The Revolt of 1857
The Revolt of 1857 is an important landmark in
the history of India which occurred during the governor-generalship of Lord
canning.
Causes of
the Revolt: The revolt of 1857 was a combination of political, economic, sociology-religious and military causes.
Political:
Nana sahib was refused pension, as he was the adopted son of peshwa Baji Rao
II. Avadh was annexed in 1856, on charge of mal- administration Satara, Jhansi,
Nagpur and Sambhalpur were annexed owing to Doctrine of Lapse.
Economic:
Heavy taxation, forcibly evictions, discriminatory tariff policy against
Indian products and destruction of traditional handicrafts that hit peasants
and artisans
.
Socio
religious: British social reforms
(abolition sati, 1829; legalization of widow remarriage, 1856 etc.) hunted the
sentiments of orthodox and conservative People.
Military:
Discrimination with Indian soldiers.
Immediate
cause: The introduction of Enfield
rifles whose cartridges were said to have a greased cover made of beef and
pork sparked off the revolt.
