QUES . The 1857 uprising was the culmination of the recurrent, big and small local rebellions that had occurred in the preceding hundred years of British rule. Elucidate. UPSC 2019 GS MAINS PAPER 1. 150 words. 10 Marks

HINTS:

From 1763 to 1856 there were more than 40 major rebellions apart from hundreds of minor ones against the East India Company rule. The high rate of land revenues, subjugation of the grievances of the locals, involvement in the cultural traditions, impact of Christian missionaries and mistreatment of the tribals by outsiders were some of the causes behind these rebellions.

These rebellions were local in character and effects. They were isolated from each other because each rebellion had a different motive. For example:

The Faqir and Sanyasi Rebellions (1770–1820s), Farazi Movement (1838-1848), Wahabi Movement (1830’s-1860’s) were the peasant revolution before 1857. They were directed against the land revenue system of British.

The Santhal Rebellion (1855-57), The Uprising of the Bhils (1818-1831), The Kol Uprising (1831-1832) were the major tribal movement.

Vellore Mutiny 1806, mutiny of the sepoys in Bengal in 1764, mutiny of the sepoys of the 47th Native Infantry Unit in 1824 were the major military revolts.

However, these people’s resistance and rebellion culminated in the 1857 Uprising which was the result of imperialist and capitalistic nature of the East India Company rule.

How the recurrent, big and small local rebellions led to 1857 Uprising?

֍ They created awareness about the exploitative nature of British rule.

֍ They led to organization and collectiveness of the society.

֍ They inculcated an idea of a nation among the people.

֍ They were used to highlight that, rather than creating differences between society,society must fight against british rule.

֍ They made other people aware about the hollowness of British ideals of promoting civilization.

֍ They provided leaders who played critical role during 1857 struggle.

All the localized movements, inspired by local grievances gave way for a major ‘National impulse’, in 1857, which is called as the ‘First War of Independence’, that shook the foundation of British rule in India.

Must read: Nature of the Revolt of 1857

External link: https://www.nios.ac.in/media/documents/SecSocSciCour/English/Lesson-07.pdf