1857 WAR

1857 WAR
• The Indian Rebellion of 1857, triggered by numerous grievances of
both Indian soldiers (sepoys) and civilians against the East India
Company, ended the Company’s rule in India and established the
formal imperial rule of the British Crown across the region.

• The Indian Rebellion of 1857 (known also as the Great Uprising of

1857) resulted from an accumulation of factors over time rather than
from any single event. The causes for the rebellion were as follows:
 CAUSE 1 (Grievances of Sepoys)
• The rapid expansion of the East India Company’s army meant new sepoys (local
soldiers, usually of Hindu or Muslim background) were to be recruited.

• To prevent any social friction, the Company took action to adapt its military
practices to the requirements of the religious rituals of these young recruits.

• Over time, however, sepoys developed a number of grievances:

• A) many sepoys were concerned about losing their perquisites as landed gentry and the
anticipated increase of any land-revenue payments that the annexation of Awadh might bring
about.
• B) Some Indian soldiers, interpreting the presence of missionaries as a sign of official intent,
were convinced that the Company was masterminding mass conversions of Hindus and
Muslims to Christianity.
• C) Finally, changes in the terms of professional service also created resentment.
CAUSE 2 (New Enfield P-53 rifle)
• These used paper cartridges that
came pre-greased. To load the rifle,
sepoys had to bite the cartridges open
to release the powder. The grease
used was rumored to include tallow
derived from beef, offensive to
Hindus, and pork, offensive to
Muslims.

• There were rumors that the British

sought to destroy the religions of the
Indian people and forcing the native
soldiers to break their sacred code
certainly increased this concern
 AFTERMATH
• The rebellion and its aftermath resulted in the deaths of more than
100,000 Indians. The alleged killings of women and children by the
rebels as well as wounded British soldiers left many British soldiers
seeking revenge.
• The rebellion saw the end of the East India Company’s rule in India. In
August, by the Government of India Act 1858, the company was
formally dissolved and its ruling powers over India were transferred to
the British Crown