Question

Answer the following question in detail with the help of the given points:

Write the information about the freedom struggle of 1857:

1. Causes
2. Consequences

Answer 1

1. Causes:
   1. The freedom struggle of 1857 was the result of mounting pressures because of increasing discontent of Indian soldiers in the British army and also political, social, religious and economic reasons.
   2. The treatment given to Indian soldiers and the restrictions imposed on them were at the root of their discontent.
   3. The soldiers felt hurt because of many reasons, such as cuts in their allowances, being compelled to cross the sea, frequent humiliation during daily parade, partiality ruling large in matters of transfers, being left out during promotions, etc.
   4. Not only the monetary exploitation but also forced religious conversions, British policies with regard to Indian customs and traditions contributed to the increasing discontent among Indian people.
2. Consequences:
   1. Queen Victoria of England acknowledged the rage of Indian people, which gave rise to the war of 1857. To establish peace, she addressed the issue by publishing a charter, known as the ‘Queen’s Proclamation’.
   2. She declared that all Indians were her subjects and she wanted to assure them of few things. Her assurance included a promise of no discrimination on the basis of race, creed (faith system), caste and birth place, employment on the basis of qualification and skills, no interference in religious matters, fulfillment of the agreements with the rulers of princely states, etc.
   3. The war of 1857 also left a deep impact on the Indian society.
   4. Provincial and communal loyalties were gradually replaced by a feeling of being united as a nation and national loyalty. It was dawned on Indian people that they cannot win in an armed combat with the British and a need was felt to find more innovative methods to counter the British rule.