Question

Explain the causes of the Great Revolt of 1857 with reference to the following:

Any three military causes

Answer 1

Military Causes
Ill-treatment of Indian soldiers: The East India Company discriminated against their Indian sepoys. They were poorly paid, ill-fed and badly housed. They were forbidden from wearing any caste or sectarian marks, beads or turbans. As a result, there was resentment among the Indian troops.

General Service Enlistment Act: The General Service Enlistment Act of 1856 required Indian soldiers to be sent overseas for deployment if required. However, traditionally, it was a taboo for Brahmins to cross the seas. Hindus reacted negatively to this decision which was taken in complete disregard to their religious beliefs.

Larger Proportion of Indians in the British Army: In 1856, the Company army had 2,38,000 Indians and 45,322 British soldiers. Dalhousie had recommended the recruitment of more British troops, but it was not done at that point of time. As a result, it became easier for the rebelling Indian troops to overwhelm their British colleagues.