Get summary, textual answers, solutions, notes, extras, PDF to NBSE Class 12 (Arts) History (Themes in Indian History) chapter 10 “Representations of 1857”. However, the educational materials should only be used for reference and students are encouraged to make necessary changes.
Introduction
The Revolt of 1857, also known as the First War of Indian Independence, marked a significant turning point in India’s struggle against British rule. This widespread uprising was a reaction to the British policies that led to political, economic, and social degeneration in the country. The British ruthlessly exploited Indian society, following expansionist policies that ruined the local cottage and handicraft industries, impoverished the nation, and led to numerous local revolts. Although these earlier uprisings, such as the Kutch Rebellion, the Kol uprising of 1831, and the Santhal uprising of 1858, were local in nature and easily suppressed, the Revolt of 1857 sowed the seeds for India’s eventual independence in 1947. Numerous sources offer insight into the events of the Mutiny, including official records, contemporary accounts, newspaper reports, and artistic representations. These sources help to piece together a comprehensive understanding of the Revolt of 1857, its causes, and its impact on the Indian freedom struggle.
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Exercise/textual questions and answers
Very Short Answer Type Questions
1. Who led the freedom fighters at Jagdishpur?
Answer: Kunwar Singh
2. Who was the chief supporter of Nana Sahib?
Answer: Tantia Tope
3. Give the names of any two areas of South India where there were occurrences of revolts.
Answer: Hyderabad and Karnataka
4. Who committed atrocities on the sepoys at Ajnala?
Answer: Fredrick Cooper
5. Give the name of the writer who interpreted the Revolt of 1857 as a Muslim-organised revolt.
Answer: James Outram
Short Answer Type Questions
1. How did the British dispossess Taluqdars of Awadh during 1857? Explain with examples.
Answer: The British dispossessed Taluqdars of Awadh during 1857 by confiscating their lands and estates. The British administration accused the Taluqdars of harbouring rebels and used this as a pretext to take over their properties. This policy was implemented aggressively, leading to widespread resentment among the Taluqdars and their followers.
2. Examine how Lord Dalhousie’s policy of annexation created dissatisfaction amongst the people of Awadh.
Answer: Lord Dalhousie’s policy of annexation created dissatisfaction amongst the people of Awadh by undermining the traditional rights and privileges of the local rulers and nobility. His Doctrine of Lapse policy, which allowed the British to annex any princely state where the ruler did not have a direct heir, was seen as an arbitrary and unjust measure. This led to widespread anger and a sense of betrayal among the people of Awadh.
3. Describe the role of Rani Lakshmi Bai of Jhansi in the uprising of 1857.
Answer: Rani Lakshmi Bai of Jhansi played a pivotal role in the uprising of 1857. She became a symbol of resistance against British rule and led her troops with great courage and determination. Her leadership in the battles at Jhansi and later at Gwalior inspired many Indians to join the rebellion. Despite being outnumbered and facing a well-equipped British army, she fought valiantly until her death in battle.
4. Briefly describe the events of the uprising of 1857 in South India.
Answer: The events of the uprising of 1857 in South India were not as widespread as in the northern parts of the country. However, there were significant rebellions in certain areas such as Hyderabad, where the local rulers and the populace showed resistance to British authority. The uprisings in South India were marked by smaller skirmishes and localized conflicts rather than large-scale battles.
5. What were the views of the newspaper The Calcutta Hindoo Patriot about the reaction of common people to the rising of 1857?
Answer: The newspaper The Calcutta Hindoo Patriot expressed that the reaction of common people to the rising of 1857 was one of widespread support and participation. The newspaper highlighted the unity among different sections of Indian society in their opposition to British rule and their willingness to fight for their rights and freedom. It emphasized that the uprising was not just a mutiny of the sepoys but a broader movement involving the masses.
Long Answer Type Questions
1. Describe the main sources for constructing the history of the uprising of 1857.
Answer: The events of the Mutiny are recorded and narrated in both published and unpublished official records. They are also found in the accounts given by contemporary writers, military officers, and many scholars in the post-Mutiny period. Such works have been placed in the National Archives of India and in the Commonwealth Relations Office (formerly India Office) Library, London. The National Archives has published a list of Mutiny Papers in Urdu and Persian.
2. Describe the main events of the uprising of 1857 at Lucknow.
Answer: Revolt breaks out at Lucknow on May 30, 1857. This marks the beginning of the uprising in Lucknow. The sepoys and common people attacked the British Residency, leading to a prolonged siege. The British forces under Havelock and Outram entered the Residency in Lucknow on September 25, 1857. The siege continued for months, resulting in heavy casualties on both sides until the British finally regained control.
3. Write a note on Fredrick Cooper’s action at Ajnala.
Answer: Fredrick Cooper’s action at Ajnala involved the massacre of several hundred sepoys who had surrendered. After being sentenced to death by a Court Martial, they were blown from guns in the presence of a whole brigade. Cooper justified his action by stating that it was necessary to give an awful punishment to the mutineers to maintain British control. His actions met with immediate official approval, and he was commended for his decisive measures.
4. Why was the revolt particularly widespread in Awadh? What prompted the peasants, taluqdars, and zamindars to join the revolt?
Answer: The revolt was particularly widespread in Awadh because of the British annexation of the region and the subsequent dispossession of the taluqdars. The British officers examined the titles to the estates and confiscated lands that had been in families for generations. This created deep resentment among the taluqdars and zamindars. Additionally, the peasants were discontented due to heavy taxation and exploitation. These factors collectively prompted them to join the revolt against British rule.
5. Is it proper to call the uprising of 1857 as the First War of Indian Independence?
Answer: It is proper to call the uprising of 1857 the First War of Indian Independence because it was the first large-scale rebellion against British rule that involved various sections of Indian society. It was not just a sepoy mutiny but a widespread revolt that included native rulers, taluqdars, zamindars, peasants, and common people. Although it was eventually suppressed, it sowed the seeds of the Indian freedom struggle, leading to the eventual independence of India in 1947.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. When was temporary settlement system implemented under the British Empire?
A. 1850 B. 1852 C. 1856 D. 1860
Answer: C. 1856
2. The immediate cause of the 1857 revolt was:
A. cartridges consisting animal skin B. less wages of the soldiers C. exploiting policies of the British D. none of the above
Answer: A. cartridges consisting animal skin
3. What was the most important element of the revolt of 1857?
A. Leadership of Nana Saheb B. Support of Bahadur Shah Zafar II C. Hindu-Muslim Unity D. None of the above
Answer: C. Hindu-Muslim Unity
4. In December 1857, the British try to make the Hindus of Bareilly fight with the:
A. Muslims B. Sikhs C. Portuguese D. all of the above
Answer: A. Muslims
5. Where did the rebellions try to establish power and rule?
A. Delhi B. Lucknow C. Kanpur D. all the above
Answer: D. all the above
Competency-Based Questions
Multiple Choice Questions
1. Find out the chronological order of the events of the Revolt of 1857:
I. Subsidiary Alliance introduced by Wellesley in Awadh.
II. Nawab Wajid Ali Shah deposed.
III. Summary Revenue settlement introduced in Awadh by the British.
IV. Mutiny started in Meerut.
A. I, II, III, and IV
B. I, III, IV, and II
C. II, I, III, and IV
D. IV, I, II, and III
Answer: B. I, III, IV, and II
2. Which among the following is Correctly matched?
i. Delhi (A) Nana Saheb
ii. Kanpur (B) Kunwar Singh
iii. Arrah (C) Bahadur Shah
iv. Lucknow (D) Birjis Qadr
Answer: iii. Arrah (C) Bahadur Shah
3. Which of the following sources from the 19th century will NOT provide facts surrounding the events of the sepoy mutiny?
A. Articles from the Delhi Urdu Akhbar
B. Coins and jewellery used by people
C. Images from the Punch Magazine
D. The Azamgarh Proclamation
Answer: B. Coins and jewellery used by people
4. Match the following:
i. Implementation of subsidiary alliance in Awadh (A) 11-12 May, 1857
ii. Death of Rani Laxmi Bai in the battle (B) 30 May, 1857
iii. Rebellion in Lucknow (C) 1801
iv. Bahadur Shah accepted the symbolic leadership (D) 1858
A. (i) (D), (ii) (C), (iii) (A), (iv) (B)
B. (i) (A), (ii) (B), (iii) (C), (iv) (D)
C. (i) (B), (ii) (C), (iii) (D), (iv) (A)
D. (i) (C), (ii) (D), (iii) (B), (iv) (A)
Answer: D. (i) (C), (ii) (D), (iii) (B), (iv) (A)
5. The names of some notable individuals linked to the Indian uprising of 1857 are listed below, which among the following is CORRECTLY matched?
A. Lord Dalhousie – Viceroy of India
B. Wajid Ali Shah – Mughal Emperor
C. Shah Mal – Rebel leader of the Kol tribals
D. Nana Saheb – Successor to Peshwa Baji Rao II
Answer: D. Nana Saheb – Successor to Peshwa Baji Rao II
Case-based Questions
1. Read the following excerpt carefully and answer any three questions:
Rumours and prophecies played a part in moving people to action. The Sepoys who had arrived in Delhi from Meerut had told Bahadur Shah about the bullets coated with the fat of cow and pigs and that biting those bullets would corrupt their caste and religion. They were referring to the cartridges of the Enfield Rifles that had just been given to them. The British tried to explain to the Sepoys that this was not the case but the rumour of greased cartridge spread like wild fire across the Sepoy lines of North India.
(a) Why did the Sepoys march to Delhi from Meerut?
(i) The Governor General of East India Company lived in Delhi.
(ii) Delhi was the seat and symbol of Mughal authority.
(iii) Rani Lakshmi Bai urged the Sepoys to move to Delhi.
(iv) The greased cartridges were being made in Delhi.
Answer: (ii) Delhi was the seat and symbol of Mughal authority.
(b) How did the rumour of greased cartridges spread like wildfire across the cantonments?
(i) The cantonments were connected through the Telegraph Lines.
(ii) The cantonments published their own newspapers, in which this was reported.
(iii) This news was broadcasted on the Television.
(iv) All of the above.
Answer: (i) The cantonments were connected through the Telegraph Lines.
(c) Choose the correct option.
Assertion(A): According to the rumour the cartridges were greased with the fat of cows and pigs.
Reason(R): The Sepoys refused to use these cartridges because for Hindu Sepoys, cow was a revered animal and for the Muslims the pig was a hated animal.
(i) Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A.
(ii) Both A and R are correct but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(iii) A is incorrect but R is correct.
(iv) R is incorrect but A is correct.
Answer: (i) Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A.
(d) Consider the following statements:
(a) The greased cartridges were to be used in the new Enfield Rifles.
(b) The British officers tried to explain to the Sepoys that cartridges were not greased. It was just a rumour.
(i) Only (a) is correct.
(ii) Both (a) and (b) are correct.
(iii) Only (b) is correct.
(iv) Neither (a) nor (b) is correct.
Answer: (ii) Both (a) and (b) are correct.
2. What Taluqdars thought?
The attitude of the ‘taluqdars’ was best expressed by Hanwant Singh, the Raja of Kalakankar, neg Rae Bareli. During the mutiny, Hanwant Singh had given shelter to a British officer, and conveyed him to safety. While taking leave of the officer, Hanwant Singh told him. Sahib, your countrymen came into this country and drove out our king. You sent your officers round the districts to examine the titles to the estates. At one blow you took from me lands which from time immemorial had been in my family. I submitted. Suddenly misfortune fell upon you. The people of the land rose against you. You came to me whom you had despoiled. Ihave saved you. But now — now I march at the head of my retainers to Lucknow to try and drive you from the country.
a. Why were the people angry, according to Hanwant Singh? What happened to his family?
Answer: Sahib, your countrymen came into this country and drove out our king. You sent your officers round the districts to examine the titles to the estates. At one blow you took from me lands which from time immemorial had been in my family.
b. According to you, why did he save the British official?
Answer: Sahib, your countrymen came into this country and drove out our king. You sent your officers round the districts to examine the titles to the estates. At one blow you took from me lands which from time immemorial had been in my family. I submitted. Suddenly misfortune fell upon you. The people of the land rose against you. You came to me whom you had despoiled. I have saved you.
c. What happened under the Summary Settlement of 1856? Explain.
Answer: The British land revenue policy further gave a setback to the position and authority of the Taluqdars. In 1856, the British made revenue settlement (known as Summary Settlement) of Awadh. They assumed that the Taluqdars had established their hold over land through force and fraud. The summary settlement proceeded to remove the taluqdars wherever possible. In pre-British times, taluqdars had held 67 per cent of the total number of villages in Awadh but by the Summary Settlement, this number had come down to 38 per cent. The taluqdars of Southern Awadh were hit hardest because some of them lost more than half of the total number of the villages they had previously held.
d. What was the result of the dispossession of Taluqdars? Explain.
Answer: The dispossession of the taluqdars broke down the entire social order. The ties of loyalty and patronage that had bound the peasants with the taluqdars were shaken. In the pre-British times, though the taluqdars were oppressors, yet many of them were generous father figures. They helped the peasants in times of need. But under the British, there was no longer any guarantee that the British revenue officers would come to their rescue, or the collection of revenue demand of the state would be reduced or collection postponed in times of hardship or failure of crops.
Extra/additional questions and answers
1. What are some important sources for studying the events of the Mutiny?
Answer: Some important sources for studying the events of the Mutiny are:
- Official records and accounts in published and unpublished form found in the National Archives of India and Commonwealth Relations Office (formerly India Office) Library, London.
- Press list of Mutiny Papers in Urdu and Persian.
- Proceedings of the Foreign Department, Political and Secret, Home Department Public Proceedings, Military Department Proceedings, and Persian and Urdu papers recovered from the palace after the fall of Delhi.
- Punjab Government Record Office’s papers of Maulvi Rajab Ali, Persian and Urdu correspondence with Punjab princes, and manuscript collections entitled Naqal-i-Marasalajat and Naqal-i- Siqajat and Mutiny Papers styled as Intzam Mafsadan.
- West Bengal Record Office’s papers relating to Mutiny in Bihar and Rattray’s Sikhs, and the proceedings of trials preserved among the District Records of Bihar.
- Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh archives’ papers relating to the Uprising of 1857.
- India Office Library London’s four volumes of notes and documents used by Sir John Kaye (Home Misc. 724-27).
- Parliamentary Papers, British News Papers, and General Works.
60. What impact did the events of 1857 have on the future of Indian politics?
Answer: The events of 1857 had a significant impact on the future of Indian politics, as they served as a constant reminder of courage, patriotism, and resistance against colonial rule. This memory of the uprising fueled the birth and growth of nationalism in Indian politics. The events of 1857 helped unite different sections of society and encouraged them to work together for the liberation of the country. The sense of nationalism and unity that emerged from the 1857 revolt laid the foundation for the National Movement and future struggles for independence in India.
Extra/additional MCQs
1. Which rebellion took place in 1831?
A. Kutch Rebellion B. Kol uprising C. Santhal uprising D. Meerut Mutiny
Answer: B. Kol uprising
106. What did the 1857 events inspire in Indian politics?
A. Regionalism B. Imperialism C. Nationalism D. Secularism
Answer: C. Nationalism
Ron’e Dutta is a journalist, teacher, aspiring novelist, and blogger who manages Online Free Notes. An avid reader of Victorian literature, his favourite book is Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë. He dreams of travelling the world. You can connect with him on social media. He does personal writing on ronism.
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