this revolt had the people’s support behind it, that is why it had spread so suddenly. Secondly, both the Hindus and Muslims fought against the British rule together, as they were inspired with nationalist feelings . Thirdly, the people from all walks of life supported the revolting soldiers as well as the rulers to throw the British rule out of their country.
Contd In the real sense the Great Uprising of 1857 was an outburst of national sentiments. Indian rulers and the people had not accepted the Company’s rule. No doubt the Uprising was not well organized and it was premature, but the nationalist character of the revolt cannot be underestimated. So we can call it as India’s First War of Independence.
Causes of the Revolt / First War of Independence: Major Causes of the Revolt of 1857 POLITICAL CAUSES SOCIAL CAUSES ECONOMIC CAUSES MILITARY CAUSES Doctrine of Lapse Policy Annexation of Indian States Spread of Christianity Social reforms like abolition of sati Ruining of Indian Industries and handicraft Exploitation of Natural Resources and wealth low salaries to Indian Soldiers No chance of any promotion
Political Causes Recall the Doctrine of Lapse Policy from the previous lesson . Lord Dalhousie had annexed Oudh to the British Empire of the pretext of misgovernment The English also disbanded the armies of the annexed states, so those in the army lost their means of livelihood. Due to the policy of annexation no ruler was feeling safe under the British rule The Muslims were also unhappy with the British Company. It was declared by the company that after the death of Bahadur Shah II his successors could not enjoy the title of Raja, held by the Mughal Emperor. Further they would have to leave the Royal Red Fort The English even thought themselves superior and generally insulted the Indians. They were arrogant and rude. The British administrators were also corrupt and inefficient Many ruling families tried to negotiate with the company to protect their interest. For Example Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi wanted the company to recognize her adopted son as the heir to the kingdom after the death of her husband. Nana Saheb , the adopted son of Peshwa Baji Rao II, pleaded that he be given his father’s pension when the latter died. However, the company, confident of its superiority and military powers, turned down these pleas
Social and Religious Causes The English introduced a number of changes in the Indian social life and customs like abolition of sati, forbidding child marriage, allowing widow remarriage and banning girl-child infanticide. The orthodox Hindu regarded these innovations as an interference in their social set-up. The christian missionaries made a violent criticism of Hinduism and Islam . They tried to convert Indians to Christianity by propaganda and by offering them good jobs or positions. The introduction of railway meant that the untouchables would also travel in the same compartments as Brahmins . The orthodox section considered it an attempt to defame their religion. The government made teachings of Christianity in government schools and jails obligatory. It also confiscated the lands allotted for temples and mosques, thus hurting the sentiments of both Hindus and Muslims. A law of 1850 provided that a convert to Christianity, from any religion would be entitled to inherit ancestral property. This was an indirect encouragement to the people to embrace Christianity. The spread of western culture and English education was resented by the orthodox section of society, as they thought it to be an affront to their authority and influence. All these measures produced resentment in the general public.
Economic exploitation of India and her people became the most potent cause of unrest. The English company and her officials carried away India ‘s wealth to England in several ways. By abolishing duties on British goods and imposing heavy duties on Indian products, Indian Industries and crafts were ruined by the British. India was converted into a market for the supply of raw material of England and consumption of machine-made products from England. India was converted into a market for the supply of raw material of England and consumption of machine-made products from England. By paying high salaries to the company’s officials, both in the civil and military administration in British India and princely states, India’s wealth was drained away to England. Indian states were required to pay heavy cost for maintaining the Company’s forces and the Residents in their areas. This economic exploitation, impoverished India and her people, which created resentment
The Indian soldiers were discriminated. They were considered inferior The Indian soldiers could not hope to rise in the hierarchy of the army as the avenues of promotion were closed to them. The higher posts were reserved for the European officers. There was a great disparity between the salaries of Indian and European soldiers. The extra allowance which was given to the Indian soldier's during the war was withdrawn. The Indian soldiers were also sent across the sea which was forbidden as per Hindu religious beliefs.
The Immediate Cause In 1856, new cartridges name as Enfield rifle were issued to Indian Army. Greased cartridges were used were to be used in this rifle. Both Hindus and Muslim soldiers resented the use of these cartridges. They regarded it as an attempt to pollute them and their religion. This feeling produced a spark to inflame the uprising of 1857. The use of greased cartridges became the immediate cause of this national event. The soldiers had to bite at the end of the cartridge before using it. The cartridges were said to be greased with the fat of pig or cow.
Background Notes
Written practice : Flow chart/Mind map: Causes of the revolt of 1857
Portfolio: Research work The Unforgettable Hero's of the Revolt. Choose any four of your choice. Write about their acts of heroism in the Revolt of 1857. Map practice: On an outline map of India mark the main centers of the Revolt of 1857.(Worksheet will be provided)
Learning Outcomes: Students will Identify the main centers and leaders of the revolt. Explain the effects of the failure of the revolt Describe the effects of the Revolt of 1857 on the colonial rule.
Main Events of the Revolt On 29 th March 1857, Mangal Pandey a Brahmin sepoy at Barrackpore , refused to use the greased cartridge. When he was forced to do so, he flew up in the rage and killed two English soldiers. He was arrested and later on summarily tried and executed. The execution of Mangal Pandey sparked off revolts in Meerut, Delhi, Kanpur, Jhansi, Lucknow, Banaras, Oudh, Bareily , Gwalior, and other places in northern and central India.
At Meerut about 85 Indian soldiers refused to use the greased cartridges. They were imprisoned and sentenced to ten years of jail. On hearing this, their friends killed English officials and freed their friends from the prison, They also set the bungalows of the English officials on fire MEERUT
After setting fire to the bungalows of English officials, the Meerut sepoys marched towards Delhi. The local soldiers joined them. The Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar became the rallying point of all those who were ready to end the British rule in India. Even an arrest prevailed in the religious circles to overthrow the British from India. The soldiers from the adjoining areas also joined this rising. Consequently this changed into a revolutionary war. But Lord Sir John Nicholson became successful in suppressing this rising with the help of the Sikh rulers of Punjab in September 1857 and he recaptured Delhi. In this war Bahadur Shah was imprisoned and sent to Rangoon Jail, wgherehe died in 1862. A number of Indians were murdered under the rule of General Neil. The sons of Bahadur Shah were also killed before his eyes. Delhi
At Kanpur Nana Sahib who was denied his pension by the British declared himself a Peshwa and led the rising. His sepoys killed several British men and women mercilessly and expelled the British troops from Kanpur. Being a great patriot and skillful in guerilla warfare, his commander, Tantia Tope, won the glory. But the English troops under general Havelock took the revenge of it and murdered a number of Indians. Nana Saheb ran away to Nepal and escaped being imprisoned by the English. Kanpur
Begum Hazarat Mahal of Oudh who was the regent of her son, led the rising at Lucknow with the help of the disbanded soldiers of Oudh. She besieged Sir Henry Lawerence and other officials in the Residency. She shot dead Sir Henry Lawerence . Although General Havelock came to help the English troops, but he failed in his mission. General Neil also murdered in this rising. At last Sir Collin Campbell became successful in defeating the rebels and in recapturing Lucknow. The Begum fled to Nepal and escaped being caught by the English. Lucknow Case study: Oudh Flipped class: Student led class followed by PPT .
Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi led the rising in Central India. She was a brave and patriotic woman. The valiant general Tantia Tope also joined her. Although Rani Lakshmibai fought very fearlessly, courageously and bravely, yet she was defeated by the English forces due to the traitors in her own camp. The Rani ran away to Kalpi ; the English General Sir Hugh Rose followed both the Rani of Jhansi and Tantia Tope. From Kalpi she went to Gwalior and seized it from Scindia , who was the great supporter of the British rule in India. Rani Lakshmibai died fighting in the battlefield. Tantia Tope was captured and sentenced to death. With the death of Rani Lakshmibai and Tantia Tope, the Rising of 1857 ended. Jhansi
Locate and label the Main Centres of the Revolt of 1857
Role play : Do a role play in class on any one leader of the Revolt of 1857. Or Imagine yourself as a television reporter during the uprising period. Enact how you will present the events unfolding during the uprising.
The great leaders of the revolt of 1857 laid down their lives because certain values were very dear to them. Which values, in your opinion, were supported and cherished by those leaders?
THE RISING OF 1857 UNPRECEDENTED The Rising of 1857 A.D was unprecedented. It was due to the following reasons: The rising was faster in its speed and wider in its extent than earlier revolts which took place between 1765 and 1857 against the English. The people of all castes and religions took part in this rising, leaving behind all their differences All the people, whether they were peasants or landlords, princes or paupers, educated or uneducated were affected by the rising of 1857. Foundation of the company was shaken by this rising According to some historians, it was the first rising against the British rule, which was carried on with a planning.
THE RESULT OF THE RISING The British had regained control of the country by the end of 1859, but they could not carry on ruling the land with the same policies any more. Given below are the important changes that were introduced by the British The British passed a new Act in 1858 known as the government of India Act 1858 and transferred the powers of the East India to the British crown in order to ensure a more responsible management of Indian affairs. The Board of control was abolished and the Board of Directors had no powers left. A member of the British Cabinet was appointed secretary of State for India for India and made responsible for all matters related to the governance of India. He was given a council to advice him, called the India Council. The Governor-General of India was given the title of Viceroy, that is, a personal representative of the Crown. Through these measures the British government accepted direct responsibility for ruling India.
2 . All ruling chiefs of the country were assured that their territory would never be annexed in future. They were allowed to pass on their kingdoms to their Kingdoms to their heirs, including adopted sons. However they were made to acknowledge the British Queen as their Sovereign Paramount. Thus the Indian rulers were to hold their kingdoms as subordinates of the British Crown.
3.It was decided that the proportion of Indian soldiers in the army would be reduced and the number of European soldiers would be increased. It was also decided that instead of recruiting soldiers from Awadh , Bihar, central India and South India, more soldiers would be recruited from among the Gurkhas, Sikhs and Pathans. 4.The land and property of Muslims was confiscated on a large scale and they were treated with suspicion and hostility. The British believed that they were responsible for the rebellion in a big way. 5.The British decided to respect the customary religious and social practices of the people in India 6.Policies were made to protect landlords and zamindars and give them security of rights over their lands
DIFFERENTIATED TASK My choice board 1.The first war of Independence took place in 1857 but India gained Independence in the year 1947.If India had won the war in 1857.How could India be different at present in terms of Economy and Education? 2.Before the Revolt of 1857, the British spoke of a time when the Indians would rule themselves. But after the Revolt they said that Indians are unfit to rule. What made them change their mind after the revolt? 3.The leaders were motivated by their personal, gains rather than love for their motherland. This is a statement used to comment on the failure of the Revolt of 1857. However do you think that this statement is valid even today? Give you views and the reason to justify them.
WHAT IF What would have happened if the East India company was defeated in the 1857 Sepoy Mutiny? How would this have shaped the future of India?
Success Criteria SUCCESS CRITERIA ALWAYS SOMETIMES WORKING TOWARDS IT I can explain the main causes of the Revolt of 1857. I am able to list the main leaders and centers of the revolt. I can explain the effects of the failure of the revolt and also describe the effects of the Revolt of 1857 on the colonial rule Explain the effects of the failure of the revolt Describe the effects of the Revolt of 1857 on the colonial rule.