Question

Prove that there was no common purpose among the leaders of the Great revolt of 1857.

Answer 1

1. The revolt did not have a clear leader. Bahadur Shah II was old and exhausted. He lacked military leadership.
2. At Kanpur, Nana Sahib was proclaimed a Peshwa, who was the adopted son of the exited Peshwa Baji Rao II.
3. He believed that he was entitled to a pension from the British.
4. When he was refused to be given, he was compelled to revolt against them. Rani Lakshmi Bai and Tantia Tope fought for Jhansi and Gwaliar.
5. Begun of Awadh wanted to safeguard her territory.
6. Khan Bahadur Khan fought against the British when they subjugated his government in Bareilly.
7. As such, they lacked unity and gave way for the easy victory of the British.