The Revolt of 1857 - 2 Class 5 Worksheet SST

Q1: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

(i) What was the main cause of the Revolt of 1857?
(a) Economic hardships
(b) Religious conflicts
(c) Introduction of new taxes
(d) Use of animal fat in cartridges
Ans: (d)
The use of animal fat in cartridges was a major trigger for the revolt, as it offended religious beliefs.

(ii) Who was the last Mughal emperor to support the Revolt of 1857?
(a) Akbar II
(b) Aurangzeb
(c) Shah Jahan
(d) Bahadur Shah II
Ans: (d)
Bahadur Shah II supported the revolt and became a symbolic leader for the rebels.

(iii) The Revolt of 1857 began in which city?
(a) Delhi
(b) Agra
(c) Meerut
(d) Lucknow
Ans: (c)
The revolt started among the sepoys in Meerut before spreading to other places.

(iv) Who was a prominent leader in the Revolt of 1857 from Jhansi?
(a) Rani Lakshmibai
(b) Rani Padmini
(c) Rani Ahilyabai
(d) Rani Sita Devi
Ans: (a)
Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi was a prominent leader who fought against the British forces.
(v) What was the outcome of the Revolt of 1857?
(a) India gained independence
(b) British control over India increased
(c) The British East India Company was abolished
(d) The Mughal Empire was restored
Ans: (b)
The revolt led to a strengthening of British control and a shift in the administration from the British East India Company to the British Crown.

Q2: Fill in the Blanks

(i) The Revolt of 1857 is also known as the _____________.
(ii) The spark for the revolt was the use of animal fat in the cartridges of _______.
(iii) The British East India Company ruled India as its _________.
(iv) Rani Lakshmibai of ________ was a prominent figure in the revolt.
(v) The British introduced the ___________ to annex Indian states.
(vi) The revolt began in ________ and quickly spread to other regions.
(vii) The sepoys were Indian soldiers who served in the ________.
(viii) The last Mughal emperor during the revolt was _________.
(ix) The revolt started in the year ________.
(x) The revolt failed due to lack of _________ among the rebels.
Ans: 
(i) First War of Independence
The Revolt of 1857 is often referred to as the First War of Independence because it marked a significant attempt by Indians to overthrow British rule and regain their independence.
(ii) rifle bullets
The use of animal fat in rifle cartridges was seen as disrespectful to religious beliefs, leading to outrage among Indian soldiers, which was one of the factors that triggered the revolt.
(iii) colonial power
The British East India Company initially established trading posts in India but eventually became a colonial power, taking control over vast territories and governing them under its rule.
(iv) Jhansi
Rani Lakshmibai was a courageous leader who played a vital role in the rebellion, especially in Jhansi, where she led her troops against British forces and became a symbol of resistance.
(v) Doctrine of Lapse
The Doctrine of Lapse was a policy introduced by the British East India Company to annex Indian princely states if they did not have a direct heir. This policy was used to expand British control over Indian territories.
(vi) Meerut
The revolt's initial outbreak occurred among the sepoys in Meerut, and from there, it spread to various parts of India, including Delhi, Lucknow, and Jhansi.
(vii) British army
Sepoys were Indian soldiers who were recruited by the British East India Company to serve in its army. They played a significant role in the Revolt of 1857.
(viii) Bahadur Shah II
Bahadur Shah II, also known as Bahadur Shah Zafar, was the last Mughal emperor and became a symbol of leadership during the Revolt of 1857.
(ix) 1857
The Revolt of 1857 began in the year 1857 and continued for several months, marking a significant uprising against British rule.
(x) proper coordination
One of the reasons for the failure of the revolt was the lack of effective coordination among the different rebel groups, which allowed the British to suppress the uprising.

Q3: True and False

(i) The Revolt of 1857 began due to the use of pig fat in cartridges. (True/False)
(ii) The British East India Company was not involved in ruling India during the revolt. (True/False)
(iii) Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi was a key figure in the Revolt of 1857. (True/False)
(iv) The revolt started in Lucknow and later spread to Meerut. (True/False)
(v) The Doctrine of Lapse was introduced to protect Indian states from annexation. (True/False)
Ans:
(i) False: The spark for the revolt was the use of animal fat, not pig fat, in cartridges.
(ii) False: The British East India Company was indeed involved in ruling India during the revolt.
(iii) True: Rani Lakshmibai played a significant role in leading the rebellion.
(iv) False: The revolt started in Meerut and later spread to other regions.
(v) False: The Doctrine of Lapse was used to annex Indian states, not to protect them.

Q4: Match the Following

Ans:

Q5: Short Answer Questions

(i) Why did the Indian soldiers (sepoy) of the British army revolt in 1857?
Ans: The Indian soldiers (sepoy) revolted in 1857 due to a combination of factors, including the use of animal fat in cartridges, economic grievances, cultural and religious concerns, and discontent with British rule. The sepoys saw these issues as a threat to their way of life and traditions, leading them to rise against the British.

(ii) Who was Bahadur Shah II, and what was his role in the Revolt of 1857?
Ans: Bahadur Shah II, also known as Bahadur Shah Zafar, was the last Mughal emperor during the Revolt of 1857. He supported the revolt and was declared the nominal leader of the uprising. His leadership gave the revolt a sense of legitimacy and authority, as he was a symbol of Indian royalty and heritage.

(iii) Explain the significance of Rani Lakshmibai in the Revolt of 1857.
Ans: Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi was a brave and determined leader during the Revolt of 1857. She led her troops in the Battle of Jhansi, where she fought fiercely against the British forces. Her courage and determination have made her an iconic figure in India's struggle for independence, inspiring generations with her heroic actions.

(iv) What was the Doctrine of Lapse, and how did it contribute to the uprising?
Ans: The Doctrine of Lapse was a policy introduced by the British East India Company to annex Indian princely states that did not have a male heir. This policy allowed the British to seize control of such states upon the ruler's death. The doctrine was used to expand British territories and control over India by taking advantage of the absence of direct heirs.

(v) Why is the Revolt of 1857 considered a turning point in India's struggle for independence?
Ans: The Revolt of 1857 marked a turning point in India's struggle for independence because it brought to light the deep-seated discontent and resentment against British rule. Although the revolt itself was suppressed, it exposed the oppressive nature of British policies, leading to increased awareness and eventual united efforts by Indians to gain independence in the years that followed.