1857 Revolt

The Revolt of 1857
Date: May 10, 1857
Leaders: Mangal Pandey, Rani Lakshmi Bai, Nana Sahib
Work: The revolt started as a mutiny by sepoys of the East India Company but soon escalated into a full-scale rebellion against British rule in India.
Area: Spread across various parts of India, including Delhi, Meerut, Kanpur, Jhansi.

Causes of the Revolt
1. Social and Religious Causes: The British policies of annexation, interference in social customs, and disrespect for religious beliefs angered the Indian sepoys and civilians.
2. Economic Causes: Heavy land revenue, high taxes, and the introduction of new land revenue systems burdened the Indian peasants.
3. Military Causes: The introduction of the Enfield rifle with cartridges greased with animal fat hurt the religious sentiments of the sepoys.
4. Political Causes: The annexation policy of the British, discrimination against Indians in high positions, and the Doctrine of Lapse also fueled the revolt.

Course of the Revolt
1. May 1857: The revolt began in Meerut, followed by Delhi, Jhansi, Kanpur, and other places.
2. Leadership: Various leaders emerged, including Nana Sahib, Rani Lakshmi Bai, Tantia Tope, Bahadur Shah II, and Kunwar Singh.
3. British Response: The British faced tough resistance but eventually suppressed the revolt with brutal force.
4. End of the Revolt: The revolt was officially suppressed by the British in 1858, leading to the end of Mughal rule and the beginning of direct British control over India.

Impact of the Revolt
1. The revolt marked the beginning of the end of British East India Company rule in India.
2. It inspired nationalist sentiments and laid the foundation for the Indian independence movement.
3. The British government took over direct control of India through the Government of India Act of 1858.