Chapter 5 -When People Rebel : 1857 and After- Class 8- History- Textbook Questions and Answers
1. What was the demand of Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi that was refused by the British?
- Demand of Rani Lakshmibai- Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi requested the British to recognize her adopted son as the heir to the throne of Jhansi after her husband’s death.
- British Refusal- The British refused her request. This was part of their policy under the Doctrine of Lapse, which allowed the British to annex territories if the ruler died without a biological heir.
2. What did the British do to protect the interests of those who converted to Christianity?
- Legal Protection- The British passed a new law in 1850 to protect the property rights of those who converted to Christianity. This law allowed Indian converts to Christianity to inherit the property of their ancestors.
- Encouragement of Conversion- The law was part of a broader strategy to encourage conversions by removing legal obstacles and providing converts with assurances about their inheritance rights.
- Social Reforms- The British also implemented other social reforms, like the abolition of Sati and promotion of widow remarriage, which were seen by many as part of a broader agenda to westernise Indian society.
Also Check – Chapter 5 -When People Rebel : 1857 and After- Class 8 – History Notes
3. What objections did the sepoys have to the new cartridges that they were asked to use?
- Religious Concerns- The new rifle cartridges introduced by the British were rumoured to be greased with cow and pig fat, which conflicted with Hindu and Muslim religious practices. Hindus revere cows as sacred, while pigs are considered unclean in Islam, making the use of these cartridges unacceptable to both communities.
- Violation of Religious Sensibilities- Using these cartridges required biting them to open, which would directly violate religious dietary laws. This led to a perception among the sepoys that the British were deliberately attempting to undermine their religions.
- Fear of Forced Conversion- There was a widespread belief among the sepoys that the introduction of these cartridges was part of a broader British strategy to convert them to Christianity, as using the cartridges would defile their religious purity.
4. How did the last Mughal emperor live the last years of his life?
- Trial and Exile- Following the suppression of the 1857 revolt, Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last Mughal emperor, was captured by the British, tried, and convicted.
- Deportation to Rangoon- He was deported to Rangoon (now Yangon, Myanmar), where he lived the remainder of his life in exile.
- Life in Exile- Bahadur Shah Zafar lived under strict surveillance in a prison in Rangoon. His health and conditions worsened over time, marked by isolation and the decline of his dynasty.
- Death- He died in Rangoon jail in November 1862, effectively marking the end of the Mughal dynasty’s historical role in India.
Also Check – Chapter 5 – When People Rebel, 1857 and After – Events and Key incidents
5. What could be the reasons for the confidence of the British rulers about their position in India before May 1857?
- Military Superiority- The British had a well-equipped and disciplined army, which had successfully extended their control over vast areas of India through military conquests.
- Political Strategies– They employed strategies such as the Doctrine of Lapse and Subsidiary Alliance, systematically annexing states and placing British residents to oversee the princely states.
- Economic Control- Control over major trade routes and resources gave them economic dominance and the ability to fund their military and administrative expenses in India.
- Divide and Rule- The British exploited divisions within the Indian society, aligning with certain local rulers and creating conflicts among different groups, which prevented unified resistance.
- Technological and Organisational Edge- The use of advanced technology in administration and warfare, along with a structured bureaucratic system, gave the British a perceived invulnerability against disorganised resistance from Indian forces.
6. What impact did Bahadur Shah Zafar’s support to the rebellion have on the people and the ruling families?
- Symbolic Significance- As the last Mughal emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar’s support lent a significant historical and symbolic weight to the rebellion. It transformed the revolt from a military mutiny into a wider popular uprising with a figurehead that had a deep cultural and historical resonance in India.
- Legitimacy to the Rebellion- His support provided a semblance of legitimacy to the rebels’ cause, portraying the struggle as a fight for restoration of the traditional rule against foreign domination.
- Mobilisation of Support- The emperor’s involvement encouraged other rulers and chieftains, who saw an opportunity to restore their autonomy under the Mughal suzerainty, to join the uprising against the British.
- Inspiration for the Masses- For many Indians, the emperor’s participation was a rallying point, inspiring broader participation from various sections of society, including peasants, artisans, and other community members who might have remained uninvolved otherwise.
7. How did the British succeed in securing the submission of the rebel landowners of Awadh?
- Military Suppression- The British used significant military force to quell the rebellion in Awadh. They recaptured key locations and defeated major rebel forces, thereby breaking the resistance.
- Promises and Threats- They offered assurances and rewards to those who would abandon the rebellion and reaffirm loyalty to the British Crown. These incentives included the restoration of rights and properties to compliant landowners.
- Punitive Actions- The British also employed punitive measures against those who continued to resist. This included trials, imprisonments, and executions which served as a warning to others.
- Psychological Warfare- By spreading fear and demonstrating their capability to regain control, the British managed to demoralise the rebels and reduce their will to fight.
- Divide and Rule Tactics- The British exploited divisions among the rebel ranks, offering better terms to those who would defect or betray their comrades, thus weakening the rebellion from within.
8. In what ways did the British change their policies as a result of the rebellion of 1857?
- End of East India Company’s Rule- The British government abolished the rule of the East India Company and took direct control of India, marking a significant shift in governance.
- Introduction of the British Raj- The establishment of the British Raj introduced a more structured and centralised form of governance. A Secretary of State for India was appointed, and the Governor-General was re-designated as the Viceroy.
- Reforms in Military Policies- The composition of the army was changed to prevent future rebellions. The proportion of Indian soldiers was reduced, and recruitment was diversified to include more soldiers from communities perceived as more loyal, such as Gurkhas, Sikhs, and Pathans.
- Promises to Indian Rulers- The policy of annexation was formally ended. Indian princes were assured that their territories would not be annexed and they could pass their titles to heirs. However, they had to acknowledge the suzerainty of the British Crown.
- Respect for Local Customs- The British vowed to respect Indian religious and social practices more carefully to avoid further alienation and resentment among the Indian population.
9. Find out stories and songs remembered by people in your area or your family about San Sattavan ki Ladaai. What memories do people cherish about the great uprising?
- Collective Memory of the Uprising- People in various regions of India remember the 1857 rebellion, often referred to as the First War of Indian Independence or San Sattavan ki Ladaai, through local stories, songs, and folklore. These narratives celebrate the bravery and sacrifices of those who stood up against British rule.
- Cultural Representation- Folk songs and ballads often recount tales of heroism and betrayal, focusing on local leaders and their contributions. These songs serve as a medium to pass down historical memories and instil a sense of pride and identity among the communities.
- Personal Stories- Families might retain personal stories passed down through generations about ancestors who participated in or were affected by the uprising. These stories often highlight struggles, hardships, and sometimes the tragic consequences faced by individuals during the rebellion.
10. Find out more about Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi. In what ways would she have been an unusual woman for her times?
- Leadership in Battle- Rani Lakshmibai broke conventional gender roles by leading her troops into battle against the British forces. During a time when women were expected to remain in domestic roles, her active military leadership was highly unusual and inspirational.
- Political Acumen- She demonstrated significant political and strategic acumen in managing her kingdom and negotiating with the British. Her efforts to secure the succession for her adopted son and her resistance to British annexation stand out as bold moves in a male-dominated era.
- Legacy of Bravery- Rani Lakshmibai became a symbol of resistance against British colonial rule. Her courage and determination made her an unusual figure, not just among women, but among all leaders of her time. Her legacy continues to inspire people across India as a symbol of bravery and the fight for justice.
