The 1857 rebels, also known as the Indian Rebellion of 1857 or the First War of Independence, were individuals who rose up against British colonial rule in India. While ishtahars (posters) were one means by which they spread their views, there were also several other methods employed by the rebels to communicate their ideas and rally support.

Proclamations as a Means of Spreading Views:

Proclamations were a significant means through which the 1857 rebels spread their views. These proclamations were written documents that outlined the rebels' grievances, objectives, and call to action. They were often distributed in public spaces, such as marketplaces and religious gatherings, to reach a wide audience.

Importance of Proclamations:

1. Wide dissemination: Proclamations were able to reach a broad range of individuals, including illiterate sections of society, as they were often read out loud or explained by those who could read.

2. Unifying message: By disseminating proclamations, the rebels were able to communicate a unified message, outlining their goals and objectives.

3. Mobilizing support: The proclamations played a crucial role in rallying support for the rebellion, as they called upon people to join the cause and resist British rule.

Other Methods Employed:

While proclamations were a primary means of spreading their views, the rebels also utilized other methods to communicate their ideas:

a) Newspapers: Though not as prevalent as proclamations, rebels also used newspapers to disseminate their views. Some rebels managed to establish their own newspapers, which provided a platform to express their grievances and rally support.

b) Letters: Rebels exchanged letters among themselves to coordinate their actions and share their views. Through letters, they were able to maintain communication networks and plan their strategies.

c) Speeches: In public gatherings and meetings, rebel leaders delivered speeches to convey their ideas and inspire the masses. These speeches were important in mobilizing support and encouraging people to join the rebellion.

Conclusion:

While the rebels primarily relied on proclamations to spread their views, they also utilized other means such as newspapers, letters, and speeches. These methods were vital in disseminating their grievances, outlining their objectives, and mobilizing support for the rebellion against British colonial rule in India.