NCERT Solutions for Class 8 History Chapter 5 - When People Rebel

Let's Recall

Q1. What was the demand of Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi that was refused by the British?

Rani Lakshmi Bai

Ans: Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi demanded that the British East India Company recognise her adopted son as the rightful heir to the throne after her husband's death. However, the British refused this request.

Key points regarding the refusal:

• The British did not accept her adopted son as the ruler of Jhansi.
• This refusal was based on Lord Dalhousie's policy known as the Doctrine of Lapse.
• According to this doctrine, if an Indian ruler died without a male heir, their kingdom would be annexed by the British.

Q2. What did the British do to protect the interests of those who converted to Christianity?

Ans: In 1850, a new law was enacted to facilitate conversions to Christianity. This law granted Indians who converted the right to inherit their ancestors' property. The British implemented various measures to safeguard the interests of these converts, including:

• Legal recognition of property rights for converts.
• Support for Christian missionaries to operate freely.
• Promotion of English-language education.

These efforts aimed to protect the rights of those who embraced Christianity, although they also led to concerns among many Indians about the erosion of their religion and traditional customs.

Q3. What objections did the sepoys have to the new cartridges that they were asked to use?

Ans: The sepoys had several objections to the new cartridges:

• They suspected that the cartridges were greased with cow and pig fat.
• This was offensive to both Hindu and Muslim sepoys.
• To use the cartridges, soldiers had to bite them open, which conflicted with Hindu beliefs about cows being sacred and Muslim views of pigs as unclean.
• Many sepoys perceived this as a deliberate attempt by the British to disrespect their religions.

Additionally, there were broader concerns:

• Sepoys were unhappy with their pay, allowances, and service conditions.
• Some new rules violated their religious beliefs.
• There was a fear that crossing the sea would lead to a loss of religion and caste.

These factors contributed to the sepoys' refusal to use the cartridges and heightened tensions within the ranks.

Q4. How did the last Mughal emperor live the last years of his life?

Ans: After the death of Aurangzeb, the Mughal emperors lost their real power, becoming largely symbolic rulers. The last Mughal emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar, played a significant role in the 1857 uprising when rebels declared him their leader.

• After the British suppressed the rebellion, Zafar was tried and sentenced to life imprisonment.
• He was blinded, and his sons were killed.
• In October 1858, Zafar and his wife, Begum Zinat Mahal, were exiled to Rangoon.
• Zafar died in prison in November 1862.

The recapture of Delhi did not end the uprising, as resistance continued for two more years. Key events included:

• Lucknow was captured in March 1858.
• Rani Lakshmibai was defeated in June 1858.
• Rani Avantibai chose death over capture.
• Tantia Tope continued guerrilla warfare.

After Zafar's death, the British planned to end the Mughal dynasty, declaring that none of his descendants would be recognised as kings, only as princes.

In the countryside, peasants and zamindars were unhappy with high taxes and strict revenue collection, leading to widespread discontent. Similarly, sepoys in the British employ were dissatisfied with their pay and conditions, which contributed to the uprising.

Let's Discuss

Q5. What could be the reasons for the confidence of the British rulers about their position in India before May 1857?

Revolt of 1857

Ans: The confidence of the British rulers in India before May 1857 stemmed from several factors:

• The power of Nawabs and Rajas diminished significantly as British officials curtailed their authority.
• Between 1757 and 1857, the British East India Company effectively controlled Indian states through political, economic, and diplomatic means, often avoiding military action.
• While there were minor revolts prior to 1857, they were localised and swiftly suppressed.
• The Company weakened Indian rulers by:
  • Dissolving their armies
  • Seizing their lands
  • Reducing their influence
• They also worked to dismantle the Mughal dynasty, removing the emperor's name from currency and declaring Bahadur Shah Zafar the last Mughal ruler.
• With no strong central authority to oppose them, the British became overconfident and were unprepared for the widespread uprising of 1857.

Q6. What impact did Bahadur Shah Zafar’s support to the rebellion have on the people and the ruling families?

Bahadur Shah Zafar

Ans: The rebels aimed to overthrow the East India Company, but they struggled to find a leader. Bahadur Shah Zafar accepted the role, urging Indian rulers to unite against the British. His support fostered unity among various groups, including:

• Nawabs
• Rajas
• Zamindars
• Hindu and Muslim leaders

Key locations like Delhi, Kanpur, and Lucknow saw soldiers mutiny and join the rebellion, inspired by Zafar's symbolic leadership.

When rebel soldiers reached the Red Fort, Zafar hesitated due to the British threat but ultimately agreed to lead. His acceptance gave the rebellion credibility, boosting courage and unity among the rebels. People rallied around local leaders, transforming the uprising into a widespread national movement.

Bahadur Shah Zafar's call for a confederacy had significant implications:

• Many smaller rulers felt empowered to reclaim their territories under Mughal authority.
• The British underestimated the uprising, believing it would fade away.
• Zafar's support inspired hope and confidence among the people.

After the British were expelled from Delhi, news of the rebellion spread, leading to further mutinies. Soldiers from various regiments joined forces at key locations, and local leaders emerged:

• Nana Saheb in Kanpur expelled the British and claimed the title of Peshwa.
• Birjis Qadr in Lucknow was proclaimed Nawab, acknowledging Zafar's authority.
• Rani Lakshmibai in Jhansi joined the rebels and fought alongside Tantia Tope.

As the uprising grew, many joined the fight, including:

• Bakht Khan, a soldier from Bareilly, became a key military leader.
• Kunwar Singh, an old zamindar, battled the British for months.

In response to the rebellion, the Company sought to suppress it forcefully, bringing in reinforcements and enacting laws to convict rebels easily. By September 1857, they recaptured Delhi, but the uprising had already instilled confidence in the people, leading to widespread resistance, especially in Awadh.

Q7. How did the British succeed in securing the submission of the rebel landowners of Awadh?

Ans: The British faced several challenges during the uprising in Awadh, where local landlords led the villagers in revolt. To secure the submission of these rebel landowners, the British implemented a two-part strategy:

• Punishment: They executed and tried rebel leaders to deter future resistance.
• Incentives: The British sought to regain trust by offering rewards to loyal landowners, ensuring the protection of their traditional land rights.

Additionally, rebels who surrendered and did not harm British citizens were promised:

• Safety: Assurance of personal safety.
• Respect: A commitment to honour their land claims and rights.

Q8. In what ways did the British change their policies as a result of the rebellion of 1857?

Ans: After the 1857 rebellion, British policies in India underwent significant changes:

• Crown Control: In 1858, the British Crown assumed direct control from the East India Company.
• Doctrine of Lapse: This policy was abolished, allowing rulers to adopt heirs and retain their thrones.
• Military Reforms: The number of Indian soldiers in the army was reduced, with senior positions reserved for Europeans.
• Land Rights: Protection was granted to landlords and zamindars regarding their land rights.
• Religious Assurance: The British committed to respecting Indian religious and social practices, ensuring local customs were honoured.

These changes marked the beginning of a new phase in British rule in India.