Class 10 | The First War of Independence, 1857 | History | ICSE Board | Home Revise

Summary

The video explores the causes of the First War of Independence in 1857, highlighting the political, social, economic, and military factors that led to the widespread revolt against British rule in India. It examines the impact of British expansionist policies, the annexation of Indian states, and the exploitation of Indian society. Key grievances include disrespect towards Indian rulers, military discontent, and interference in social and religious customs. The video emphasizes how these issues collectively sparked the rebellion, which shook the British government to its core and marked a significant chapter in India's struggle for independence.

Takeaways

• 😀 The First War of Independence (1857) was a result of accumulated grievances from various sectors of Indian society, including peasants, artisans, and soldiers.
• 😀 British policies of territorial expansion, such as the annexation of states through wars and the Doctrine of Lapse, created resentment among Indian rulers and their subjects.
• 😀 The Subsidiary Alliance system reduced Indian rulers to puppets of the British, forcing them to accept British supremacy, maintain British troops, and lose autonomy.
• 😀 The annexation of Oudh (Awadh) in 1856 by Lord Dalhousie, under the pretext of misrule, caused significant unrest, especially among local soldiers and landowners.
• 😀 The British undermined the Mughal Empire by disrespecting Bahadur Shah Zafar, which offended the Muslim community and added to growing discontent.
• 😀 The refusal to recognize Nana Sahib's pension and Rani Lakshmi Bai's adopted son as heirs led to resistance from prominent leaders and their followers.
• 😀 Social reforms such as the abolition of Sati and the introduction of widow remarriage were perceived as cultural interference by the British, alienating Indian society.
• 😀 New technological innovations like railways and telegraphs were met with fear and suspicion, as many Indians believed these were used to undermine caste and religious systems.
• 😀 Racial discrimination by British officials, who treated Indians as inferior, further fueled resentment against British rule.
• 😀 The military's dissatisfaction with low pay, poor treatment, and rumors about the use of offensive rifle cartridges triggered widespread discontent and eventually led to the revolt in 1857.

Q & A

What was the significance of the First War of Independence in 1857?

The First War of Independence in 1857, also known as the Indian Rebellion of 1857, marked a significant challenge to British rule. It involved millions of peasants, artisans, and soldiers and shook the British government to its foundation. The rebellion, although not successful in its immediate goals, laid the groundwork for later Indian resistance movements.

What were some of the local traditions of struggle against British rule before 1857?

Before 1857, there were numerous isolated and scattered rebellions across India. These rebellions were local in nature and did not pose a serious challenge to British domination. However, they established a tradition of resistance and laid the foundation for the larger uprising in 1857.

How did British policies negatively affect different segments of Indian society?

British policies, including territorial expansion, economic exploitation, and administrative changes, adversely affected various sections of Indian society. Indian rulers lost their power, peasants were deprived of land rights, artisans lost their livelihoods, and middle and upper classes were excluded from higher administrative posts.

What was the policy of 'Subsidiary Alliance' introduced by Lord Wellesley?

The Subsidiary Alliance was a diplomatic strategy introduced by Lord Wellesley, where Indian rulers who accepted British supremacy were forced to agree to several terms. These included surrendering foreign relations, accepting British residents at their courts, maintaining British troops at their own expense, and essentially losing their independence.

How did the Doctrine of Lapse contribute to Indian dissatisfaction?

The Doctrine of Lapse, introduced by Lord Dalhousie, allowed the British to annex Indian states if the ruler died without a natural heir. This policy led to the annexation of several states, such as Satara, Jhansi, and Nagpur, causing discontent among the Indian rulers and their subjects, who saw it as a violation of their rights.

Why was the annexation of Awadh in 1856 a significant cause of resentment?

The annexation of Awadh in 1856 was viewed as unjust by many Indians, especially the local population. The British justified it on the grounds of alleged misrule, but the locals faced higher taxes, the loss of jobs among nobles and officials, and the dissolution of the Nawab's army, causing widespread resentment.

What was the impact of the British decision regarding Bahadur Shah Zafar in 1856?

The British decision to strip Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last Mughal ruler, of his royal title and prevent his successors from using Imperial titles hurt the sentiments of many Indians, particularly Muslims. This led to increased opposition, and figures like Zeenat Mahal, Bahadur Shah's wife, began plotting against British rule.

How did Nana Sahib's treatment by the British contribute to the 1857 rebellion?

Nana Sahib, the adopted son of the last Peshwa Baji Rao II, was denied the pension that had been granted to his adoptive father. He was forced to live far from his family seat in Pune, which angered many in the Maratha region. Nana Sahib’s dissatisfaction, combined with his efforts to spread awareness of British policies, played a significant role in fueling the 1857 rebellion.

What was the significance of Rani Lakshmi Bai's resistance to the British?

Rani Lakshmi Bai of Jhansi became a prominent figure in the 1857 rebellion after the British refused to recognize her adopted son as the legitimate heir to the throne under the Doctrine of Lapse. Her defiance and leadership in the rebellion made her a symbol of resistance against British imperialism.

How did the British 'absentee sovereignty' affect Indian sentiments?

The concept of 'absentee sovereignty' meant that India was being ruled from England, thousands of miles away. This led to a sense of alienation and resentment among Indians, who felt that their wealth was being drained to Britain without any benefits for their own welfare.