14-Mark Questions

1. ‘The War of Independence achieved nothing.’ Do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your
answer. [14]

Ans. The War of Independence in 1857 generated different results, and can be perceived as both a
failure and a success.

Firstly, after the War of Independence, the East India Company was abolished. Now the British
government would take full responsibility for all matters in India. The direct responsibility was in the
hands of the Governor-General, now called the viceroy. He had over 1000 members of the Indian Civil
Service (ICS) to help him administer the country. After the war, Bahadur Shah Zafar was put on trial and
sentenced to life imprisonment. He was sent to live out his last years in Burma. In January 1877, the
British queen, Victoria, was appointed Empress of India. The Indian royal family had formally been
replaced, and now the British had full power over Indians, who did not achieve independence from
British Rule. Consequently, this led to the 1857's War failure.

Furthermore, in addition to the decline of the Mughal Empire, the British realized that the main reason
that triggered the war was the lack of support for the Indian mutiny, which heard Indian sentiments, and
led to their revolt against the British. To counter this, the British decided to replace Indian soldiers with
Dutch and Europeans. This resulted in a heavy economic setback for the Indian economy and it led to let
us job opportunities for Indians. In the army, the British give low-paying and less honorable positions to
the Indians, as a way to rake revenge for their revolt. The Indians, especially, the Sepoys, we greatly
disheartened by this measure. This led to the failure of the 1857 War.

Additionally, the British considered that the Muslim community was largely to blame for the war and it
was to be many years before they once more began to trust Muslims. The Muslims objected to British
Education and their policies, which they considered un-Islamic. However, British funding from Muslim
schools and Muslim education went into decline. In contrast, the Hindus found favor with the British by
readily accepting their policies. The Muslim community suffered because of the war, consequently
leading to the war's failure.

In contrast to the failures, the war also had a successful impact on the subcontinent. It brought about
important changes in the policy and administration of the British government. Many of the lawful
policies of the British were abolished, to create peace with Indians. The exploitive East India Company
was put to an end and the unpopular doctrine of lapse which illegally and unlawfully took over Indian
lands, was abolished. This proved successful when the Indians were gradually getting stronger in political
fields this was a major success achieved after the war of 1857.

Secondly, the British issued a proclamation charter in Allahabad in 1858 ending the war, formally. In the
proclamation, the British recognized some of the grievances of the Indian people. The proclamation
highlighted that the British would not interfere in the religious beliefs of the people, would pay due
regard to ancient property rights and customs, and would avoid all treaty obligations. It further noted
that the British would agree to no further territorial acquisitions. This proclamation proved popular
among the Indians and benefited the status of Indians in the subcontinent. Thus, leading to the success
of the 1857 War.

In addition, new reforms and constitutional changes were introduced. A proper education system was
introduced, with the setting up of schools and Universities. Railway tracks were invented, which served
crucial in areas of trade and war effort, and are present to this day in the subcontinent too. Legislative
power to Bombay and Madras was restored. Similarly, new legislative councils were established in many
provinces such as Punjab and Bengal. Therefore, Indians were given some political say. In the Civil
Service Examinations, Indians were given opportunities to participate, and though the positions were
lower class, they could at least contribute minority to the government. Thus, it can be said that the 1857
War proved a major success in these areas of politics and administration.

In conclusion, in my opinion, the War of 1857, despite all the shortcomings, proved successful, due to
the birth of nationalism in Indians. The Muslims and Hindus started to feel a need for nationalist ideas
and their love for the subcontinent increased. This war was the first expression of Indian's urge for
freedom, and it was the same urge that was realized 90 years later at the time of the Independence of
Pakistan and India. Thus, it can be inferred that the 1857 War was successful.

2.’Religious factors were more important than any other in causing the War of Independence of 1857-
1858.’ Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer.

Ans. The War of Independence of 1857-1858 occurred because of many reasons, all of them, which, in
one way or the other, contributed to the war effort.

Firstly, once the British rule was established in India, Christian Missionaries came to India to convert the
local population, as well as to set up schools. The British supported the Christian missionaries who used
to forceful conversions from other religions to Christianity. In these schools, the missionaries taught
Chrisitanyt and epected local religions to be given up which was resented by Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs
alike.