‘‘Rumours and prophecies played a part in moving people to action.’’ Justify the statement in the context of the Revolt of 1857.
Rumors and prophesies played a part in moving people to action:
(i) They told that bullets coated with the fat of cows & pigs and that biting those bullets would corrupt their caste and religion. They were referring to the cartridges of the Enfield rifles which had just been given to them.
(ii) The rumours said, the British had mixed the bone dust of cows and pigs into the flour that was sold in the market. In towns and cantontments, sepoys and the common people refused to touch the atta.
(iii) There was fear and suspicion that the British wanted to convert Indians to Christianity.
(iv) The response to the call for action was reinforced by the prophecy that British rule would come to an end on the centenary of the Battle of Plassey, on 23 June 1857.
‘‘The Chola rulers proclaimed their connections with the Alvars and Nayanars.’’ Cite two examples
Why did Santhals revolt against zamindars, moneylenders and the colonial state during 18th century ? Explain.
Name the hill station founded during the course of the Gurkha War of 1815 – 16. Why was it developed as a sanitarium ? Give one reason.
Analyse the areas of Cunningham’s confusion in understanding the significance of Harappa.
Read the following lines and answer the question that follows:
‘I will build a funeral pyre of sandalwood and aloe;
Light it by your own hand When I am burned away to cinders:
Smear this ash upon your limbs.
... let flame be lost in flame.’
Following the footsteps of Mirabai, the woman of Indian society became independent in her thoughts. She initiated the advancement of the category of woman. Throw light from the values learnt from her life which is the pathway to the modern society.
