QUESTION: “The introduction of Enfield Rifles was the major factor in causing the great upsurge of 1857.” Discuss.
ANSWER:
Introduction of Enfield Rifles:
(i) The cartridges were greased with fats of pigs and cows. The sepoys had to remove the greased covers of the cartridges with their teeth, before loading them into the rifles.
(ii) Hindus and Muslims thought it to be an attempt to defile their religion.
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