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Class 12 History Chapter 12 The Revolt of 1857 and Its Causes
Selected Questions & Answers
A. Very Short Answer Questions: (Marks for each – 1)
1. During whose tenure as Governor-General did the Revolt of 1857take place?
Ans: Lord Canning.
2. Who was the first Viceroy of India?
Ans: Lord Canning.
3. On which date did the Revolt of 1857 actually begin?
Ans: On 10 May 1857.
4. Why did the Indian sepoys refuse to use the cartridges of theEnfield rifle?
Ans: It was widely rumored that the cartridges of the Enfield rifle were greased with the fat of cows and pigs. These cartridges had to be bitten open with the teeth before loading into the rifle. Since pork is forbidden for Muslims and cows are sacred to Hindus, the Indian sepoys refused to use them out of fear of losing their religion.
5. Who was Bahadur Shah (II)?
Ans: Bahadur Shah II was the last Mughal Emperor. During the Sepoy Revolt, the rebels declared him the ‘Emperor of India.’
6. Who first described the Sepoy Revolt as the First War of Indian Independence?
Ans: Vinayak Damodar Savarkar.
7. Who introduced the Doctrine of Lapse in India?
Ans: Lord Dalhousie.
8. What is the meaning of the word ‘Firangi’?
Ans: The word ‘Firangi’ is said to have originated from the Persian word derived from “Frank.” In India, it was used in a derogatory sense to refer to foreigners.
9. Who led the Sepoy Revolt in Awadh?
Ans: Birjis Qadr, the son of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah of Awadh.
10. Who said the words “Best and the bravest military leader of the rebels,” and about whom?
Ans: The British officer Sir Hugh Rose said these words praising Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi for her bravery in the Revolt of 1857.
11. Who were the Talukdars?
Ans: Powerful landowners in rural areas.
12. Where was Rani Lakshmibai born?
Ans: In Varanasi.
13. Which Governor General implemented the Subsidiary Alliance system?
Ans: Lord Wellesley.
14. In which year was Queen Victoria’s Proclamation issued?
Ans: On 1 November 1858.
15. Write the names of two women leaders of the Revolt of 1857.
Ans: Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi and Begum Hazrat Mahal.
B. Short Answer Questions: (Marks for each – 2 or 4)
1. Under what circumstances did the Revolt of 1857 break out?
Ans: The Revolt of 1857 broke out due to various causes such as British economic exploitation in India, racial discrimination, discriminatory behaviour, deprivation of the political independence of Indians, resentment among the Indian sepoys, and the rapid spread of Christianity.
2. Why and which native rulers were given leadership by the rebel sepoys?
Ans: In order to make the Revolt of 1857 successful, the sepoys placed leadership in the hands of several influential leaders. Among the prominent leaders were the Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah II, the Maratha leader Nana Sahib, Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi, the zamindar Kunwar Singh of Bihar, and Birjis Qadr, the son of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah of Awadh.
3. Write about the organizational strengths and weaknesses of the rebels.
Ans: The organizational strengths and weaknesses of the Revolt of 1857are mentioned below.
Strengths:
(a) The rebels were able to spread the impact of the revolt, more or less, throughout India. Even in Assam, preparations for revolt were made under the leadership of Maniram Dewan.
(b) As the Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah II accepted the leadership, there volt assumed the character of an all-India uprising.
(c) The active leadership of a woman like Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi gave a new dimension to the revolt.
(d) Many prominent leaders such as Nana Sahib, Kunwar Singh of Bihar, and Birjis Qadr carried forward the leadership of the revolt.
Weaknesses:
(a) Although the revolt spread to many parts of India, it was not universal in nature, and popular support was limited.
(b) The rebels lacked a proper plan of action and were unable to maintain communication among different regions simultaneously.
(c) Some Indian states supported the British; the rulers of Hyderabad and Gwalior, among others, sided with the British.
(d) There was a lack of capable central leadership. Bahadur Shah II was physically, mentally, and financially weak.
(e) The rebels fought with outdated weapons such as swords and shields and could not withstand the modern arms of the British.
4. Which Governors General are considered responsible for the Revolt of 1857 and why?
Ans: Mainly two British Governors-General were responsible for the Revolt of 1857 — Lord Dalhousie and Lord Canning. Lord Dalhousie introduced the Doctrine of Lapse in India. By applying this policy, many Indian states were annexed to the British Empire. As the British government refused to recognize adopted sons of native rulers, childless rulers lost their kingdoms. Many estates were also confiscated under this policy, which created deep dissatisfaction and contributed to the outbreak of the revolt. Secondly, Lord Canning is also considered responsible because, instead of attempting a peaceful settlement after understanding the causes of the revolt, he adopted strict measures to suppress it. This intensified the rebellion. Moreover, when Indian soldiers objected to the use of the Enfield rifle, no satisfactory assurance was given, which further angered the sepoys and led to the revolt.
5. Write the names of some leaders and women leaders who played a major role in the Sepoy Revolt.
Ans: Some of the prominent leaders and women leaders of the Sepoy Revolt were Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah II, Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi, Nana Sahib of Kanpur, Begum Hazrat Mahal of Awadh, Kunwar Singh, and Tantia Tope.
6. Mention two features of the Doctrine of Lapse introduced byDalhousie.
Ans: Two features of the Doctrine of Lapse were:
(a) If a subordinate Indian ruler under British authority died without a natural male heir, his kingdom would be annexed to the British Indian Empire.
(b) An adopted son of a native ruler would not be recognized as the successor to the throne; consequently, the state would be annexed to the British Empire.
7. Write two causes for the failure of the Sepoy Revolt. H. S. ’15
Ans: (a) The revolt did not attain an all-India character and remained largely confined to Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Bengal.
(b) There was no common unified objective among the rebels; many participated with their own interests.
1. Discuss the role of Nana Saheb in the Sepoy Revolt.
Ans: Nana Saheb was the adopted son of Peshwa Baji Rao II of the Maratha Empire. As Baji Rao had no biological son, Nana Saheb was regarded as his heir. However, due to the Doctrine of Lapse introduced by LordDalhousie, he was deprived of his right to ascend the throne. As a result, he became a bitter enemy of the British. During the Revolt of 1857, he joined the uprising and assumed leadership with the intention of avenging this injustice. He confined the British commander Major General Hugh Wheeler for some days and later had him killed along with several soldiers. He was also associated with the killing of many British soldiers at Satichaura Ghat in Kanpur. Eventually, unable to resist the advancing British forces, he fled to Nepal.
2. Discuss the role of Tantia Tope in the Revolt of 1857.
Ans: Tantia Tope played a significant role in the Revolt of 1857. His father was a trusted employee in the Maratha court. Disturbed by British policies, he joined the revolt along with Nana Saheb. He initially began the revolt at Kanpur but, being unable to withstand British forces, retreated to Bundelkhand and later moved to Gwalior, where he inspired the rebels. He fought alongside Rani Lakshmibai against the British. After her death, he joined the forces of the Mughal prince Firoz Shah and continued fighting. Eventually, he sought shelter with Man Singh, who betrayed him and handed him over to the British.
3. Discuss the role of Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi in the Sepoy Revolt.
Ans: Rani Lakshmibai was one of the most prominent leaders of the Revolt of 1857. She was the widow of Raja Gangadhar Rao of Jhansi. As theRaja had no biological son, she adopted Damodar Rao as her heir. However, the British refused to recognize him under the Doctrine of Lapse. This angered her, and she joined the revolt. She expelled the British from Jhansi and later fought bravely at Kotah-ki-Serai near Gwalior, where she was fatally wounded. She displayed extraordinary courage and valor. Sir Hugh Rose praised her as “the best and the bravest military leader of the rebels.”
4. Discuss the causes of the Revolt of 1857. H S ’20
Ans: The causes of the Revolt of 1857 were political, economic, social, and immediate.
(a) Political causes: The Doctrine of Lapse introduced by Lord Dalhousieled to the annexation of several states such as Jhansi and Awadh. This created resentment among Indian rulers.
(b) Economic causes: The British imposed heavy taxes and confiscated many zamindaris, causing hardship and dissatisfaction among landholders and peasants.
(c) Social causes: The spread of Christianity, promotion of English education, and reforms such as the abolition of Sati and legalization of widow remarriage angered orthodox sections of society.
(d) Immediate cause: The introduction of the Enfield rifle cartridges, allegedly greased with cow and pig fat, hurt the religious sentiments of both Hindus and Muslims, leading to revolt.
5. Discuss the results of the Sepoy Revolt of 1857.
Ans: The Revolt of 1857 ended in the defeat of the rebels. Its major results were:
(a) It was the first large-scale revolt against British rule. The Government of India Act of 1858 transferred power from the East India Company to the British Crown.
(b) The Doctrine of Lapse was withdrawn, and the right of adoption by Indian rulers was recognized.
(c) Financial and revenue policies were changed. Taxes were increased to compensate for losses.
(d) The British decided not to interfere in the religious and social customs of Indians.
(e) National consciousness among Indians was strengthened.
(f) Changes were introduced in the army, including increasing the number of British soldiers and reducing the dominance of Brahmins.
6. Religious beliefs influenced the rebels in 1857. Give two examples. H S ’16
Ans: Religious beliefs influenced the rebels in two major ways. First, British support for the spread of Christianity and interference in social customs angered orthodox groups. Second, the Enfield rifle cartridges, allegedly greased with cow and pig fat, hurt the religious sentiments of Hindus and Muslims, leading to revolt.
7. Mention four causes of the discontent of Indian sepoys against the British. H S ’15, ’17
Ans: Four causes of the discontent of Indian sepoys against the British were:
(a) The introduction of the Enfield rifle with greased cartridges.
(b) The Doctrine of Lapse affecting Indian political dignity.
(c) Abolition of feudal privileges such as jagirs and zamindaris, leading to unemployment.
(d) Harsh discipline and discriminatory treatment by British officers.
8. Who was Maulvi Ahmadullah Shah? What was his contribution to the Revolt of 1857? H S ’15
Ans: Maulvi Ahmadullah Shah was a native of Faizabad in present-day Uttar Pradesh. After 1856, he began preaching against British rule and gained popularity. The British arrested him but later released him. He resumed his activities and defeated British forces under Henry Lawrence at the Battle of Chinhat. A reward of Rs. 50,000 was announced for his capture. He was later betrayed and killed by Raja Jagannath Singh of Powayan.
9. What measures did the British take to suppress the Revolt of 1857?
Ans: The measures taken by the British to suppress the Revolt of 1847were:
(a) Rebels were shot or hanged.
(b) Zamindars were appeased by restoring estates.
(c) Loyal Indians were rewarded.
(d) The number of Brahmin soldiers was reduced in the army.
(e) Salaries and allowances of soldiers were increased.
(f) A general amnesty was declared after suppression, except for major offenders.
