CHAPTER NO.

2: THE REVOLT OF 1857

THE REVOLT OF 1857: Its Origin and Causes

The revolt of 1857 was the conscious beginning of the Independence struggle against the
Britishers. There are various names for the revolt of 1857 – India’s First War of Independence,
Mutiny of Sepoy, etc.

The revolt began on May 10, 1857, at Meerut as sepoy mutiny. It was initiated by sepoys in the
Bengal Presidency against the British officers.

This war of Independence marked the end of rule by the British East India company. Post this,
India was directly ruled by the British government through representatives called as Governor-
General.

The event of 1857 was termed as mutiny survey law races had the opinion that the mutiny started
an own within the army due to the greased cartridges (cartos) and nothing else it was not a
conspiracy by definite a united vice against the British imperisationce. According to John sally
“wholly and unpatriotic and selfish sepoy medley with no native leadership and no popular
support.

The British held Bahadur Shah to II responsible for originating the mutiny Nana Saheb organized
the revolution. Before its outbreak in Meerut they passed invitation secretly to various princes of
different state, religion etc. especially to the Marathas. The revolt of 1857 was the result of a
Hindu conspirator it was considered that the Hindus were bent upon achieving their goal
carefully they needed time in choosing the vipins against the well-organized British army. The
Hindus had their revelian successfully organized under the guidance of Nana Sahib.

The revolt was the spontaneous outcome was spoise of all caste  and creed. It was rightly called
the “war of Indian Independence it developed into and uprising in 1857 it could not succeed as it
did not have a proper leader to assist them. The commanders were incapable and had no
equipment vipins to match the Britishers the fought with simple techniques.

EXAMPLE:

Guerrilla tactics by the Marathas –

There were the three main reason for the revolt to take place. There was a strong
resistance against British rules the civilians joint hands with the revolts to show their grievances
some people remain neutral. The idea of unity and harmony was found between the Hindus and
the Muslims, “A spirit of nationalism” improper Bahadur Shah did not support the British nor he
supported the mutiny. The Rani of Jhansi initially did not support the revolt but later on joint
hands with Nana Saheb against the British.
CONCLUSION:

In the words of Ashok Mehta “the reveliance of 1857 was more than amear Scopyes
mutiny and was rightly consider a social valcony were many pent – up emotion find solutions”
after the event the whole topography in India change the mark of the reviliance remained the
deep and shinning.

CAUSES OF THE REVOLT:

Immediate Reason of Revolt of 1857

The immediate factor was the introduction of the ‘Enfield’ rifle. The cartridge had to be bitten
off before loading it into the gun. Muslims had a belief that the cartridge was greased with pig fat
where Hindus believed the grease was made from cow fat. Thus the Hindu and Muslim soldiers
were reluctant to use the ‘Enfield’ rifle. This was a flashpoint to enrage the soldiers against the
Britishers. This was believed to be the immediate factor for the revolt of 1857.

Causes of Revolt of 1857

The revolt of 1857 was initiated due to various factors which are stated below:

Religious & Social Causes – racism or racial discrimination was believed to be a major reason
for the revolt of 1857 wherein Indians were exploited and were kept away from mixing with
Europeans. The whites also started interfering in the religious and cultural affairs of Indians and
tortured them as well. This enraged Indians and led to the revolt of 1857. Suppression of Hindu
laws and imposition of English laws.

Political Causes – The British expansion had unjust policies that led to the loss of power from
the Nawabs and Zamindars residing at various places of India. The introduction of unfair policies
like the policy of Trade and Commerce, the policy of indirect subordination (subsidiary alliance),
the policy of war and annexation, policy of direct subordination (doctrine of lapse), policy of
misgovernance (in which Awadh was annexed) greatly hampered the interests of the rulers of the
native states, and they one by one became victims of British expansionism. Therefore, those
rulers, who lost their states to the British, were naturally against the British and took sides
against them during the revolt.

They were many reason for the uprising 1857. Lord Dalhousie followed a policy of “doctrine of
lapse” which was totally disliked by the rulers (kings and princess)  who had no proper, legal
heir. It was a need identified by the British to snatch Indian Territories. This created uneasiness
and suspicion among the rulers in India.

Eg.: Punjab was annexed on the pretext of an illegal heir in the year 1849. Lord Dalhousie did
not recognize the adopted son of the King of Satara in 1853 he annexed the state of Jhansi. The
British confiscated the state of the majority of Falukdas and Zamindars on the same pretax all
this cause discontented and hatred for the Britishers.
The soldiers were also dissatisfied and they join the revolt against the British. The English
officers constantly insulted and disrespected the Indian solders the administration was in affected
insufficient there was a sure opposition among the Indian masses who joined together against the
British imperialistic rule.

Economic Factors-There were various reforms in the taxation and revenue system that affected
the peasants’ heavily. British Government had imposed and introduced various administrative
policies to expand their territory.
The major policies are listed below:

Permanent Settlement in Bengal, Mahalwari settlement in Central India & Ryotwari settlement
in southern India: These three settlements were highly exploitative, and in particular, the
Permanent settlement had created a devastating impact. Thus the peasants were greatly
encouraged to overthrow the British Government from India and led to their active participation
in the revolt of 1857.

Military Factors– The Indian soldiers went through a lot of torture by the British officials with
respect to their salaries, pensions, promotions. Indians were subjugated in the military while their
European counterparts faced no such discrimination. This arose discontent and was a major
military factor that resulted in the revolt of 1857.

Vellore Mutiny

The Vellore Mutiny took place even before the revolt of 1857(50 years before). It erupted on
10th July 1806 in Vellore, present-day Tamil Nadu, and lasted only for a day, but it was brutal
and it was the first major mutiny by the Indian sepoys in the East India Company.

Religious Causes –

Greased cartridges: The government replaced the heavy based Musket with a new Enfield rifle.
This triggered the immediate cause for the uprising in 1857 in order to load a new rifle, the
cartridges had to be removed from there couches by taking it apart with the help of the teeth &
then loaded to the rifle. The greased cartridges believed to be made from the “Fat of Cow” and
from the “Fat of the Pig”. Both the Hindus and the Muslims were against their religion.

The Indian sepoys that now very sure that the English were attempting to break their caste  and
religion by instigating the Hindus against Muslims. The Indian refused to used Grease cartos
they were anger and hatred among the sepoys the English officer however over look the issue on
26 February 1857, the 19th native infantry at Baharampur refused to touch the greased they were
marched to Barrakpur to be disbanded in front of English Soldiers on 29 March 1857. A young
Indian officer Mangal Pandey of the 34 infantry attacked and killed a British sergeant. The
guards were called for help but nobody took orders later Mangal Pandey was beaten by the
English man general Hersay commanded the soldiers to march while Mangal Pandey was hang
till death instantly without any trial, the 34 native infantry was disbanded on 6th May 1857.
Causes of the Failure of the Revolt:
● Highly localized revolts
● Poorly organized and lacked coordination
● Britishers had resources- transport and communication
● Able leaders to suppress the revolt
● General public were not involved as much as the sepoys

CONSEQUENCES / EFFECT OF THE REVOLUTION

Hindus and Muslims participated equally in the revolt.
Indians wished to overthrow the feudal domination and bondage.
V. D. Savarkar called it the “First War of Independence”.

The direct effect of the revolution was that it ended the East India Company control and give rise
to government of India. The sub in India was known under the control of the British crown the
both of control and the director was abolish the secretary for state in India was establish Queen
Victoria proclaimed that the British government, in future, will not annexe any Indian territory.
The Indian princes were assured there would be complete and extensive re – organization of the
army. In India, groups were organized to take care of the sentiments and create national unity.
However, most of the key positions in the government were still held by the English men.

The revolt created a deep seated hatred for the Britishers in the mind of the Indian now the
interest in India shifted from external policy to internal development, the differences between the
Hindus and the Muslims now began to develop, they are unity slowly disintegrated it eventually
led to partition of India (Pakistan in 1947). Consequences of the revolt included The Queen’s
Proclamation and The GoI Act 1858.

Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ataW-bloIEY&t=17s

QUEEN’S PROCLAMATION

On November 1st 1858, other Darbar was held at Allahbad by Lord calling on this occasion he
rule out the Queen’s Proclamation to the Indian Princes and common masses the feeling of
generosity, forbearance and religious tolerance was highlighted in the proclamation, it gave equal
opportunity to the India like the European the queen promise prosperity and progress of the
Indian community.

“With the consent of spiritual & temporal”, the common in the parliament the crown takes over
the administration of the territories in India. The appointment of trusties and loyal councilor was
made (Charles John, viceroy Canning). Lord Canning was the governor general appointed to
administer to territories in India it was announced that all native princess under the British crown
would be accepted by the British government there would be known annexure on the pretext of
(illegal heir) the princess would have their self respect secure the British crown get access
internal peace and well being of the Indian subject it was declared that the subject, irrespective of
cost, creed, religion etc. will be free and impartially admitted to offices in the service of the
 company. The proclamation declared unconditional power of amnesty and pardon for any past
mistake.

CONCLUSION:

The East India company under the leadership of crown now promised to strive for the peace and
prosperity of the Indian people to put in short the Queen’s proclamation 1858 was indeed a gift
of the constitution in the Indian History its remain the basic for India administration setup.

ACT FOR THE BETTER GOVERNMENT OF INDIA, 1858

INTRODUCTION:

There was total discontent among the Indians over the constitution of the East India Company
the Indian realized the company native was to a mars wealth Indian masses now did not trust the
Britisher the outbreak of the mutiny strengthen and united the Indian’s (elites) who wished to
range their own administration thus the company got abolished “the government of India took
risk the Act was passed in 1858 & its provisions were as follows:

I.    The government of India Act 1858 stated under the name of the Queen, that all territory
and the power of the company would now rest in the hands of the crown. However, the
government of India would administer on behalf of the Queen.
II.   The board of control and the court of directors was abolished the powers words
transferred to the “secretary of state” in India, he was given super power and he could
control directly affairs of the government of India. He would be assisted by agent.
III.  The council secretary consisted of 15 members, 7 of them were elected by the crown
and 7 were elected by the director.
IV.  The secretary presided over important meetings, the council would be divided into
various purposeful administrative setup it got the power to control civil and military affairs
of the country.
V.   The Indian revenue was not to be used for military operation outside India without the
permission of the parliament.
VI.  The secretary of state for India declared to be a co-operative body the governor and his
council would be appointed by the crown the Act of patronage between the government of
India and the secretary of state got affected.  
                       
CONCLUSION:
The Act of 1858 wasted the India council with powers they could control the financial policy of
the government of India however the secretary could exercise his power over the council,
ultimately the powers so given rested in the hands of British crown.

Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9200xOuJ3I

INDIA COUNCILS ACT 1861

INTRODUCTION:
            The mutiny had multiple effects one such result was the processing of the Indian council
Act 1861.
            There was a difference between state council and the governor of different presidency on
certain issue income tax, there was lack of communication between the secretary and the legal
counsel with the introduction of this Act. The legal authority got prominence. Its function
becomes legislative in nature. The governor general (known as Viceroy) had to take the opinion
of the member before taken. The members should not exceed 12, and not less than 6, the meeting
would be held in different regions in India with local assistance (Local Parties, Zamindars,
Princess etc.) The governor general had powers to pass rules and regulation for the whole of
India.

PROVISIONS:

▪ The Act provided additional members to the executive council - Would be a legal
knowledgeable person other than technical lawyers.
▪ The Act give the powers to the governor. He could exercise special business in the
territories; Important matters were decided by the governor. He could appoint a nominee
who could preside in his absence. The governor could make rules and regulation for the
progress and also conduct business in India.
▪ The executive council had supreme powers to decide and follow its execution they were 6
to 12 members who were nominated by the governor general they consisted of local
members from the Indian Territory they held office for 2 years they could make loss for
the whole of British India and not to the Britishers.
▪ The governor general had powers of VETO on any laws passed by the court. All the laws
needed the approval of the governor general. The parliament on the other hand had the
power to accept or reject the act made by the governor general and the council members.
Any bill related to public revenue or debt, military, religion or foreign affairs could not
be passed without the Governor-General’s assent.
▪ The government of Bombay & Madras had the power to nominate and advocate general,
they would not less than 4 and more than 8, they would be additional members to the
executive council for legal purpose. However the governor had to give his approval for
every amendment that was made.
▪ For the executive functions of the Council, a fifth member was added. Now there were
five members for home, military, law, revenue and finance. (A sixth member for public
works was added in 1874.)
▪ Lord Canning, who was the Governor-General and Viceroy at the time, introduced the
portfolio system. In this system, each member was assigned a portfolio of a particular
department.
▪ For legislative purposes, the Governor-General’s Council was enlarged. Now, there were
to be between 6 and 12 additional members (nominated by the Governor-General).
▪ There were appointed for a period of 2 years. Out of these, at least half of the additional
members were to be non-official (British or Indian).
▪ Their functions were confined to legislative measures.
▪ Lord Canning nominated three Indians to the Council in 1862 namely, the Raja of
Benares, the Maharaja of Patiala and Sir Dinkar Rao.
 ▪ The Viceroy had the power to overrule the council if necessary.
▪ The Governor-General also had the power to promulgate ordinances without the
council’s concurrence during emergencies.
▪ The Secretary of State for India in Britain could also dissolve any act passed by the
Governor-General’s Council.
▪ This Act restored the legislative powers of the Governor-in-Councils of the Presidencies
of Madras and Bombay (which was taken away by the Charter Act of 1833).
▪ The legislative council of Calcutta had extensive power to pass laws for the whole of
British India.
▪ There was a provision made for the formation of legislative councils in other provinces.
New provinces could also be created for legislative purposes and Lieutenant Governors
be appointed for them. Legislative councils were formed in other provinces in Bengal in
1862, North-West Frontier Province in 1886 and Punjab and Burma in 1897.

ASSESSMENT OF THE ACT:

● The legislative council had limited role. It was chiefly advisory. No discussion on finance
was permitted.
● Even though Indians were nominated, there was no statutory provision for the inclusion
of Indians in it.
● It allowed for the decentralisation of administration with the vesting of legislative power
to the presidencies of Bombay and Madras.
● The power of ordinance given to the governor-general gave him absolute powers.

MERITS OF THE ACT (Imp)–

             
            It was the beginning, a landmark in the constitution of India that is Indian representation
in politics. It help known official India to frame loose policies of legislation. Thus three ideas
that is Publicity, Discussion and Information (Law) was introduce in the Indian Territory, the
masses have the opportunity to voice their grievances & complaints to the government the
powers of the known official. However was restricted they did not take active part in the
legislation it was for name sake.  

DEMERITS OF THE ACT –

            The act was retro grade measure against all policy the right to question on various act,
matters related to administration were not emphasized. The council had to depend on the
members for the every single policy matter. The governor general was given super powers and
could control or restrict the right of the people regarding discussion and introduction of new
rules and policy.

Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqhEdLk4yJg