GS1 PYQ (Mains Answer Writing): Revolt of 1857 | History for UPSC CSE PDF Download

Explain how the Uprising of 1857 constitutes an important watershed in the evolution of British policies towards colonial India. (GS 1 UPSC MAINS )

• One of the important events of Indian history is the 'Revolt of 1857' or 'India's first war of Independence' or 'The Sepoy Mutiny'. It was the first rebellion against the East India Company which took the massive form. It showed resentment towards British policies thus it acted as the watershed in the evolution of British policies towards colonial India. 
• Britishers felt that the efforts to westernize the Indian society were one of the reasons which caused the mutiny, after the revolt they tried to integrate Indian higher castes and rulers into the government and abolished any attempts of westernisation. Similarly the government distanced itself further from the Christian missionaries. 
• The revolt depicted the Hindu-Muslin unity thus Britishers started to appease one community over the other giving rise to the divide and rule policy. 
• It led to the dissolution of the east India company in 1858 with the passage of government of India act and was there after directly governed by the crown. 
• A new post named Secretary of State was created to govern India and formulate Indian policy. The Governor General from now on called as viceroy implemented the policies. 
• Doctrine of lapse policy was one of the main causes of the revolt was ended. 
• Administrative changes were made in the executive, legislative and judicial arenas with greater participation of Indians .This change was visible in the Indian Council Act 1861, the Indian High court act 1861 and the Indian Civil Services Act 1861. 
• After the rebellion British reorganized the army and brought changes in the financial system and administration as well. These troops were replaced by new units recruited from castes hitherto under-utilized by the British and from the so-called "Martial Races", such as the Sikhs and the Gorkhas, which were not part of mainstream Indian culture. 
• The British increased the ratio of British to Indian soldiers within India. From 1861 Indian artillery was replaced by British units.

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