War of Independence

• Political reasons for the War of Independence 1857:

  • Local Nawabs and their populace were angered when their lands were annexed by the British
  • Expansionist policies of Lord Dalhousie, including the Doctrine of Lapse, were disliked
  • Nana Sahib, Rani Laxmi Bai, and other rulers lost their pension/land due to the Doctrine of Lapse
  • Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah II was deprived of his title, angering the Muslim populace
  • Local rulers felt the need to protect their land
  • The British were seen as greedy imperialists
• Invasion of Afghanistan:

  • Doubt cast on British power after failed invasion of Afghanistan
  • Rumours that the War of Independence could end British rule in India
  • Indian soldiers were unhappy to fight in Afghanistan, creating disloyalty
  • Hindus were unwilling to leave India to fight
  • Muslim soldiers were reluctant to fight against their Muslim brothers in Afghanistan
• Economic reasons for the War of Independence:

  • Land Policy changes under British rule led to farmers being expelled from their lands
  • Destruction of local industries due to heavy tariffs and competition with British products
  • Heavy taxation imposed on citizens already struggling financially
  • Exploitation of resources
• Socio-Religious reasons for the War of Independence:

  • British imposed reforms without considering local opinions, such as banning suttee, infanticide, and parda
  • Propagation of Christianity and restrictions on practicing other religions
  • Introduction of Western technology and education, replacing Persian with English as the official language
• Military reasons for the War of Independence:

  • Disbanding of Indian armies after annexation
  • Mistreatment of Indian soldiers, discrimination in ranks and wages
  • Introduction of the Enfield Rifle with cartridges greased with pig/cow fat, offending religious beliefs
• Events during the War of Independence:

  • Meerut: Mangal Panday's revolt, capture of Delhi, and revolt spread to other regions
  • Delhi: Defeat of revolters by Sir John Lawrence, exile of Bahadur Shah II
  • Kanpur: Nana Sahib's revolt, capture and recapture of the region
  • Jhansi: Rani of Jhansi's opposition, defeat due to betrayal
  • War officially ended in August 1858
• Effects of the War of Independence:

  • Proclamation of 1858 promising non-interference in religious beliefs and ancient customs
  • Establishment of British rule with a viceroy and Secretary of State for India
  • Neglect and discrimination against Muslims, rise of opposition and nationalist ideas
• Nana Sahib (1824-?) was a marathon aristocrat and the adopted son of Baji Rao. He had a personal vendetta against the British after the British stopped his pension. He disappeared after the british retook Kanpur