Let’s Recall
This section focuses on the significant events surrounding the Indian Revolt of 1857, a turning point in British colonial history. It emphasizes the origins of discontent among Indian rulers, particularly nawabs and rajas, who experienced a decline in power due to British policies. Rani Lakshmibai's attempts to secure her adopted son's claim, alongside Nana Saheb's pleas for recognition, illustrated the frustration felt by Indian leaders when their concerns were dismissed by the British East India Company.
Peasants and sepoys in rural areas also voiced their grievances against high taxes and oppressive practices imposed by the Company. The sepoys, discontent with their unfamiliar conditions and the imposed use of new cartridges that conflicted with their religious beliefs, became pivotal figures in the uprising. The section further discusses how agitation (like the news exchange in bazaars and the mysterious list of rules) fueled a sense of shared purpose, culminating in a widespread uprising that saw various sections of the society joining the revolt.
The aftermath of the rebellion led to significant changes in British governance, including the transfer of power from the East India Company to the Crown, and new policies aimed at appeasing the local rulers and retaining control. Thus, the revolt marked not only a confrontation against colonial rule but also initiated a new phase in British colonial policy.