From where the revolt of 1857 started and how they gradually spread?
Spread of the Revolt of 1857:
The revolt of the sepoys spread from Barrackpore to Meerut and thence to Delhi. ... Both at Meerut and Delhi the sepoys killed the Europeans wherever they came across. When the news of the occupation of Delhi by the sepoys reached Muzaffarnagar (May 13) the sepoys there also rose in revolt.
From where the revolt of 1857 started and how they gradually spread?
The revolt of 1857, also known as the Indian Rebellion of 1857 or the First War of Independence, was a significant event in Indian history. It began in the town of Meerut, located in present-day Uttar Pradesh, India. However, the underlying causes of the revolt can be traced back to various factors and grievances accumulated over time.
Background:
- British East India Company's dominance: The British East India Company had established a strong political and economic presence in India, resulting in exploitation of resources and imposition of unfair policies.
- Socio-religious reforms: The introduction of new social and religious reforms, such as the abolition of sati and the introduction of Western education, was perceived as a threat to Indian traditions and way of life.
- Discontent among sepoys: The sepoys, Indian soldiers serving in the British Indian Army, were dissatisfied with various issues, including low wages, racial discrimination, and the use of cartridge greased with animal fat.
Spread of the Revolt:
The revolt of 1857 started in Meerut but quickly spread to other regions in India. Here is a detailed explanation of how the revolt gradually spread:
1. Meerut: The revolt initially began on May 10, 1857, in Meerut, when Indian sepoys refused to use the new cartridges greased with animal fat, which violated their religious beliefs.
2. Delhi: The revolt spread to Delhi, the capital of the Mughal Empire, where Bahadur Shah II, the last Mughal emperor, was declared the leader of the revolt. The sepoys, along with civilians, captured Delhi and established their control over the city.
3. North and Central India: The revolt quickly spread to other regions in North and Central India, including Lucknow, Kanpur, Jhansi, and Allahabad. In these areas, local rulers, such as Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi and Nana Sahib of Kanpur, played significant roles in leading the rebellion.
4. Awadh (Oudh): The annexation of Awadh by the British East India Company in 1856 had resulted in widespread resentment. The revolt in Awadh was characterized by intense fighting, especially in Lucknow, where the sepoys and local people resisted British forces for several months.
5. Bihar and Bengal: The revolt spread to Bihar and Bengal, where sepoys and local leaders joined forces to challenge British authority. However, the revolt in these regions was relatively short-lived and was eventually suppressed by the British.
6. Punjab and Rajasthan: The revolt did not gain significant momentum in Punjab and Rajasthan. The Sikh and Rajput rulers in these regions remained loyal to the British, providing support to suppress the rebellion.
7. Suppression of the Revolt: The revolt was eventually suppressed by the British, who employed a combination of military force, political maneuvering, and divide-and-rule policies. The British regained control over the territories, and the rebellion gradually subsided by 1858.
In conclusion, the revolt of 1857 started in Meerut and gradually spread to various regions in India, fueled by a range of grievances and discontent among the Indian population. The revolt was
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