Question

Answer the following question briefly:

In the context of the Revolt of 1857, answer the following question:

Explain briefly any four social and religious causes that led to the Revolt of 1857.

Answer 1

Social and Religious Causes:

1. Social reforms such as the abolition of sati, and female infanticide, the Widow Remarriage Act and the introduction of women‘s education caused deep resentment among the orthodox sections of society.
2. The efforts of the missionaries to convert people to 92 Christianity caused great alarm. Some of the missionaries ridiculed the religious beliefs and practices of the Hindus and Muslims in their effort to convert people to their faith. This hurt the religious sentiments of the people.
3.  The introduction of Western education undermined the position and importance of the Pundits and Maulvis and was seen as an attack on ancient traditions and values. The office of the Inspector of Schools in Patna was referred to as the ‘shaitane daftar’.
4. The introduction of the railways and posts and telegraphs aroused grave doubts and fears, especially among the simple, backward villagers. They thought that the telegraph system was a form of Western magic. They grew fearful of the intentions of the British.
5. The British judicial system introduced the principle of equality. This was regarded as a threat to the existing caste norms and privileges of the upper classes.
6. The British looked down upon the Indians and followed a policy of racial discrimination. They made no effort to interact socially with the Indians. They were convinced of the superiority of the European race and treated the Indians with great contempt.