Question

Several factors led to the Revolt of 1857. With reference to this, explain about the discontentment of Sepoys.

Answer 1

The Indian soldiers were unhappy because of their low salary and poor prospects of promotion and working conditions. All the high ranks in the army were reversed for the British only.
The British officers maintained a social distance with Indian soldiers. They held a derogatory opinion about the soldiers and treated them like menial servants. Also the Hindu sepoys of Bengal Army had to cross Sindhu river during Anglo-Afghan War (1839-42) which were forbidden by their religion. The immediate cause of discontentment among sepoys was the introduction of Enfield Rifle with cartridges which were greased with the fat of cows and pigs. The cows are regarded sacred among Hindu and Muslim regard pigs as unclean. The above factors together led the feeling of discontentment among sepoy, which proved instrumental in sepoy mutiny of 1857.