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The Revolt of 1857 Class 5 Notes SST

The Industrial Revolution

Industrial Revolution in Europe led to the colonization of various Asian and African countries. India was one such country that came under British political control. British traders arrived in India and obtained permission to establish trading centers. The East India Company, established in 1600 A.D., was a prominent European trading company.

  • Other European powers like the Portuguese, Dutch, and French also sought Indian textiles and spices in exchange for goods from their own countries.
  • There was competition and conflict among European nations for trade dominance in India.
  • The British emerged victorious in pushing out their European rivals.

The Revolt of 1857 Class 5 Notes SST

How Britishers Became Rulers?

India was divided into small states with weak rulers who were selfish and lacked patriotism. The rulers were constantly fighting each other for minor advantages. Britishers exploited the disunity among Indian rulers to their advantage. Initially traders, the Britishers eventually became the rulers of India.

Question for Chapter Notes: The Revolt of 1857
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What was one of the reasons for the Britishers to become rulers of India?
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Rise of East India Company

British traders initially aimed to maximize wealth from India by exporting raw materials and importing factory-made goods. 

  • The East India Company gradually gained political control over Indian states, influencing farming practices and the pricing of products.
  • Farmers were forced to grow Indigo for England even during famines, with British traders determining the prices of Indian goods.
  • Silk sales were restricted to British traders at fixed rates, impacting local weavers and artisans negatively.
  • Dhaka muslin import was banned in Britain to protect their products, leading to losses for Indian artisans and states.
  • Local zamindars and nawabs faced Company interventions, resulting in unemployment and discontent among various Indian groups.
  • The Indian handloom industry suffered due to competition with cheap factory-made cloth, leading to job losses for weavers.
  • Many Indian people were unhappy and without jobs. They showed their unhappiness through various revolts, but most of these were small and unorganized, making it easy for the Company rulers to stop. The biggest revolt happened in 1857, which is seen as India's first fight for freedom.

The Revolt of 1857 Class 5 Notes SST

The Revolt of 1857

The Revolt of 1857 began with discontent among East India Company soldiers due to mistreatment by British superiors, low pay, and lack of promotion prospects.

  • The introduction of a new rifle with cartridges greased with pig and cow fat caused outrage among Hindu and Muslim soldiers who refused to use them.
  • Initial outbreaks occurred in Berhampur and Barrackpore, escalating into a widespread rebellion starting in Meerut on May 10, 1857.
  • The revolt expanded to northern and central India with the last Mughal Emperor, Bahadur Shah II, becoming its symbolic leader.
  • Various leaders emerged, including Rani Laxmi Bai of Jhansi, Nana Sahib, Tantia Tope, and Begum Hazrat Mahal of Awadh, who played significant roles in the rebellion.

Question for Chapter Notes: The Revolt of 1857
Try yourself:
What was one of the main reasons for the discontent among East India Company soldiers that led to the Revolt of 1857?
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Impact of the Revolt of 1857

February and the rebellion of Mangal Pandey at Barrack Pore on 29th March gradually took the form of a wildfire.

  • The rebellion quickly spread across northern and central India. The last Mughal Emperor, Bahadur Shah, was declared its leader, with various leaders emerging in different places like Jhansi and Avadh. 
  • The British  crushed the revolt, executing Bahadur Shah's sons and punishing many others severely. Despite its brutality, the revolt failed to achieve its goals. 
  • The East India Company was dissolved, and direct British rule was established, with Indian princes under strict British control. The rebellion of 1857 sparked a desire among Indians to end British rule, leading to a struggle that lasted for 90 years.
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FAQs on The Revolt of 1857 Class 5 Notes SST

1. Who were some of the important characters involved in the revolt of 1857?
Ans. Some of the important characters involved in the revolt of 1857 were Rani Lakshmi Bai, Nana Sahib, Bahadur Shah II, Tantia Tope, and Mangal Pandey.
2. What role did Rani Lakshmi Bai play in the revolt of 1857?
Ans. Rani Lakshmi Bai, also known as the Rani of Jhansi, was a prominent leader in the revolt of 1857. She fought against the British forces and became a symbol of resistance and bravery.
3. How did Nana Sahib contribute to the revolt of 1857?
Ans. Nana Sahib, the adopted son of the last Peshwa Baji Rao II, played a significant role in the revolt of 1857. He led the rebellion in Kanpur and was one of the key figures in the uprising against British rule.
4. What was the significance of Bahadur Shah II in the revolt of 1857?
Ans. Bahadur Shah II, also known as the last Mughal Emperor, was a central figure in the revolt of 1857. He was proclaimed the leader of the rebellion and his involvement gave the uprising a symbol of legitimacy and unity.
5. How did Tantia Tope and Mangal Pandey contribute to the revolt of 1857?
Ans. Tantia Tope was a key military leader in the revolt of 1857, leading several battles against the British forces. Mangal Pandey, on the other hand, is remembered for sparking the rebellion by refusing to use cartridges believed to be greased with animal fat, which was against the religious beliefs of Hindu and Muslim soldiers.
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