What were the measures taken to ensure unity among the rebels?
The following measures were taken to ensure unity among the rebels:
(i) In all their proclamations, the rebels repeatedly appealed to all sections of society. They did not take caste or creed into consideration.
(ii) Many proclamations were made by the Muslim princes. A few others were issued in their names. But all such proclamations took into consideration the sentiments of the Hindus.
(iii) The rebellion had an equal participation of both the Hindus and the Muslims. They had equally to lose or gain.
(iv) Many pamphlets were issued which glorified the co-existence of different communities under the Mughal Empire. Bahadur Shah appealed to all the Muslims to fight in the name of Muhammad. He also exhorted the Hindus to rise against the white people in the name of Mahavir. There was a complete unity between the Hindus and the Muslims.
Discuss the evidence that indicates planning and coordination on the part of the rebels.
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 extent to which religious beliefs shaped the events of 1857.
