The simmering discontent among the masses in India culminated in a vio...
The most important cause of popular discontent was the British policy of economically exploiting India. This hurt all sections of society. The peasants suffered due to high revenue demands and the strict revenue collection policy. Artisans and craftsmen were ruined by the large-scale influx of cheap British manufactured goods into India which, in turn, made their hand-made goods uneconomical to produce. People who made a living by following religious and cultural pursuits lost their source of livelihood due to the withdrawal of royal patronage caused by the displacement of the old ruling classes. A corrupt and unresponsive administration added to the miseries of the people.
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The simmering discontent among the masses in India culminated in a vio...
Causes of popular discontent in India leading to the violent outburst in 1857:
1. Economic exploitation of India by the British:
The economic policies of the British East India Company were focused on extracting maximum wealth from India, leading to widespread poverty and discontent among the masses. The British implemented various exploitative policies such as heavy taxation, high land revenue, and the destruction of local industries. These policies resulted in economic hardships for the Indian population, increasing their discontent towards British rule.
2. British land revenue policies:
The British introduced the zamindari system, which involved the imposition of high land revenue on Indian peasants. The revenue collection was often oppressive, with the peasants being forced to pay exorbitant amounts even in times of crop failure. This led to widespread agrarian distress and increased discontent among the farming communities.
3. British systems of law administration:
The British introduced a new legal system in India, which was seen as biased and discriminatory by the Indian population. The laws favored the British and their interests, often leading to injustice for the Indians. The Indian people felt that their rights and interests were not being adequately protected under the British legal system, leading to further discontent.
4. Foreignness of the British rule:
The British rule in India was marked by cultural and social differences, which created a sense of alienation among the Indian population. The British administrators and officials were often insensitive to Indian customs, traditions, and religious beliefs. This cultural disconnect and the perception of British superiority further fueled the discontent among the masses.
Conclusion:
While all the mentioned factors played a role in the popular discontent in India, the economic exploitation of India by the British was the most important cause. The policies implemented by the British East India Company, such as heavy taxation and destruction of local industries, resulted in widespread poverty and economic hardships for the Indian population. This economic exploitation created deep resentment and anger among the people, eventually culminating in the violent outburst of 1857.