1. What was the demand of Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi that was refused by the British?
Answer:
Rani Lakshmibai wanted the British to recognize her adopted son as the rightful heir to Jhansi after her husband’s death. The British, under the Doctrine of Lapse, refused and annexed the kingdom.
2. What did the British do to protect the interests of those who converted to Christianity?
Answer:
The British passed a law in 1850 that allowed Indian converts to Christianity to inherit ancestral property. This made it easier for converts to retain their family property and embrace Christianity.
3. What objections did the sepoys have to the new cartridges that they were asked to use?
Answer:
The sepoys objected to the new cartridges because they believed they were greased with cow and pig fat, which was against Hindu and Muslim religious beliefs. This made them feel their religions were being disrespected.
4. How did the last Mughal emperor live the last years of his life?
Answer:
Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last Mughal emperor, was exiled to Rangoon by the British after the revolt of 1857. He spent his final years there in prison, where he died in 1862.
Let’s Discuss
5. What could be the reasons for the confidence of the British rulers about their position in India before May 1857?
Answer:
The British were confident because of their strong military, effective control over administration, and the lack of unity among Indian rulers, which made it easier to expand their rule and control uprisings.
6. What impact did Bahadur Shah Zafar’s support to the rebellion have on the people and the ruling families?
Answer:
Bahadur Shah Zafar’s support gave the rebellion a sense of legitimacy, uniting various local rulers and giving people hope. Many believed that under his leadership, they could push back British rule.
7. How did the British succeed in securing the submission of the rebel landowners of Awadh?
Answer:
The British offered rewards and ensured that loyal landowners who hadn’t killed British officers could retain their lands. This helped the British secure the submission of many landowners in Awadh.
8. In what ways did the British change their policies as a result of the rebellion of 1857?
Answer:
After the rebellion, the British took direct control over India from the East India Company, promised not to annex Indian territories, increased the number of European soldiers, and became more respectful of Indian customs and traditions.
Let’s Do
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?
Answer: (This is an activity for students to do on their own.)
10. Find out more about Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi. In what ways would she have been an unusual woman for her times?
Answer:
Rani Lakshmibai was a remarkable woman for her time because she defied traditional gender roles by leading her troops in battle. Her courage and leadership made her a key figure in the 1857 uprising and an enduring symbol of resistance against the British.