Very Short Answer Type Questions

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Chapter 11: Rebels and the Raj – The Revolt of 1857

1. What event marked the beginning of the Revolt of 1857?
   The revolt began on 10 May 1857 with a sepoy uprising at Meerut.
2. Which city became the symbolic centre of the Revolt of 1857?
   Delhi became the symbolic centre of the revolt.
3. Who was proclaimed the emperor by the rebels in Delhi?
   Bahadur Shah Zafar was proclaimed the emperor by the rebels.
4. Which policy angered Indian rulers and led to annexation of states?
   The Doctrine of Lapse caused resentment among Indian rulers.
5. Which annexation deeply affected taluqdars and sepoys of Awadh?
   The annexation of Awadh in 1856 deeply affected taluqdars and sepoys.
6. Which rifle cartridge became an immediate cause of the revolt?
   The Enfield rifle cartridge became an immediate cause of the revolt.
7. Why did the Enfield cartridge offend sepoys?
   It was believed to be greased with cow and pig fat, offending religious sentiments.
8. Which group formed the backbone of the revolt?
   Indian sepoys formed the backbone of the revolt.
9. Name the leader who led the revolt in Kanpur.
   Nana Saheb led the revolt in Kanpur.
10. Who led the resistance in Awadh during the revolt?
    Begum Hazrat Mahal led the resistance in Awadh.
11. Which queen became a symbol of resistance in Jhansi?
    Rani Lakshmibai became a symbol of resistance in Jhansi.
12. Who led the revolt in Arrah region of Bihar?
    Kunwar Singh led the revolt in Arrah.
13. What role did rumours play in the spread of the revolt?
    Rumours created fear and encouraged people to rise against British rule.
14. What was the significance of chapatis circulated before the revolt?
    Chapatis were believed to be symbols spreading messages of rebellion.
15. Which social groups besides sepoys joined the revolt?
    Peasants, artisans, zamindars, and rulers also joined the revolt.
16. Why were peasants angry with British rule?
    High land revenue demands and exploitation angered peasants.
17. Why did artisans support the revolt?
    British policies destroyed traditional handicrafts, affecting artisans’ livelihoods.
18. Why did many zamindars support the rebellion?
    Zamindars had lost lands and privileges under British revenue settlements.
19. How did the British suppress the revolt?
    The British suppressed the revolt using military force and brutal repression.
20. Which city was recaptured by the British in September 1857?
    Delhi was recaptured by the British in September 1857.
21. What punishment did rebels commonly face after suppression?
    Rebels faced executions, imprisonment, and destruction of property.
22. What marked the formal end of the Revolt of 1857?
    The defeat of major rebel centres by mid-1858 marked its end.
23. Which body’s rule ended after the revolt?
    The rule of the East India Company ended after the revolt.
24. Who assumed control of India after 1858?
    The British Crown assumed direct control of India.
25. Which Act transferred power from the Company to the Crown?
    The Government of India Act, 1858 transferred power to the Crown.
26. How was the British army reorganised after the revolt?
    The army was reorganised to reduce the proportion of Indian soldiers.
27. What assurance was given to Indian princes after the revolt?
    Princes were assured that their territories would not be annexed.
28. How did British religious policy change after 1857?
    The British promised non-interference in religious matters.
29. How did colonial historians describe the revolt?
    Colonial historians described the revolt as a sepoy mutiny.
30. How did nationalist historians interpret the revolt?
    Nationalist historians called it the First War of Independence.
31. What view do modern historians take about the revolt?
    Modern historians see it as a complex and regionally diverse uprising.
32. Why was the revolt not successful at the national level?
    The revolt lacked unified leadership and coordination.
33. Which emotions strengthened popular resistance during the revolt?
    Religious beliefs and fear of cultural destruction strengthened resistance.
34. What role did proclamations play during the revolt?
    Proclamations mobilised people by appealing to tradition and justice.
35. Which regions were most affected by the revolt?
    North and central India were most affected by the revolt.
36. Why did some Indian rulers not join the revolt?
    Some rulers remained loyal to the British for political benefits.
37. What happened to Bahadur Shah Zafar after the revolt?
    He was captured and exiled by the British.
38. What type of sources help historians understand the revolt?
    Official records, proclamations, letters, and folk accounts are key sources.
39. Why is the Revolt of 1857 historically significant?
    It marked the first major challenge to British colonial rule in India.
40. What central theme does this chapter highlight?
    The chapter highlights resistance to colonial rule.