Several factors led to the Revolt of 1857. With reference of this, explain each of the following:

(a) Discontentment of Sepoys.

Answer :

Several factors were responsible for the discontentment of Indian Soldiers. These are as follows:

Indian and British soldiers were not treated equally: Indian soldiers were sick and had no accommodation. The British military authorities forbade sepoys from wearing casters or communal insignia, beards or turbans and showed contempt for the feelings of the sepoys.
Compulsory going abroad: The General Service Enlistment Act of 1856 made it compulsory for Indian soldiers to go abroad on duty, which was strongly objected to by Indians on religious grounds.
Disparity in pay of soldiers: On the one hand, the wages of Indian soldiers were insufficient to support their families, on the other hand, British soldiers were paid more than eight times that of Indian soldiers.
High posts reserved for British : All high posts of employment were reserved for British, irrespective of their performance. The future of Indian soldiers was bleak and difficult with no prospect of promotion.
Expansion of British rule: The expansion of British rule in India adversely affected the service conditions of sepoys.
Enfield rifles used greased cartridges which were loaded by soldiers biting all the greased paper. In January 1857, there was a rumor in the Bengal Regiment that greased cartridges contained animal fat. Hence, both Hindu and Muslim soldiers refused to use these cartridges and staged a mutiny when they were forced to use them.

The rulers of the native states were angry against the British for various reasons.

The rulers of the native states were angry against the British for various reasons.
The British adopted a strategic approach to gain control over the rulers of the native states as they were struck at the core of their existence by the Lapse doctrine. According to this principle, if a ruler dies without a natural heir, his adopted son cannot inherit the throne or the title, and the state will be annexed to the British Empire using this doctrine.
Lord Dalhousie applied this policy and annexed Satara, Jhansi, Nagpur, Jaipur, Udaipur, and Sambalpur.
And where this policy could not be enforced, as in the case of Oudh (Awadh), a deadlock was created in the governance of the state.
These discriminatory actions of the British created great anger among the native rulers.

Heavy tariffs imposed on Indian silk and cotton textiles by Britain destroyed Indian industry.
On the other hand, British goods were imported into India at nominal duty. Indian handicrafts and cottage industries were destroyed as a result of the British policy of making India a mere producer of raw materials.
As a result, thousands of artisans and craftsmen were thrown out of employment. The silk and cotton manufacturers, finding no profit from their work, looked for other means of livelihood.
This pitiful condition of the workers became a strong source of anger against the British rule.

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