The General Services Establishment Act was one of the main causes for ...
General Services Establishment Act and the Uprising of 1857
The General Services Establishment Act was a major contributing factor to the Uprising of 1857 in India. This Act played a significant role in creating discontent among the Indian sepoys, who were an integral part of the British East India Company's army.
Requirement for Overseas Deployment
One of the key provisions of the General Services Establishment Act was the requirement for Indian soldiers to go overseas for deployment if necessary. This was deeply resented by the sepoys, as many of them held strong cultural and religious beliefs that prohibited them from crossing the sea. The prospect of being forced to go against their beliefs and traditions caused widespread dissatisfaction among the Indian soldiers.
Violation of Religious and Cultural Beliefs
The Act's provision for overseas deployment was seen as a direct violation of the religious and cultural beliefs of the Indian sepoys. It infringed upon their right to practice their faith and customs, leading to a sense of disrespect and discrimination among the soldiers. This created a deep sense of resentment and anger towards the British authorities.
Role in Triggering the Uprising
The requirement for Indian soldiers to go overseas for deployment under the General Services Establishment Act was a significant catalyst for the Uprising of 1857. It fuelled the growing discontent and dissatisfaction among the sepoys, ultimately leading to a widespread rebellion against British rule in India. The Act's provisions played a crucial role in uniting the sepoys and civilians in their fight against the oppressive British regime.
In conclusion, the General Services Establishment Act's requirement for overseas deployment of Indian soldiers was a key factor that contributed to the Uprising of 1857. It highlighted the cultural insensitivity and disrespect towards Indian beliefs, further fueling the flames of rebellion and resistance against British colonial rule.
The General Services Establishment Act was one of the main causes for ...
The General Service Enlistment Act of 1856 was introduced by Charles Canning in 1856. It required every Indian soldier to go overseas for deployment if required. It was one of the main causes for the Uprising of 1857, as it was a taboo for Brahmins in those days to cross the seas, it was known as Samudrolanghana or Sagarollanghana.