Reasons why the uprising failed are:

 The whole of India was not affected by the revolt. Rajasthan, Assam, Odisha, Bengal, greater
parts of Punjab and south India remained more or less unaffected.
 Rulers of many princely states, like the Nizam of Hyderabad, Rajput ruler, and ruling chiefs of
Nabha, Patiala and Kashmir did not support the revolt.
 In British strongholds such as Bengal, Bombay and Madras, they took safety measures to
keep the uprising in check by issuing orders like to shoot anyone suspected of supporting the
rebellion.
 The British were supported by a strong government in England and a well-developed
administrative setup in India. They were well-connected by telegraph, roads and railways.
Moreover, they had superior military techniques and able generals.
 The Indian military techniques were not only outdated, but the rebel leader even failed to
consolidate their gains as they lacked experience and co-ordination.
 The movement lacked a centralised leadership and mass appeal.
 Most revolts were restricted to small areas and leaders fought to liberate their own
territories.
 Moreover, the newly educated Indians remained unsympathetic to the revolt. They opined
that the British rule was necessary for India’s modernisation and development.