Question

The 1857 Revolt is also referred to as the Sepoy Mutiny by the British. With reference to the role played by the soldiers, answer the following question:

How did the introduction of the new Enfield Rifle become an immediate cause of the revolt?

Answer 1

1. The new Enfield rifle used paper cartridges that soldiers had to bite open before loading; biting the cartridge was made part of the drill.

2. Rumours spread that the cartridge grease contained cow fat (offensive to Hindus) and pig fat (offensive to Muslims), so using them violated soldiers’ religious beliefs.

3. Sepoys refused to use the cartridges; punishments and attempts to enforce their use provoked mass disobedience and the first outbreaks of the 1857 Revolt (e.g., Berhampur, Meerut).