Question

Numerous causes gave rise to the First War of Independence and its consequences led to several changes in the British Government in India. In this context, answer the following:

Explain any three political causes of the Revolt of 1857.

Answer 1

Political causes of the revolt of 1857 were:

1. British policy of expansion: There were four ways that the British tried to gain more political power in India: through direct war, the Subsidiary Alliance system, the Doctrine of Lapse, and false accusations of bad government.
2. Disrespect shown to Bahadur Shah: In 1856, Lord Canning announced that after the death of Bahadur Shah, his successors would not be allowed to use the imperial titles with their names and would not be known as the real princes.
3. Treatment given to Nana Sahib: Nana Sahib was the adopted son of Bajirao II, the last Peshwa. The British refused to grant Nana Saheb the pension they were paying to Bajirao II. This was widely resented in the Maratha state.
4. Absentee sovereignty of the British: Since India was being ruled by the British government from England at a distance of a thousand miles, this was resented by the Indians. The Indians felt that they were being ruled from England and India's wealth was being drained to England and not utilised for their welfare.