The Revolt of 1857, also known as the First War of Independence or the Sepoy Mutiny, was a significant event in Indian history. It marked a turning point in the colonial rule of the British East India Company and had several major causes. However, the correct answer is option 'D', which states that a strong patriotic fervour among Indian soldiers and the common people was not a major cause of the revolt.

There were several factors that led to the Revolt of 1857:

a) Pitiable living conditions of Indian soldiers:
- Indian soldiers, known as sepoys, were an essential part of the British Indian Army.
- They faced harsh treatment, low wages, and discrimination compared to their British counterparts.
- The introduction of the new Enfield rifle, which required sepoys to bite off the cartridge, rumored to be greased with animal fat, offended religious sentiments.

b) Fear of the princes and zamindars losing their possessions:
- The British had annexed several princely states and reduced the powers of many Indian rulers.
- The Doctrine of Lapse, which allowed the British to annex any state without a male heir, caused fear among the princes and zamindars.
- They saw the British as a threat to their authority and control over their territories.

c) Fear of interference in religion:
- The British had introduced various reforms that were perceived as interfering with Indian religious and cultural practices.
- The introduction of the Widow Remarriage Act, the abolition of sati, and the spread of Christianity through missionaries were seen as encroachments on Indian traditions.
- These actions led to a fear among the masses that their religion would be undermined by British rule.

However, option 'D' states that a strong patriotic fervour among Indian soldiers and the common people was not a major cause of the revolt. This is because:

- While there was a sense of discontent and resentment towards British rule, it was not primarily driven by a strong patriotic fervour.
- The revolt was more a result of specific grievances related to the treatment of sepoys, fears of losing possessions, and religious interference.
- The revolt lacked a unified leadership and a clear vision of an independent India.
- It was largely localized and lacked widespread support from different regions of the country.

In conclusion, while the Revolt of 1857 had multiple causes, a strong patriotic fervour among Indian soldiers and the common people was not a major driving force behind the uprising. The revolt was primarily driven by grievances related to economic, political, and religious factors, as mentioned earlier.