Ch3: Short Questions

Q: What were the long term effects of the War of Independence of 1857?
1. The 1857 revolt marked the decline and eventual end of the Mughal
Empire. After the British suppressed the rebellion, they exiled the last
Mughal emperor, Bahadur Shah II, effectively ending the dynasty that had
ruled India for centuries.

2. Following the revolt, the British government decided to take direct

control of India. In 1858, the British Crown assumed control from the British
East India Company, leading to the establishment of the British Raj, which
lasted until India's independence in 1947.

3. The war had a profound impact on Indian society. The British

implemented policies to strengthen their control and prevent future
uprisings, which included increased censorship and control over education.
This led to a growing awareness of Indian identity and the need for reforms.

4. The War of 1857 served as a catalyst for the Indian independence

movement. It led to the emergence of nationalist sentiments among Indians
who began to demand greater political rights and self-determination.
Leaders like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Dadabhai Naoroji, and later figures like
Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru were influenced by the events of
1857 in their pursuit of independence.
Q: What were the immediate causes of the War of Independence of 1857?
1. The revolt was sparked by the widespread discontent among Indian
sepoys (Indian soldiers serving in the British East India Company's army).
They were angered by the use of animal fat in rifle cartridges, which
offended their religious beliefs, leading to the outbreak of the mutiny in
Meerut on May 10, 1857.

2. Indian society faced economic hardships due to British policies, including

high land taxes, oppressive revenue collection, and the displacement of
traditional industries. These issues fueled resentment and contributed to
the rebellion.

3. The British showed cultural insensitivity by disrespecting Indian customs

and traditions. Examples include the annexation of Oudh (Awadh), which
angered the local population, and the undermining of local rulers' authority.

4. The revolt saw the emergence of leaders like Rani Lakshmibai, Bahadur
Shah II, and Kunwar Singh, who provided leadership and coordination to the
rebellion, making it a more organized and widespread movement.
Q: What were the consequences of the War of Independence of 1857?
1. The war marked the effective end of the Mughal Empire in India. Bahadur
Shah II, the last Mughal emperor, was exiled by the British, symbolizing the
decline of Mughal authority.

2. After suppressing the rebellion, the British government took direct

control of India, ending the rule of the British East India Company. India was
now governed by the British Crown, a period known as the British Raj.

3. The revolt inspired a sense of unity among Indians from diverse

backgrounds, fostering a growing sense of nationalism and political
consciousness. It also led to religious tensions, as the British implemented
policies that affected Hindu and Muslim practices.

4. The British implemented economic policies that aimed to exploit India's

resources for their benefit. This included the introduction of cash crops,
changes in landownership, and taxation, which had long-term economic
consequences for the country.
Q: What were the military causes of the War of Independence of 1857?
1. The War of Independence of 1857 was a significant uprising in India
against British colonial rule. It had various military causes that led to its
outbreak.

2. One of the primary military causes was the discontentment among Indian
sepoys (native soldiers) in the British East India Company's army. They were
unhappy due to several factors, including the use of the new Enfield rifles,
which required biting off the tips of cartridges that were rumored to be
greased with animal fat (cow and pig), violating their religious beliefs.

3. Another military cause was the erosion of trust between the Indian
sepoys and their British officers. This trust had been undermined over time
due to cultural and racial differences, as well as perceived disrespect and
mistreatment of Indian soldiers by their British superiors.

4. The military cause of leadership and coordination also played a role. The
revolt lacked centralized leadership and coordination, making it difficult to
mount a cohesive military campaign. However, local leaders and rulers in
various regions played significant roles in the uprising.
Q: What were the political causes of the War of Independence of 1857?
1. British colonial policies were a significant factor leading to the outbreak of
the War of Independence in 1857. The British East India Company imposed
various oppressive policies on the Indian population, such as the Doctrine of
Lapse, the introduction of the new Enfield rifle with its controversial
cartridges, and high land revenue taxes. These policies created widespread
discontent among both Indian rulers and the general populace.
2. The employment of Indian soldiers, known as sepoys, by the British East
India Company played a crucial role in the uprising. The sepoys were
subjected to various forms of discrimination, including lower pay and lack of
promotions compared to their British counterparts. Additionally, the rumors
regarding the use of animal fat in the new Enfield rifle cartridges, which
offended religious sensibilities, triggered the rebellion among sepoys.
3. Many Indian princely states were dispossessed of their territories through
the Doctrine of Lapse and annexation policies pursued by the British. This
led to the alienation of Indian rulers and created a desire among them to
regain their lost power and territories. Their discontent added to the
political causes of the revolt.
4. The mid-19th century witnessed the emergence of early nationalist
sentiments among educated Indians who aspired for greater political
representation and control over their own affairs. Prominent leaders like
Rani Lakshmibai, Bahadur Shah II, and Bahadur Shah Zafar played a pivotal
role in rallying people around a common cause of seeking independence
from British rule. Their leadership and efforts in mobilizing the masses
added to the political undercurrents of the revolt.
Q: What were the social, economic and religious causes of the War of
Independence of 1857?
The War of Independence of 1857, also known as the Indian Mutiny or the
Sepoy Mutiny, had multiple social, economic, and religious causes. Here's a
concise answer following the guidelines of Cambridge O levels:
1. One social cause of the 1857 War of Independence was the widespread
discontent among Indian soldiers, known as sepoys, due to various
grievances. These included issues like the use of animal fat in rifle
cartridges, which offended the religious beliefs of both Hindus and Muslims,
and the imposition of British discipline and practices on the sepoys.
2. Economically, the British East India Company's policies had a significant
impact. The British had introduced various economic policies that harmed
the Indian economy, such as the introduction of the Doctrine of Lapse and
the land revenue system. These policies led to land dispossession, economic
exploitation, and loss of traditional livelihoods, which fueled resentment.
3. British banned the practice of Hijab which was criticized by the Muslims
while the banning of Sati was opposed by the Hindus. This was one of the
causes of the War of Independence as this was not acceptable for the
society of Hindus and Muslims.
4. British also brought Christian missionaries from all over Britain to
introduce their religion. However, they did not just introduce but forced the
people to believe in Christianity. This was criticized a lot by the Muslim and
Hindu community and was intolerable. Hence this also led to the War of
Independence.
Q: What were the main events of the War of Independence of 1857?
1. The uprising began in Meerut when Indian soldiers, known as sepoys,
rebelled against their British officers. They broke into the Meerut Garrison
and helped the prisoners escape. This initial mutiny marked the beginning of
the larger conflict.

2. The revolt quickly spread to various parts of northern and central India,
including Delhi, Kanpur, Lucknow, and Jhansi. Indian leaders, such as Rani
Lakshmibai of Jhansi and Bahadur Shah II (the last Mughal emperor), played
prominent roles in the rebellion.

3. The rebels and the British engaged in numerous battles and sieges
throughout 1857 and 1858. Some notable conflicts include the Siege of
Delhi, the Battle of Kanpur, and the Siege of Lucknow. These battles were
often marked by brutal fighting on both sides.

4. The British eventually managed to suppress the revolt by early 1859. They
reasserted control over India, marking the end of the War of Independence
of 1857. The consequences included a significant change in British policy
towards India, with the formal beginning of the British Raj, where India
came under direct British control.
Q: What were the military strengths of the British in the War of
Independence?
1. The British East India Company maintained a well-trained and disciplined
army consisting of both British and Indian soldiers (known as sepoys). The
British soldiers were experienced and battle-hardened, while the sepoys
were trained to British military standards. This professional army was
instrumental in quelling the rebellion.

2. The British army possessed superior firepower, including modern rifles

and artillery. This technological advantage allowed them to engage in long-
range combat and siege warfare effectively. Their artillery played a crucial
role in capturing rebel-held strongholds and cities.

3. The British had a well-established system for supplying their troops with
food, ammunition, and other essential resources. This logistical advantage
ensured that their forces could sustain prolonged campaigns and maintain
control over key areas.

4. The British also had the advantage of naval power. They could use their
navy to transport troops, equipment, and supplies quickly and efficiently to
various regions of India. This mobility allowed them to respond swiftly to
rebel uprisings and reinforce their positions as needed.
Q: What were the weaknesses of the Indians in the War of Independence of
1857?
1. One significant weakness was the absence of a unified leadership among
the Indian rebels. The rebellion was a loosely coordinated effort with
multiple leaders, including local rulers, sepoys (Indian soldiers), and civilians,
each pursuing their own objectives. This lack of a central command
structure made it challenging to strategize and coordinate their efforts
effectively.

2. The Indian rebels often had limited access to modern weaponry and
military resources compared to the well-equipped British forces. The sepoys
primarily relied on outdated muskets and rifles, while the British had access
to more advanced firearms and artillery. This technological disparity put the
Indian rebels at a disadvantage in direct confrontations.

3. The rebellion saw divisions among various ethnic, religious, and regional
groups. For example, there were tensions between Hindus and Muslims, as
well as conflicting interests among different Indian princely states. These
divisions weakened the overall unity of the rebellion and provided
opportunities for the British to exploit these differences.

4. The Indian rebels did not receive significant international support for their
cause. While some individual sympathizers existed abroad, there was no
substantial foreign assistance in terms of troops, weapons, or diplomatic
recognition. This contrasted with the British, who had access to a global
network of resources and reinforcements.
Q: What changes were made in the British Rule after the War of
Independence of 1857?
1. The British Crown assumed direct control over India, ending the rule of
the British East India Company. This marked the beginning of the British Raj
in India, with Queen Victoria as the Empress of India.

2. The British government discontinued the Doctrine of Lapse policy, which

allowed them to annex Indian princely states if they lacked a male heir. This
policy was seen as unjust and exploitative, and its abolition preserved the
autonomy of many princely states.

3. The composition of the Indian Army was restructured. The British

introduced several reforms, including increasing the ratio of British to Indian
soldiers, enhancing discipline, and avoiding the use of Indian soldiers in far-
flung wars beyond the Indian subcontinent.

4. The British government implemented administrative reforms to improve

governance in India. The Indian Civil Services (ICS) examination was
introduced to ensure a more qualified and efficient bureaucracy. The local
administration was also restructured to ensure better control and
governance.
Q: What were the effects on the Muslims due to the War of Independence
of 1857?
1. The War of Independence of 1857 resulted in widespread economic
disruption for Muslims. Many lost their livelihoods and properties due to
the conflict, leading to economic hardships.

2. Following the suppression of the rebellion, Muslims faced political

marginalization under British rule. The British government became more
suspicious of Muslims and introduced policies that limited their
participation in the administration.

3. The aftermath of the war prompted some Muslims to call for social and
religious reforms. Leaders like Sir Syed Ahmed Khan advocated for modern
education among Muslims to bridge the gap between them and the British
rulers.

4. The War of 1857 also contributed to a growing communal divide between

Muslims and Hindus. The perception of the rebellion as a "Muslim revolt"
led to increased tensions and mistrust between the two communities,
setting the stage for future communal conflicts.
Q: What system did British set up for governing India after the War of
Independence of 1857?
1. The British Crown took control of India from the British East India
Company, marking the beginning of direct British rule in India. This was
symbolized by Queen Victoria's Proclamation of 1858.

2. The highest-ranking British official in India held the title of Governor-

General until 1858 when it was upgraded to Viceroy. The Viceroy was the
representative of the British monarch in India and held significant power.

3. The British established a centralized administrative system that included

the Indian Civil Service (ICS) to run the government efficiently. This
bureaucracy was primarily composed of British officers.

4. The Indian Councils Act of 1861 and subsequent acts introduced

legislative councils at the central and provincial levels. These councils
included both British and Indian members, although the former held more
power. They provided a platform for limited Indian representation in the
governance process.
Q: What was the vernacular press act of 1875?
1. The Vernacular Press Act of 1878 was a law enacted by the British colonial
government in India.

2. Its primary purpose was to suppress the criticism and dissent against the
British government and its policies that were being published in Indian
vernacular newspapers.

3. Under the Act, vernacular newspapers were required to deposit a security

deposit and adhere to strict guidelines. Editors and publishers could be
imprisoned without trial for publishing material that was deemed seditious
or objectionable by the government.

4. The Vernacular Press Act faced strong opposition from Indian nationalists
and the press, as it curtailed freedom of the press and was seen as an
attempt to stifle dissent. However, the Act did have a chilling effect on the
vernacular press for some time, leading to self-censorship and a decline in
critical journalism.

5. This law was eventually repealed in 1882 due to widespread protests and
criticism, but it highlighted the British government's efforts to control and
restrict freedom of the press in India during the colonial period.
Q: What kind of nationalist ideas promoted/began in India?
1. Nationalists emphasized the importance of a unified Indian identity that
transcended regional, linguistic, and religious differences. They sought to
foster a sense of belonging to India as a whole.

2. Nationalists advocated for greater political autonomy and self-

governance for India. They called for Indian representation in the
governance of the country and the end of British colonial rule.

3. Nationalists emphasized the importance of preserving and promoting

Indian culture, history, and traditions. This was seen as a way to strengthen
national identity and resist cultural imposition by the British.

4. Nationalists encouraged unity and solidarity among Indians of all

backgrounds in their struggle for independence. This included efforts to
bridge divides based on caste, religion, and language.
Q: What was the Proclamation Act/India Act of 1858?
1. The India Act of 1858 marked the formal transfer of authority over India
from the British East India Company to the British Crown. This transition,
known as the "Great Revolt" or "Sepoy Mutiny" of 1857, led to the direct
rule of India by the British government.

2. The act effectively ended the rule of the British East India Company in
India. Prior to this, the company had substantial control over Indian affairs,
including administration, taxation, and trade.

3. The act introduced significant changes to the governance of India. It

established the Secretary of State for India in the British government, who
was responsible for overseeing Indian affairs. Additionally, it created the
Indian Civil Service (ICS) to manage the administration of India.

4. The India Act of 1858 abolished the dual system of government, where
there were separate administrations for British-controlled territories and
princely states. Instead, a unified system of governance was implemented
under the British Crown.