Revolt of 1857: Causes & Impact MCQs

📘 MODULE 3: Modern Indian History & Freedom Movement MCQs

Topic: Revolt of 1857 – Causes & Impact MCQs

🔷 SUB-TOPIC I: Background of the Revolt

Q1. The Revolt of 1857 is also popularly known as:

A. Sepoy Mutiny
B. First Indian War of Independence
C. Great Rebellion
D. All of the above

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:
The uprising is referred to by different names depending on perspective—British historians called it the Sepoy Mutiny, while Indian nationalists termed it the First War of Independence.

Q2. The Revolt of 1857 began during the reign of:

A. Akbar II
B. Bahadur Shah Zafar
C. Shah Alam II
D. Aurangzeb

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
Bahadur Shah Zafar was the last Mughal emperor and became the symbolic leader of the revolt.

🔷 SUB-TOPIC II: Political Causes

Q3. Which British policy directly led to the annexation of many Indian states?

A. Subsidiary Alliance
B. Permanent Settlement
C. Doctrine of Lapse
D. Ryotwari System

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Introduced by Lord Dalhousie, the Doctrine of Lapse annexed states without a natural heir, angering Indian rulers.

Q4. Which kingdom was annexed on the charge of maladministration in 1856?

A. Jhansi
B. Satara
C. Nagpur
D. Awadh

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:
The annexation of Awadh caused widespread discontent among nobles, peasants, and soldiers.

🔷 SUB-TOPIC III: Economic Causes

Q5. British land revenue policies mainly resulted in:

A. Agricultural prosperity
B. Industrial growth
C. Peasant impoverishment
D. Zamindar empowerment

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
High revenue demands and harsh collection methods ruined peasants and small landlords.

Q6. The destruction of Indian handicrafts was mainly due to:

A. Mughal decline
B. British industrial policy
C. Natural disasters
D. Peasant revolts

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
British machine-made goods flooded Indian markets, ruining local artisans.

🔷 SUB-TOPIC IV: Social & Religious Causes

Q7. Which social reform created suspicion among orthodox Indians?

A. Introduction of railways
B. Abolition of Sati
C. English education
D. Vernacular press

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
Though progressive, the abolition of Sati was viewed by some as interference in religious customs.

Q8. The General Service Enlistment Act (1856) affected:

A. Zamindars
B. Traders
C. Indian soldiers (sepoys)
D. Artisans

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
The Act required sepoys to serve overseas, violating religious beliefs.

🔷 SUB-TOPIC V: Military Causes

Q9. The immediate cause of the Revolt of 1857 was related to:

A. Low salaries
B. Poor discipline
C. Greased cartridges of Enfield rifles
D. Overseas deployment

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
The cartridges were rumored to be greased with cow and pig fat, offending Hindu and Muslim soldiers.

Q10. The revolt first broke out at:

A. Delhi
B. Kanpur
C. Lucknow
D. Meerut

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:
On 10 May 1857, Indian soldiers at Meerut revolted against British officers.

🔷 SUB-TOPIC VI: Spread of the Revolt

Q11. After Meerut, the rebels marched to:

A. Kanpur
B. Lucknow
C. Delhi
D. Jhansi

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Delhi became the symbolic center of the revolt under Bahadur Shah Zafar.

Q12. Who led the revolt in Kanpur?

A. Kunwar Singh
B. Nana Saheb
C. Tatya Tope
D. Begum Hazrat Mahal

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
Nana Saheb was a prominent leader who challenged British authority in Kanpur.

Q13. The revolt in Lucknow was led by:

A. Rani Lakshmibai
B. Begum Hazrat Mahal
C. Kunwar Singh
D. Tatya Tope

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
Begum Hazrat Mahal played a key role in organizing resistance in Awadh.

Q14. Who was the leading female figure of the Revolt of 1857?

A. Sarojini Naidu
B. Annie Besant
C. Rani Lakshmibai
D. Vijayalakshmi Pandit

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi became a symbol of courage and resistance.

🔷 SUB-TOPIC VII: Nature & Limitations of the Revolt

Q15. The Revolt of 1857 was mainly limited to:

A. Entire India
B. South India
C. Eastern India
D. North and Central India

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:
The revolt did not spread effectively to South and Western India.

Q16. One major limitation of the revolt was:

A. Popular participation
B. Military strength
C. Lack of unified leadership and planning
D. British weakness

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
The rebels lacked coordination and a common national vision.

🔷 SUB-TOPIC VIII: Suppression of the Revolt

Q17. The British recaptured Delhi in:

A. June 1857
B. August 1857
C. September 1857
D. March 1858

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
The fall of Delhi marked a major turning point in favor of the British.

Q18. Bahadur Shah Zafar was exiled to:

A. London
B. Lahore
C. Rangoon (Myanmar)
D. Kabul

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
He was tried and deported, ending the Mughal dynasty.

🔷 SUB-TOPIC IX: Results & Impact

Q19. Which act ended the rule of the East India Company?

A. Charter Act, 1853
B. Regulating Act
C. Government of India Act, 1858
D. Indian Councils Act, 1861

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Power was transferred from the Company to the British Crown.

Q20. After 1858, the Governor-General came to be known as:

A. Prime Minister
B. Secretary of State
C. Viceroy
D. Commander-in-Chief

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
The Viceroy represented the British Crown in India.

Q21. The British policy towards Indian rulers after 1857 became:

A. Expansionist
B. Aggressive
C. Conciliatory and cautious
D. Isolationist

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
The British avoided further annexations and respected princely states.

🔷 SUB-TOPIC X: Military & Administrative Changes

Q22. After 1857, the proportion of Indian soldiers in the army was:

A. Increased
B. Unchanged
C. Reduced
D. Abolished

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
The British reduced Indian participation and increased European troops.

Q23. Recruitment in the army after 1857 was mainly from:

A. Bengal
B. South India
C. Punjab and Gurkha regions
D. Eastern India

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
The British preferred so-called “martial races.”

🔷 SUB-TOPIC XI: Historical Significance

Q24. The Revolt of 1857 failed mainly because:

A. British strength alone
B. Lack of weapons
C. Absence of national leadership and unity
D. Peasant support

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
The revolt was widespread but not nationally coordinated.

Q25. Which historian described the Revolt of 1857 as the “First War of Indian Independence”?

A. R.C. Majumdar
B. V.D. Savarkar
C. Bipin Chandra
D. S.N. Sen

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
Savarkar emphasized its nationalistic character.

Q26. One major positive outcome of the Revolt of 1857 was:

A. Immediate independence
B. Economic reforms
C. Growth of national consciousness
D. Industrial development

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
The revolt inspired future freedom movements.

🔷 SUB-TOPIC XII: Long-Term Impact

Q27. The Revolt of 1857 directly influenced the formation of:

A. Swaraj Party
B. Home Rule League
C. Indian National Congress
D. Muslim League

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
It laid the foundation for organized nationalist movements.

Q28. The British attitude towards Indian religions after 1857 was:

A. Reformist
B. Aggressive
C. Non-interventionist
D. Hostile

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
The British avoided social reforms to prevent unrest.

Q29. The Revolt of 1857 is significant because it:

A. Ended British rule
B. Failed completely
C. Marked the beginning of organized resistance
D. Had only regional impact

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
It was the first major challenge to British authority.

Q30. Historically, the Revolt of 1857 is best seen as:

A. A feudal uprising
B. A military mutiny only
C. A broad-based anti-colonial movement
D. A religious war

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Though limited, it united soldiers, rulers, peasants, and artisans against colonial rule.

✅ Exam Relevance Note

These Revolt of 1857: Causes & Impact MCQs are strictly aligned with India-specific GK syllabi and are highly relevant for:

• UPSC & State PSC Examinations
• SSC (CGL, CHSL, GD, MTS)
• Banking & Railway Exams
• UG & PG Entrance Tests
• School & Board Exams (CBSE & State Boards)
• University & Competitive Examinations across India

• Revolt of 1857 causes and effects MCQs

• First War of Indian Independence MCQs

• 1857 revolt leaders and centres GK

• Modern Indian history MCQs for UPSC

• Sepoy Mutiny 1857 objective questions

• British rule and Revolt of 1857 MCQs

• Freedom movement prelims MCQs

• 1857 revolt impact on British administration

⭐

The Revolt of 1857: Causes & Impact MCQs provide a clear, chronological, and exam-oriented understanding of India’s first major anti-colonial uprising. Covering political, economic, social, religious, and military causes along with key leaders, centres, consequences, and long-term impact, these MCQs strengthen conceptual clarity, analytical thinking, and factual accuracy, making them highly effective for school, university, and competitive examinations across India.

❓ FAQ Section

Q1. Why is the Revolt of 1857 important for competitive exams?

The Revolt of 1857 is a high-weightage topic in Modern Indian History, frequently asked in UPSC, PSC, SSC, and other exams.

Q2. What were the main causes of the Revolt of 1857?

The causes include political annexations, economic exploitation, social and religious interference, military grievances, and the greased cartridge issue.

Q3. Who were the major leaders of the Revolt of 1857?

Important leaders included Bahadur Shah Zafar, Rani Lakshmibai, Nana Saheb, Begum Hazrat Mahal, Kunwar Singh, and Tatya Tope.

Q4. What was the immediate cause of the Revolt of 1857?

The immediate cause was the introduction of Enfield rifle cartridges greased with cow and pig fat, which hurt religious sentiments.

Q5. How did the Revolt of 1857 impact British administration in India?

It ended Company rule, brought India under the British Crown, reorganised the army, and changed policies toward Indian rulers and society.

🎯 Targeting Exams

These Revolt of 1857 MCQs are carefully designed for preparation of:

• UPSC Civil Services Examination (Prelims)

• State Public Service Commission (PSC) Exams

• SSC (CGL, CHSL, GD, MTS)

• Banking Exams (IBPS, SBI, RBI)

• Railway Recruitment Exams

• Teaching Eligibility Tests (CTET, State TETs)

• UG & PG Entrance Examinations

• School & Board Exams (CBSE & State Boards)