Get notes, summary, questions and answers, MCQs, extras, and PDFs of Chapter “The First War of Independence, 1857,” which is part of ICSE Class 10 History (Total History). However, the notes should only be treated as references and changes should be made according to the needs of the students.
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Summary
The First War of Independence in 1857 was a significant event in Indian history, marking the first large-scale rebellion against British rule. The underlying causes were varied and deep-seated, spanning political, socio-religious, economic, and military grievances.
Politically, the British expansionist policies through wars, the Subsidiary Alliance, and the Doctrine of Lapse, which allowed the annexation of Indian states without an heir, alienated Indian rulers. The disrespect shown to the last Mughal Emperor, Bahadur Shah, and the annexation of Awadh further fueled discontent among Indians. The absentee sovereignty of the British Crown, where decisions were made in Britain without considering Indian sentiments, was also resented.
Socio-religious causes included British interference in traditional customs, the introduction of Western innovations like railways, which were mistrusted by orthodox Indians, and the policy of racial discrimination. The activities of Christian missionaries and the introduction of Western education were viewed with suspicion, seen as attempts to undermine Indian religions. The taxation of religious places and the Law of Property, which allowed converts to inherit property, further aggravated religious sentiments.
Economically, India was exploited for its resources. The British drained India’s wealth, ruined cottage industries, and imposed high land revenue, leading to widespread poverty and famines. The inhuman treatment of indigo cultivators and the loss of traditional livelihoods created further economic distress.
Militarily, Indian soldiers were ill-treated, poorly paid, and had limited opportunities for promotion. The General Service Enlistment Act, requiring soldiers to serve overseas, went against their religious beliefs. The immediate cause of the uprising was the introduction of the Enfield rifle, with cartridges rumored to be greased with cow and pig fat, offending both Hindu and Muslim soldiers.
The uprising began with Mangal Pandey’s rebellion and spread across regions like Meerut, Delhi, Lucknow, and Jhansi. Leaders like Rani Laxmi Bai, Nana Saheb, and Tantia Tope emerged as significant figures. Despite initial successes, the British eventually suppressed the rebellion due to superior resources and strategic advantages.
The consequences of the uprising were profound. It ended the rule of the East India Company, leading to direct governance by the British Crown. The British also adopted policies to prevent future uprisings, including reorganising the army and implementing the policy of Divide and Rule to create divisions between Hindus and Muslims. The rebellion laid the foundation for the rise of Indian nationalism, inspiring future generations to fight for independence.
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Textbook (Total History) solutions
Multiple-Choice Questions
1. The East India Company’s territorial power began to increase rapidly in India after which of the following Battles?
A. The Battle of Buxar
B. The Battle of Plassey
C. The First Anglo-Mysore War
D. The Third Anglo-Maratha War
Answer: B. The Battle of Plassey
2. Doctrine of Lapse: Jhansi :: Subsidiary Alliance:
A. Awadh
B. Mysore
C. Tanjore
D. Jhansi
Answer: B. Mysore
3. Where was the family seat of Nana Saheb located?
A. Nagpur
B. Lucknow
C. Pune
D. Kanpur
Answer: C. Pune
4. Which of the following reforms was resented by the Indians?
A. The Abolition of Sati
B. The Widow Remarriage Act
C. Opening of Girls’ school
D. Both (A) and (B)
Answer: D. Both (A) and (B)
5. Seventy-five thousand of the Company’s sepoys belonged to which of the following states?
A. Jaipur
B. Awadh
C. Mysore
D. Sambalpur
Answer: B. Awadh
6. By the provisions of which of the following, 20,000 estates of the landlords were confiscated by the East India Company?
A. The Hunter Commission
B. Frazer Commission
C. The Inam Commission
D. The Woods’ Dispatch
Answer: C. The Inam Commission
7. Which of the following events of the Uprising of 1857 and their leaders is not correctly matched?
A. Lucknow-Begum Hazrat Mahal
B. Kanpur-Nana Saheb
C. Kalpi-Tantia Tope
D. Bihar-Khan Bahadur
Answer: D. Bihar-Khan Bahadur
8. The Uprising of 1857 began from
A. Meerut
B. Plassey
C. Buxar
D. Delhi
Answer: A. Meerut
9. An effect of the Uprising of 1857 was that—
A. the spirit of rebellion in India was crushed
B. the British became totally demoralised
C. the British abandoned their repressive policies
D. unity was forged between the Hindus and Muslims
Answer: D. unity was forged between the Hindus and Muslims
10. Who introduced the Subsidiary Alliance in India?
A. Lord Hastings
B. Lord Amherst
C. Lord Wellesley
D. Lord Cornwallis
Answer: C. Lord Wellesley
11. After the initial success of the Uprising of 1857, the objective of the leaders of the Uprising included
A. restoring the former glory to the Mughal empire
B. forming a Federation of Indian States under the aegis of Bahadur Shah II
C. eliminating foreign rule and return of the old order
D. establishing his own power in his respective region by each leader
Answer: B. forming a Federation of Indian States under the aegis of Bahadur Shah II
12. Under the Government of India Act 1858, who gave up the direct administration of India?
A. The East India Company
B. The British Crown
C. Lord Mountbatten
D. The Mughal Emperor
Answer: A. The East India Company
Select the correct relationship
1. (A) From mid-18th century till 1857, one part of the country or the other rose in revolt against the British policies which harmed the interests of the Indians belonging to all the segments of Indian society.
(B) Although these revolts were local, scattered and isolated, they established a local tradition of struggle against the foreign rule.
(a) (B) contradicts (A)
(b) (B) is the reason for (A)
(c) (A) is true but (B) is false
(d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other.
Answer: (b) (B) is the reason for (A)
Explanation: Statement A discusses the widespread revolts against British policies that affected various segments of Indian society. Statement B explains that although these revolts were scattered and isolated, they contributed to a tradition of resistance against foreign rule. Therefore, the local revolts mentioned in B explain the broader revolts mentioned in A, making B the reason for A.
2. (A) Lord Dalhousie justified the annexation of Awadh on the pretext of “the good of the governed.”
(B) The people of Awadh had to pay higher land revenue and additional taxes on food, houses, and ferries.
(a) (B) contradicts (A)
(b) (B) is the reason for (A)
(c) (A) is true but (B) is false
(d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other.
Answer: (a) (B) contradicts (A)
Explanation: Statement A suggests that the annexation of Awadh was justified as being beneficial for the people, whereas Statement B describes the financial burdens imposed on the people of Awadh after the annexation. This indicates a contradiction between the claimed justification and the actual outcome.
3. (A) The British introduced modern innovations like railways and telegraph in India in the mid-19th century.
(B) The orthodox Indians believed that the British had introduced these innovations for their personal use.
(a) (B) contradicts (A)
(b) (B) is the reason for (A)
(c) (A) is true but (B) is false
(d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other.
Answer: (b) (B) is the reason for (A)
Explanation: Statement A mentions the introduction of modern innovations by the British, while Statement B explains that orthodox Indians believed these innovations were introduced for British benefit rather than for the welfare of Indians. Therefore, the belief in B can be seen as a reason behind the introduction of innovations mentioned in A.
4. (A) The Indian soldiers, who helped the East India Company to establish the British Empire in India, were poorly paid, ill-fed and badly housed.
(B) A large proportion of the British Army consisted of Indian Soldiers.
(a) (B) contradicts (A)
(b) (B) is the reason for (A)
(c) (A) is true but (B) is false
(d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other.
Answer: (d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other.
Explanation: Statement A discusses the poor conditions faced by Indian soldiers in the British Army, while Statement B mentions that a significant portion of the British Army was composed of Indian soldiers. These two statements are related to the British Army but address different aspects, making them independent of each other.
5. (A) The Uprising of 1857 paved the way for the rise of the national movement.
(B) Although the Uprising failed to achieve its objectives, it inspired the Indians to resist the British rule.
(a) (B) contradicts (A)
(b) (B) is the reason for (A)
(c) (A) is true but (B) is false
(d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other.
Answer: (b) (B) is the reason for (A)
Explanation: Statement A claims that the Uprising of 1857 laid the foundation for the national movement, and Statement B explains that despite the failure of the Uprising, it inspired further resistance against British rule. Thus, the inspiration mentioned in B is the reason for the rise of the national movement mentioned in A.
Short Answer Questions
1. What was the nature of revolts against the British before the First War of Independence?
Answer: The nature of revolts against the British before the First War of Independence were local, scattered and isolated. They did not pose a serious threat to the British. Nonetheless, these revolts established a local tradition of struggle against the foreign rule.
2. Why was the “War of 1857” hailed as the First War of Independence?
Answer: The War of 1857 is generally hailed as the First War of Independence, because: (i) It was the first mass uprising in which all sections of Indian society participated against a common enemy, i.e., the British. (ii) It paved the way for the rise of modern national movement. The sacrifices made by Rani Laxmi Bai, Nana Saheb, and Mangal Pandey served as a source of inspiration to the leaders and people to fight for the independence of India from the British rule.
3. Mention two political causes of the First War of Independence.
Answer: (i) British policies of expansion; (ii) Doctrine of Lapse.
4. Name two ways in which the British expanded their territorial power in India.
Answer: (i) By outright wars; (ii) By the system of Subsidiary Alliance.
5. What was the Subsidiary Alliance? Name two Indian States brought under the British control using the Subsidiary Alliance.
Answer: Subsidiary Alliance was an agreement between the British East India Company and the Indian Princely States by virtue of which these states lost their sovereignty to the British. The two Indian States brought under British control using the Subsidiary Alliance were the Nizam of Hyderabad and the ruler of Mysore.
6. Explain the term: Doctrine of Lapse. Name the two States annexed by the British using the Doctrine of Lapse.
Answer: The Doctrine of Lapse was a policy introduced by Lord Dalhousie, the Governor-General of India, according to which if an Indian ruler died without a male heir, his kingdom would “lapse,” that is, it would come under the Company’s territory in India. The two States annexed by the British using the Doctrine of Lapse were Jhansi and Nagpur.
7. Which policy was used by Lord Dalhousie against Rani Laxmi Bai? Why did Rani Laxmi Bai become a bitter enemy of the British?
Answer: The policy used by Lord Dalhousie against Rani Laxmi Bai was the Doctrine of Lapse. Rani Laxmi Bai became a bitter enemy of the British because when the ruler of Jhansi died in 1853, leaving no natural heir, the widowed Rani was pensioned, and their adopted son, Anand Rao, was not recognised as a lawful successor to the throne.
8. State two announcements which adversely affected the Mughal dynasty in India.
Answer: The two announcements which adversely affected the Mughal dynasty in India were:
- In 1849, Lord Dalhousie announced that successors of Bahadur Shah Zafar would not be permitted to use the Red Fort as their palace and were required to shift to a place near the Qutab Minar.
- In 1856, Lord Canning announced that after the death of Bahadur Shah, his successors would not be allowed to use the imperial titles with their names and would be known as mere princes.
9. Mention any two consequences of the annexation of Awadh.
Answer: The two consequences of the annexation of Awadh were:
- The annexation of Awadh threw thousands of nobles, officials, and soldiers out of jobs, as the dissolution of the Nawab of Awadh’s army and administration took place.
- The soldiers, particularly the 75,000 sepoys from Awadh, resented the foreign rule and higher taxes on the land their families held in Awadh, affecting their financial position.
10. State any two consequences of the disbanding of the armies of the annexed States by the British.
Answer: The two consequences of the disbanding of the armies of the annexed States by the British were:
- The disbanding of the armies of the annexed States by the British threw thousands of soldiers out of jobs, leading to widespread unemployment among the military personnel.
- The financial position of the sepoys and their families worsened as they had to pay higher taxes on the land they held, leading to resentment against the British rule.
11. Give the meaning of Absentee Sovereignty. Why was it resented by the Indians?
Answer: Absentee Sovereignty of the British means that India was being ruled by the British government from England, at a distance of thousands of miles. This was resented by the Indians because they felt that they were being ruled from England and India’s wealth was being drained to England and not utilised for their welfare.
12. What were the apprehensions of Indians about the introduction of the railways?
Answer: People were suspicious of the introduction of modern innovations like railways and telegraph. There were rumours that telegraph poles were erected to hang those who were against the British rule. Similarly, orthodox Indians noted that in the railway compartments the higher castes and the lower castes were made to sit side by side. They believed that the British had introduced such practices to defy their caste and religion.
13. Mention any two social reforms advocated by the British which affected the religious traditions of the Indian people.
Answer: The abolition of Sati (1829) and the introduction of the Widow Remarriage Act (1856) were two social reforms advocated by the British which affected the religious traditions of the Indian people.
14. Mention any two measures which point to the policy of social discrimination followed by the British in India.
Answer: The British officers were rude and arrogant towards the Indians. They believed that they were superior to Indians and followed a policy of contempt towards the Indians. They dubbed the Mughals as cruel and unfaithful. Railway compartments, parks, hotels, clubs, etc., reserved for ‘Europeans only’ were visible manifestations of this racialism.
15. Give any two grievances of the peasantry against the British.
Answer: The peasants were discontent with the official land revenue policy and the consequent loss of their land. Increase in the land revenue forced many peasants into indebtedness or into selling their lands. The economic decline of the peasants affected cultivation and led to many famines.
16. What did the British do to reduce the landed aristocracy to poverty?
Answer: The landed aristocracy, which included the taluqdars and the hereditary landlords, were deprived of their estates. According to the provisions of the Inam Commission (1852), 20,000 estates were confiscated when the landlords failed to produce evidence like title-deeds by which they held the land. These confiscated lands were sold by public auction to the highest bidders. Such estates were usually purchased by merchants and moneylenders who did not understand the needs of the tenants and exploited them. This drove the landed aristocracy to poverty without benefitting the peasantry which suffered under the weight of exorbitant land revenue .
17. What was the provision of the General Service Enlistment Act which was resented by the Indian soldiers? Why was it resented?
Answer: The British Parliament passed the General Service Enlistment Act in 1856. As per this Act, Indian soldiers could be sent overseas on duty. The Act did not take into account the sentiment of the Indian soldiers. The Brahmin soldiers saw in this a danger to their caste. This led to a feeling of resentment among them .
18. Mention any two grievances harboured by the Indian soldiers which created an atmosphere favourable to the First War of Independence.
Answer: The two grievances are:
- Ill-treatment of Indian soldiers: Despite the fact that Indian soldiers were as efficient as their British counterparts, they were poorly paid, ill-fed and badly housed. British military authorities forbade the sepoys from wearing caste or sectarian marks, beards or turbans; and they showed disregard for the sentiments of the sepoys.
- Bleak Prospects of Promotions: All higher positions in employment were reserved for the British, irrespective of their performance. Even the Indian soldiers formerly occupying high positions in the armies of native princes could not rise above the rank of a Subedar. The future of the Indian soldiers was bleak without chances of promotions .
19. State two effects of the defeat of the British in the first Afghan War and the Punjab Wars on the Indian soldiers.
Answer: The two effects are:
- The British army suffered major reverses in the First Afghan War (1839-42) and in the Punjab Wars (1845-49). These disasters broke the myth that the British were invincible.
- It further revealed to the Indian soldiers that the British army could be defeated by a determined Indian army .
20. What was the immediate cause of the First War of Independence?
Answer: The immediate cause was the introduction of the Enfield rifle. The loading process of the Enfield rifle involved bringing the cartridge to the mouth and biting off the top greased paper with the teeth. There was a rumour that the greased cartridge had the fat of cow or pig. The sepoys were convinced that the introduction of greased cartridges was a deliberate move to defile Hindu and Muslim religions as the cow is sacred to Hindus and the pig is a taboo to Muslims. Both the Hindu and Muslim soldiers refused to use these cartridges and staged an uprising when they were forced to use them .
21. Who was Mangal Pandey? What did he do?
Answer: Mangal Pandey was a sepoy who led an attack on the Adjutant of the 34th Native Infantry at Barrackpore on March 29, 1857. Mangal Pandey was executed after a court-martial. For his fellow sepoys he became a martyr.
22. State two consequences of the First War of Indian Independence on the East India Company.
Answer: The two consequences are:
- The most significant result of the Uprising of 1857 was the end of the rule of the East India Company and assumption of the Government of India directly by the Crown. This was done by the Government of India Act of 1858.
- The power to govern India was transferred from the East India Company to the British Crown.
23. Mention any two drawbacks of the First War of Independence.
Answer: The two drawbacks are:
- The movement did not have common plans of military action or a centralized leadership. The uprisings in different parts of the country were completely uncoordinated.
- The movement had no common goal before it except for the anti-foreign sentiments.
Structured Questions
1. Economic exploitation of the country produced discontent, resentment and resistance among the people that culminated in the Great Uprising of 1857. Write notes on:
(a) The ruin of trade and handicrafts
Answer: The Indian handmade goods were unable to compete with the cheaper, machine-made British products. This ruined the Indian industry, deprived the artisans of their income and reduced the avenues of employment for labour. The British imposed heavy duties on Indian silk and cotton textiles in Britain, which destroyed Indian industries. By the middle of the 19th century, the export of cotton and silk goods from India practically ceased, leading to the extinction of the art of spinning and weaving that had provided employment to thousands of artisans for ages.
(b) Impoverishment of the cultivators
Answer: The peasants were discontent with the official land revenue policy and the consequent loss of their land. They bore the heavy burden of taxes to provide money for the trade of the Company, for the cost of administration and the wars of British expansion in India. Increase in the land revenue forced many peasants into indebtedness or into selling their lands. The traditional zamindars were replaced by merchants and moneylenders who had no concern for the peasants. They pushed rents to exorbitant levels and evicted their tenants in case of non-payment, leading to the economic decline of the peasants which affected cultivation and led to many famines.
(c) Subordination of Indian economy to British interests (making India an agricultural colony of British capitalism)
Answer: The British exploited the Indian resources for their own benefits. They made agricultural India an economic colony to serve the interests of industrial England. India was forced to export, at cheaper rates, raw materials like raw cotton and raw silk that the British industries needed urgently; plantation products (like indigo and tea); and food grains which were in short supply in Britain. India was made to accept readymade British goods either duty-free or at nominal duty rates, while Indian products were subjected to high import duties in England. This subordination transformed India into a supplier of raw materials and a market for British manufactured goods.
2. Although the First War of Independence of 1857 failed, it had important consequences for India. In this context, answer the following questions:
(a) How did the Uprising give rise to nationalism in India?
Answer: The Uprising of 1857 paved the way for the rise of modern national movement. The sacrifices made by Rani Laxmi Bai, Nana Saheb and Mangal Pandey served as a source of inspiration to the leaders and people to fight for the independence of India from the British rule.
(b) How did the end of the East India Company’s rule bring in grave economic perils in India?
Answer: The Uprising of 1857 ended the era of territorial expansion and ushered in the era of economic exploitation in the following manner: (i) India was turned into a typical colonial economy, exporting raw materials and importing finished goods. (ii) The salary and allowances of the Secretary of State and members of the India Council, the civil servants and military officers were a large drain on the country’s resources. (iii) Peasants were impoverished under the British rule. The indigo peasants of Bihar revolted on a large scale in 1866-68. (iv) Rural artisan industries such as handicrafts, spinning and weaving collapsed.
(c) State how the British Government tried to pacify the feelings of Indians with regard to: (i) their religious practices; (ii) the Princely States.
Answer: (i) The British rulers declared emphatically their policy of non-interference in the religious affairs, customs and traditions of the Indians. (ii) The Policy of Annexation and the Doctrine of Lapse were abandoned. Some of the Indian princes had remained loyal to the British and had helped them in suppressing the Uprising. Their loyalty was rewarded with the announcement that their right to adopt heirs would be respected and the integrity of their territories guaranteed against future annexation.
3. Read the excerpt given below and answer the questions that follow:
A telegraphic dispatch received at Bombay (now Mumbai) from Meerut states that the 3rd Bengal Cavalry were in open mutiny and that several officers and men had been killed and wounded. It was reported that at Calcutta (now Kolkata) a correspondence had been discovered in possession of a native officer of the 34th Bengal Infantry, proving the existence of a conspiracy for organising a general rising of the entire army. The 34th is to be disbanded.” -An article in the Illustrated London News, dated June 13, 1857.
(a) Which alleged conspiracy is being talked about in the news given above? Where did it take place? Who was the sepoy who led this uprising?
Answer: The alleged conspiracy being talked about in the news given above is the conspiracy for organising a general rising of the entire army. It took place in Meerut. The sepoy who led this uprising was Mangal Pandey.
(b) What happened to the sepoy who led the uprising? State three consequences of the uprising.
Answer: Mangal Pandey was executed by the British on April 8, 1857. Three consequences of the uprising are: (i) End of the Company’s Rule; (ii) Queen Victoria’s Proclamation; (iii) End of the Mughals and Peshwas.
(c) Briefly explain any two political causes of the uprising.
Answer: (i) British Policies of Expansion: The British policy of territorial expansion and gradual annexation of the native Indian States was one of the major grievances of the Indian rulers. (ii) Doctrine of Lapse: This policy declared that if an Indian ruler died without a male heir, his kingdom would lapse and become part of the British territory.
Thinking Skills
1. Imagine you were present when the rulers of Indian states met at a common place before the Uprising of 1857. Each ruler voiced his grievance against the British. Make a list of the grievances of each of the rulers.
Answer: The grievances of each of the rulers were as follows:
- Annexation of states by the British under the Doctrine of Lapse.
- The reduction of pensions and titles, and disrespect shown to Mughal and Maratha rulers.
- Loss of revenue and power due to British control over their territories.
- Imposition of British laws and interference in the internal affairs of their states.
- Heavy taxation and exploitation of resources for the benefit of the British.
- Economic decline and impoverishment caused by British policies.
- Disbanding of armies and reduction of the military power of Indian states.
- Cultural and religious insensitivity, causing resentment among the local populace.
2. Imagine you were a Subedar in the army hailing from a landed family from Awadh. State the grievances your father had against the British.
Answer: The grievances of a Subedar’s father from Awadh were as follows:
- Higher taxes imposed on the land held by their family in Awadh.
- The annexation of Awadh by the British, which led to a loss of power and prestige.
- Disrespect shown to the Nawab of Awadh and the destruction of their cultural heritage.
- Economic hardships due to the British policies that adversely affected their agricultural income.
- Reduction in the revenue and the imposition of additional taxes on food, houses, and ferries.
- The extension of British dominion resulting in job losses for nobles, officials, and soldiers.
3. There were uprisings against the British in every corner of the country in the nineteenth century. Make a list of the uprisings in your locality and manner in which the imperialists dealt with them.
Answer: The uprisings in different localities and the manner in which the British dealt with them were as follows:
- Bengal – The Santhal Uprising: The British suppressed it with military force.
- Bihar – Kunwar Singh’s Uprising: The British used military action to subdue the rebellion.
- Jhansi – Rani Laxmi Bai’s Uprising: The British captured Jhansi after a siege and Rani Laxmi Bai died fighting.
- Awadh – Begum Hazrat Mahal’s Uprising: The British recaptured Lucknow and forced Begum Hazrat Mahal to flee.
- Kanpur – Nana Saheb’s Uprising: The British defeated Nana Saheb, who fled towards Nepal.
- Delhi – Bahadur Shah Zafar’s Uprising: The British captured Delhi, executed Bahadur Shah Zafar’s sons, and exiled him to Myanmar.
Extra/additional MCQs
1. When did the First War of Independence in India take place?
A. 1847
B. 1857
C. 1867
D. 1877
Answer: B. 1857
100. What marked the end of the First War of Independence in India?
A. Recapture of Delhi
B. Death of Rani of Jhansi
C. Capture and hanging of Tantia Tope
D. Re-establishment of British Authority in India
Answer: D. Re-establishment of British Authority in India
Extra/additional questions and answers
1. When did the British conquest of India begin?
Answer: The British conquest of India began from the mid-18th century.
54. Analyze the effects of the Queen’s Proclamation of 1858 on the governance of India and the promises made to the Indian people.
Answer: The Queen’s Proclamation of 1858 had profound effects on the governance of India and the relationship between the British rulers and the Indian people. Announced by Lord Canning at Allahabad on November 1, 1858, the proclamation marked the official transfer of power from the East India Company to the British Crown. This transition aimed to address the grievances that had led to the uprising and to establish a more direct and accountable system of governance.
The proclamation promised several key reforms:
- A policy of non-intervention in the social and religious matters of Indians, acknowledging the sensitivities that had been ignored by the East India Company.
- Equal treatment of all subjects, regardless of their race, with appointments based on education and ability. This promise aimed to quell the resentment caused by racial discrimination and to provide opportunities for educated Indians.
- A general pardon for those who participated in the uprising, except for those found guilty of murdering British subjects. This gesture was meant to pacify the population and encourage reconciliation.
- Promotion of industrial and public works to advance India’s material and moral progress. This promise indicated a shift towards developmental policies that would benefit the Indian economy and society.
However, the implementation of these promises was often inconsistent and fell short of expectations. The British maintained a policy of racial superiority and social segregation, undermining the promise of equal treatment. The economic policies continued to favour British interests, leading to the exploitation of India’s resources and people.
Despite these shortcomings, the proclamation laid the foundation for a new administrative structure, with the Secretary of State for India overseeing governance with the advice of the Indian Council. This change aimed to ensure better accountability and responsiveness to Indian issues.
In conclusion, while the Queen’s Proclamation of 1858 aimed to address the causes of the uprising and to establish a more equitable governance system, its implementation was marred by continued racial and economic exploitation. Nonetheless, it marked a significant turning point in the British approach to ruling India and set the stage for future reforms and the eventual rise of Indian nationalism.
Ron’e Dutta is a journalist, teacher, aspiring novelist, and blogger. He manages Online Free Notes and reads Victorian literature. His favourite book is Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte and he hopes to travel the world. Get in touch with him by sending him a friend request.
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