Which of the following wrote letters to all the chiefs and rulers of I...
Bahadur Shah, after initial vacillation, wrote letters to all the chiefs and rulers of India urging them to organise a confederacy of Indian states to fight and replace the British regime. The entire Bengal Army soon rose in revolt which spread quickly. Awadh, Rohilkhand, the Doab, the Bundelkhand, central India, large parts of Bihar and East Punjab shook off British authority.
View all questions of this test
Which of the following wrote letters to all the chiefs and rulers of I...
Historical Context
During the Indian Rebellion of 1857, various leaders emerged to challenge British rule. Among them, Bahadur Shah II, the last Mughal Emperor, played a pivotal role in unifying different factions against the British.
Bahadur Shah II's Role
- As a symbolic figure, Bahadur Shah II sought to restore the glory of the Mughal Empire.
- He recognized the need for a united front against the British, prompting him to communicate with various Indian rulers.
- His letters urged the princes and chiefs to form a confederacy, emphasizing the importance of unity in the struggle for independence.
Why the Confederacy?
- The idea of a confederacy was crucial as it aimed to consolidate the strength of numerous independent states.
- By organizing themselves, the Indian states could present a formidable challenge to the British, who were exploiting divisions among them.
- Bahadur Shah II believed that a united resistance could inspire greater participation from the masses and other princely states.
Impact of His Letters
- Although the confederacy did not materialize as hoped, Bahadur Shah II's letters symbolized the desire for unity among Indian leaders.
- His actions also helped to rally support and created a sense of urgency among the rulers to consider anti-British measures.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Bahadur Shah II's letters to the chiefs and rulers of India were a significant attempt to forge a united alliance against British colonial rule, underscoring his leadership during a crucial period in Indian history.
To make sure you are not studying endlessly, EduRev has designed UPSC study material, with Structured Courses, Videos, & Test Series. Plus get personalized analysis, doubt solving and improvement plans to achieve a great score in UPSC.