Rebels and the Raj – The Revolt of 1857

Short Answer Type Questions with Answers

CBSE Class 12 History | NCERT Based

1. Why is the Revolt of 1857 considered a major event in Indian history?

The Revolt of 1857 was the first widespread and organised resistance against British colonial rule, involving various social groups across north and central India.

2. What political factors led to the Revolt of 1857?

British expansionist policies like the Doctrine of Lapse and the annexation of Indian states angered rulers, nobles, and their followers.

3. How did the annexation of Awadh contribute to the revolt?

The annexation of Awadh in 1856 displaced taluqdars and affected sepoys recruited from the region, creating deep resentment against British rule.

4. Explain the economic causes of the Revolt of 1857.

High land revenue demands ruined peasants, British policies destroyed handicrafts, and zamindars lost lands, leading to widespread economic distress.

5. What role did social and religious fears play in the revolt?

British reforms and missionary activities created fears that Indian religions and traditions were under threat, strengthening popular resistance.

6. Why were Indian sepoys dissatisfied with British rule?

Sepoys faced racial discrimination, low pay, poor promotion prospects, and restrictions on religious practices.

7. How did the Enfield rifle cartridges become an immediate cause of the revolt?

The cartridges were believed to be greased with cow and pig fat, offending Hindu and Muslim religious sentiments.

8. What was the importance of rumours in spreading the revolt?

Rumours about British attempts to destroy religions and the end of British rule mobilised people and intensified resistance.

9. How did the Revolt of 1857 begin?

The revolt began on 10 May 1857 at Meerut when sepoys rebelled against their British officers.

10. Why did Delhi become the symbolic centre of the revolt?

Delhi became the centre because rebels proclaimed Bahadur Shah Zafar as the emperor, giving legitimacy to the uprising.

11. Who led the revolt in Kanpur and why was he important?

Nana Saheb led the revolt in Kanpur and represented resistance by dispossessed Indian elites.

12. Describe the role of Begum Hazrat Mahal in the revolt.

Begum Hazrat Mahal organised resistance in Awadh and appealed to both religious and popular sentiments.

13. Why is Rani Lakshmibai remembered as a heroic figure?

Rani Lakshmibai led armed resistance in Jhansi and symbolised courage and sacrifice against British rule.

14. Who was Kunwar Singh and what was his contribution?

Kunwar Singh, a zamindar from Bihar, led guerrilla warfare against the British despite his old age.

15. Which regions were most affected by the revolt?

The revolt mainly affected north and central India, including Delhi, Awadh, Kanpur, Jhansi, and parts of Bihar.

16. How did peasants participate in the revolt?

Peasants attacked moneylenders, destroyed revenue records, and supported rebel leaders against British authority.

17. What role did zamindars and taluqdars play in the revolt?

They supported the rebellion to regain lost lands, privileges, and traditional authority.

18. Why did some Indian rulers remain loyal to the British?

Some rulers feared British military power or expected political benefits by remaining loyal.

19. Why did the revolt lack national unity?

The revolt lacked a unified leadership and common political programme across regions.

20. How did the British suppress the revolt?

The British used superior military force, reinforcements from Britain, and brutal reprisals to crush the rebellion.

21. What happened after the British recaptured Delhi?

Rebel leaders were executed or imprisoned, and Bahadur Shah Zafar was captured and exiled.

22. Describe British methods of repression during the revolt.

The British carried out mass executions, destroyed villages, and punished rebels publicly to create fear.

23. When was the revolt finally suppressed?

By mid-1858, major centres of rebellion had been suppressed by the British.

24. What was the most important political consequence of the revolt?

The rule of the East India Company ended and power was transferred to the British Crown.

25. Which Act formalised the transfer of power after 1857?

The Government of India Act, 1858 transferred authority from the Company to the Crown.

26. How was the British Indian army reorganised after the revolt?

The number of Indian soldiers was reduced and recruitment focused on communities considered loyal.

27. What assurances were given to Indian princes after the revolt?

Princes were assured that their states would not be annexed by the British.

28. How did British religious policy change after 1857?

The British promised non-interference in the religious practices of Indians.

29. How did colonial historians interpret the Revolt of 1857?

Colonial historians described it as a sepoy mutiny caused by military grievances.

30. How did nationalist historians view the revolt?

Nationalist historians regarded it as the First War of Independence.

31. What is the NCERT view on the nature of the revolt?

NCERT presents the revolt as a popular but regionally limited resistance movement.

32. Why is the Revolt of 1857 not considered a fully national movement?

It did not cover the entire country and lacked a common national ideology.

33. What role did proclamations play during the revolt?

Proclamations appealed to justice, tradition, and religion to mobilise people.

34. Why are folk songs and memories important sources for this chapter?

They reflect popular perceptions and emotions related to the revolt.

35. How did the revolt affect British attitudes towards Indians?

The British became cautious, conservative, and distrustful of Indian society.

36. What changes occurred in colonial administration after the revolt?

Administration was reorganised to strengthen British control and prevent future rebellions.

37. Why was Awadh a major centre of rebellion?

Awadh had a high concentration of dispossessed taluqdars and sepoys affected by annexation.

38. How did religious beliefs influence rebel actions?

Religious fears strengthened unity and justified resistance against colonial rule.

39. What lesson did the British learn from the Revolt of 1857?

They realised the need to govern India with caution and avoid social interference.

40. Why is this chapter important for CBSE Class 12 students?

It helps students understand resistance to colonial rule and the roots of modern Indian nationalism.