Critically examine the nature of the revolt of 1857 and explain how it affected the British policy in India in later years?

Nature of the Revolt of 1857

(1) It was mainly led by the sepoys (sepoy mutiny).

(2) The regional support was also extended to the revolt:

• Rani Lakshmi Bai (Jhansi),
• Kunwar Singh (Ara).

Fig: Centres of Revolt Map of India:

• Delhi
• Meerut
• Lucknow
• Ara
• Kanpur
• Jhansi
• Barrackpore
• Gwalior

(3) It aimed at the revival of the earlier ideas of governance. Ex. the Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar was chosen as the "symbolic head".

(4) It was the first such large scale challenge to the British rule.

(5) However, it largely remained limited to few northern parts with participation of the masses lacking to a large extent.

The effect on British Policy in India in later years

(1) The company rule ended and Act of 1858 shifted power to the Crown.

(2) The governor general of India became the Viceroy i.e. Crown's Representative and Lord Canning was first viceroy.

(3) Secretary of state for India was appointed.

(4) In long run the number of Indian soldiers in British army was reduced.

(5) British avoid the intervention in the Indian society directly. Ex. sati abolition, widow remarriage also led to the rise of dissent against British during 1850s.

(6) The dispossessed landlords zamindars were restored with their rights.

(7) The British started the policy of "carrot and stick" to hide the real nature of exploitation.