Question

Mention the following.

Four reasons for the discontent that led to the 1857 War of Independence.

Answer 1

Discontent was brewing amongst the Indians. They felt that their kings who were supposed to be their protectors were mere puppets in the hands of the British. They lost their old jobs and lands. Taxes continued to ruin the peasants. There was discontent in the East India Company’s army too. The white soldier got huge pay, mansions to live in and servants, while the Indian soldiers got a pittance and slow promotions. Few Englishmen had cared to understand Indian customs or the people’s mind. The religious sentiments of both Hindus and Muslims were also hurt. The grease on the bullets they had to bite was made from the fat of cows and pigs.