HISTORY BOOK : ICSE & CBSE

Causes, Consequences, and Failure of The First War of Independence (1857) Main / Key point of The First War of Independence 1. Causes of the War: Political Causes: The Doctrine of Lapse. Discourtesy to the Mughal Emperor. Treatment to Nana Saheb (Refusal of Pension). Annexation of Awadh. Unpopular Administration. The Vague and Floating Rumors Religious & Social Causes: Fears regarding mass conversion to Christianity. Laws that interfered with the religion and customs of the people. Introduction of Railways and Telegraphs. Indignities hurled at the Indians. Fears regarding English Education. Economic Causes: The ruin of trade & Handicrafts. Impoverishment of the cultivators. India reduced to an Agricultural Colony of the British. Inhuman treatment to the Indigo - cultivators. Annexation of rent free lands and estates. Loss of livelihood. Large - scale famines. Military Causes: Low salary and poor prospects of promotion. Faulty distribution of troops. Disproport...

What was the General Service Enlistment Act? ICSE Board-2019, 2013 Answer : According to traditional belief, it was forbidden for Brahmins to cross the ocean. But the British Parliament passed an Act in 1856. The act states that Indian soldiers can be sent abroad for sea duty. This Act is known as the 'General Service Enlistment Act' . This law (about going abroad) went against the religious sentiments of Indian soldiers.

When and why was Oudh annexed by Lord Dalhousie? [ICSE Board Specimen paper, 2018] Answer : The Nawabs of Oudh were the faithful allies of the English. Dalhousie was determined to annex Oudh on whatever ground. At last, towards the end of his rule, he brought serious charges against the ruling Nawab Wajid Ali Shaw that his administration had become a complete misrule. The Nawab was forced to vacate his throne and Dalhousie annexed Oudh on February 1856. This annexation of Oudh was an example of reckless Imperialism.

Several factors led to the Revolt of 1857. With reference of this, explain each of the following: (a) Discontentment of Sepoys. (b) Resentment of the rulers of the native states against the British. (c) Unhappiness of the Indian artisans and craftsmen. [ICSE Board-2007 Answer : (a) Discontentment of Sepoys 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...

Many factors led to the First War of Independence. In this context explain the following: (a) The attitude of the British towards the people of India with regard to their religious customs. (b) Factors causing dissatisfaction among the Indian soldiers. (c) Decline of the landed aristocracy. Answer. (a) The attitude of the British towards Indian's religious customs. British interference in the religious and social life of Indians created deep resentment among them. The preaching of the Christian missionaries convinced the Indians that the British government was determined to convert them to Christianity. Christian missionaries were allowed to enter India by the Charter Act of 1833. The East India Company provided financial support to them for their promotion in India. Policemen were always with them for their security. Company offices, hospitals, educational institutions and jails became their main centers of propaganda. Christian missionaries also preached in temples and mosques. T...

Describe the result of the First War of Independence, with reference to the following. (a) Policy towards the Indian Princes. (b) Rise of Nationalism in India. (c) Changes in the administrative set-up of British territories in India. [ICSE Board-2009] Ans.  (a) Policy towards the Indian Princes All ruling chiefs were assured that their territories would never be annexed in future. The policy of Doctrine of Lapse' was abolished. They were allowed to pass their kingdoms to their heir including adopted sons. They were made to acknowledge the British Queen as the sovereign paramount. Indian rulers were supposed to hold their kingdoms as subordinates of the British Queen. The Treaties signed by the East India Company with the Indian Princes would be honoured. (b) Rise of Nationalism in India The War of 1857 was a great struggle of the Indians for freedom. Eat aroused national feelings and paved away for the rise of the National movement who is ultimately on freedom for India in 1947. It...

Causes & Effects of the Revolt of 1857 The Revolt of 1857 was the first and largest revolt of the Indian people against the unjust rule of the British East India Company. The revolt officially began on 10 May 1857 as the Sepoy Mutiny in Meerut. Although it first started in the army camp of Barrackpore in Bengal Presidency under the leadership of Mangal Pandey. The Mutiny of 1857 is also known as the Indian Mutiny of 1857. Immediate Cause The immediate cause of the Rebellion of 1857 was the introduction of the 'Enfield' rifle. During this time a rumor spread that the cartridges of this rifle were made from pig and cow fat. Pigs are forbidden among Muslims and Cows are sacred in Hinduism. As a result soldiers of both communities refused to use the cartridge. Rumors also spread that the British planned to destroy the religious beliefs of the Indian people. However, this was not the only reason for this revolt. The revolt of 1857 took place due to several other reasons, viz., r...