Discuss the evidence that indicates planning and coordination on the part of the rebels.
The Revolt of 1857 was well-planned and well-coordinated. It is evident from the following points :
(i) There was coordination and harmony between sepoys and the ordinary people. Both wanted to target the white people.
(ii) The revolt got a tinge of legitimacy as it was carried forward under the leadership of Bahadur Shah, the last Mughal Emperor in India.
(iii) The Hindus and the Muslims united and rose together against the white people.
(iv) There was communication between the sepoy lines of various cantonments.
(v) Another example of good planning and organisation can be cited from Awadh where Captain Hearsey of Awadh Military Police was provided protection by his Indian subordinates during the mutiny. The 41st Native Infantry, which had killed all its white officers, insisted that the military police would either kill Captain Hearsey or hand over him as prisoner. But the military police refused to kill Captain Hearsey. At last they decided to settle the issue in a panchayat having native officers drawn from each regiment.
What were the measures taken to ensure unity among the rebels?
Why did the mutinous sepoys in many places turn to erstwhile rulers to provide leadership to the revolt?
What steps did the British take to quell the uprising?
Discuss the extent to which religious beliefs shaped the events of 1857.
