In 1856, which Governor General decided that Bahadur Shah Zafar was th...
Lord canning was governer general of india that time. he has the power to do so.
In 1856, which Governor General decided that Bahadur Shah Zafar was th...
Lord Canning was the Governor General who decided in 1856 that Bahadur Shah Zafar was the last Mughal King and none of his descendants would be recognized as Kings hereafter. This decision was a significant moment in Indian history and marked the end of the Mughal Empire.
Background:
- The Mughal Empire was founded by Babur in 1526, and it reached its peak under Emperor Akbar.
- However, by the 18th century, the empire had started to decline, and the British East India Company had gained significant power in India.
The Last Mughal King:
- Bahadur Shah Zafar II was the last Mughal Emperor who ruled from 1837 to 1857.
- His reign was marked by political instability and the growing influence of the British.
- The British considered him a figurehead and had reduced his authority to mere ceremonial duties.
The Revolt of 1857:
- The Indian Rebellion of 1857, also known as the First War of Independence, was a major uprising against British rule in India.
- The rebellion was triggered by various factors, including the introduction of new rifles with cartridges greased with animal fat, which offended both Hindu and Muslim soldiers.
- Bahadur Shah Zafar was initially reluctant to support the rebellion but eventually became its symbolic leader.
- The rebellion was brutally suppressed by the British, and many rebels were executed or imprisoned.
Lord Canning's Decision:
- After the rebellion, the British held Bahadur Shah Zafar responsible for the uprising, even though he had limited involvement.
- In 1856, Lord Canning decided that Bahadur Shah Zafar would be the last Mughal King, and none of his descendants would be recognized as Kings hereafter.
- This decision was primarily symbolic and aimed at eradicating any possibility of future revolts or uprisings with the Mughals as figureheads.
- It also demonstrated the British assertion of power and their intention to suppress any challenges to their rule.
Impact:
- Lord Canning's decision marked the end of the Mughal Empire, which had been in decline for several decades.
- It solidified British control over India and further marginalized the Mughals.
- The decision also had cultural and historical implications, as it symbolized the end of an era and the beginning of British dominance in India.
In conclusion, Lord Canning, as the Governor General, made the decision in 1856 that Bahadur Shah Zafar was the last Mughal King and none of his descendants would be recognized as Kings hereafter. This decision marked the end of the Mughal Empire and further solidified British control over India.
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