History

Two of the important political causes responsible for the First War of Independence were: (i) The British policy of annexation of kingdoms under the pretext of inefficient administration of the rulers.

The British refused to accept Nana Saheb, the adopted son of the last Peshwa Baji Rao II, as the ruler of the Maratha and was refused to get the pension which his father was getting.

According to the ‘Doctrine of Lapse’ if a king died without an heir to the throne, his adopted son could not succeed him. This caused a lot of discontentment amongst the Indians.

Thousands of workers became unemployed as Indian handicrafts and village industries died out. The British annexed princely states and they lost Royal patronage.

QUESTION: “The introduction of Enfield Rifles was the major factor in causing the great upsurge of 1857.” Discuss: The cartridges were greased with fats of pigs and cows.

In 1856, the General Service Enlistment Act was passed by the British Parliament. According to this act, the Indian soldiers could be sent overseas.

The sepoys were ordered to use new Enfield Rifles, the cartridges of which were greased with the fat of cows and pigs. Both Hindu and Muslim sepoys refused to use them and felt the English were defiling their religion.

Mention any two social evils that existed in India during the 19th century. What measures did the British Government take to stop them?

The great rising of 1857 was an important event that produced far-reaching results. Explain the Rise of Nationalism, with reference to the great uprising 1857

QUESTION: In context to the various factors responsible for causing the great upsurge of 1857, discuss the introduction of Railways and Telegraphs