Discuss the extent to which religious beliefs shaped the events of 1857.
(i) The Christian missionaries were assuring material benefits to Indians to convert them to Christianity. So many people of India became antagonistic towards the British.
(ii) Lord William Bentinck, the Governor-General of India, initiated reforms in the Indian society. He abolished customs like sati and permitted remarriage of the Hindu widows. Many Hindus viewed these steps against the ideology of Hinduism.
(iii) The British introduced western education, western ideas and western institutions in India. They set up English-medium educational institutions. But many Hindus considered these steps as attempts to encourage religious conversion.
(iv) Many people felt that the British were destroying their sacred ideals that they had long cherished.
(v) Many Hindus were enraged when the Christian missionaries criticised their scriptures or religious books.
What steps did the British take to quell the uprising?
Why did the mutinous sepoys in many places turn to erstwhile rulers to provide leadership to the revolt?
Discuss the evidence that indicates planning and coordination on the part of the rebels.
What were the measures taken to ensure unity among the rebels?
