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:

What was the General Service Enlistment Act? 

Answer 1

1. The General Service Enlistment Act (passed in 1856) made new recruits to the Bengal Army liable to serve “anywhere”, including overseas (service beyond India). It was introduced under Lord Canning.
2. Indian sepoys resented the law because overseas service conflicted with religious and social beliefs (for many high‑caste Hindus, crossing the sea was considered polluting). The Act, therefore, caused bitterness among the sepoys and was one of the military grievances that helped fuel the Revolt of 1857.