Extra Question Class 8 History Chapter 5  When People Rebel 1857 and After 

Q. What was the immediate cause of the revolt of 1857?

A. The introduction of the Enfield rifle with cartridges greased with animal fat, offending religious sentiments.

Q. Who was the last ruler of Awadh before its annexation by the British?

A. Wajid Ali Shah.

Q. What was the impact of the Doctrine of Lapse on Indian states?

A. It allowed the British to annex Indian states on various pretexts, leading to resentment among Indian rulers.

Q. Which factors led to the discontent among Indian soldiers in the British army?

A. Low pay, lack of promotions, racial discrimination, and the introduction of the Enfield rifle.

Q. What was the significance of the Revolt of 1857 in Indian history?

A. It marked the first major rebellion against British rule and served as a precursor to the Indian independence movement.

Q. What were the consequences of the revolt for the British East India Company?

A. The company was abolished, and direct British rule was established through the Government of India Act 1858.

Q. How did the British reorganize the Indian army after the revolt?

A. They reduced the proportion of Indian soldiers and introduced new recruitment policies to prevent future rebellions.

Q. What were the social consequences of the revolt for Indian society?

A. It led to economic distress and social upheaval due to British policies aimed at disrupting the traditional agrarian economy.

Q. Who were the sepoys?

A. Indian soldiers serving in the British Indian army.

Q. What was the role of religion in the revolt of 1857?

A. Religious sentiments were offended by the introduction of the Enfield rifle, contributing to the rebellion's outbreak.

Q. Which Indian state was annexed by the British in 1856, leading to widespread resentment?

A. Awadh.

Q. Who was the leader of the revolt in Delhi?

A. Bahadur Shah II, the last Mughal emperor.

Q. How did the British government respond to the revolt of 1857?

A. They suppressed the rebellion ruthlessly and implemented policies to tighten their control over India.

Q. What was the impact of the revolt on Indian nationalism?

A. It inspired future generations of freedom fighters and fostered a sense of national unity and identity.

Q. What was the fate of Bahadur Shah II after the suppression of the revolt?

A. He was captured, tried, and exiled to Rangoon (present-day Yangon) where he died.

Q. How did the revolt affect British policies towards Indian society?

A. It led to the implementation of policies aimed at undermining the traditional social structure and disrupting the agrarian economy.

Q. What was the British government's response to the rebellion within the army?

A. They implemented strict recruitment policies, including the segregation of troops based on caste and religion.

Q. What were the economic grievances of the Indian peasantry against the British?

A. Heavy taxation, revenue policies, and the destruction of traditional industries led to economic exploitation and discontent.

Q. What was the long-term impact of the revolt on British rule in India?

A. It led to the tightening of British control over India and served as a catalyst for future nationalist movements.

Q. How did the revolt of 1857 contribute to the Indian independence movement?

A. It inspired subsequent generations of freedom fighters and served as a symbol of resistance against colonial rule. 

Q: What were the economic factors that contributed to the outbreak of the revolt of 1857?

A: Economic grievances were a significant factor leading to the revolt of 1857. The British policies of heavy taxation, land revenue systems, and the destruction of traditional industries had a profound impact on the economic well-being of Indian peasants and artisans. The annexation of Awadh in 1856, for example, disrupted the agrarian economy of the region, leading to widespread discontent among the peasantry. Additionally, the introduction of the Enfield rifle with cartridges greased with animal fat, which offended religious sentiments, aggravated existing economic grievances and contributed to the outbreak of the revolt.

Q: How did the annexation of Awadh contribute to the revolt of 1857?

A: The annexation of Awadh by the British in 1856 played a significant role in fueling the revolt of 1857. Awadh was a prosperous region with a rich cultural heritage, and its annexation disrupted the traditional agrarian economy of the region. The annexation was accompanied by the deposition of its last ruler, Wajid Ali Shah, which further fueled resentment among the local population. The peasants and landlords of Awadh were particularly aggrieved by the British policies of land revenue and taxation, leading to widespread discontent that ultimately contributed to the outbreak of the revolt.

Q: Discuss the role of social factors in the revolt of 1857.

A: Social factors also played a significant role in the revolt of 1857. The British policies of undermining traditional social structures, including the abolition of titles and the annexation of princely states, created resentment among the Indian elites. The introduction of Christian missionaries and the spread of Western education also threatened traditional religious and cultural practices, leading to widespread discontent among the Indian population. Moreover, the introduction of the Enfield rifle with cartridges greased with animal fat offended the religious sentiments of both Hindu and Muslim soldiers, further contributing to the social discontent that fueled the revolt.

Q: How did the revolt of 1857 impact British policies towards India?

A: The revolt of 1857 had a profound impact on British policies towards India. The British government abolished the East India Company and took direct control of India through the Government of India Act 1858. This marked the end of the Company's rule and the beginning of direct British rule or the British Raj. The British also implemented policies aimed at strengthening their control over India, including the reorganization of the Indian army and the introduction of new recruitment policies to prevent future rebellions. Additionally, the revolt led to a reevaluation of British policies towards Indian society, with the implementation of measures aimed at undermining traditional social structures and disrupting the agrarian economy.

Q: What were the consequences of the revolt for Indian society?

A: The revolt of 1857 had far-reaching consequences for Indian society. The British policies of annexation, land revenue, and taxation had already disrupted traditional social structures and created widespread economic distress. The revolt further exacerbated these social and economic tensions, leading to widespread violence and upheaval across the country. Moreover, the brutal suppression of the revolt by the British authorities led to severe reprisals against the Indian population, including executions, mass arrests, and punitive measures. The revolt also had a lasting impact on Indian nationalism, inspiring subsequent generations of freedom fighters and shaping the course of the Indian independence movement.

Q: How did the British reorganize the Indian army after the revolt?

A: The revolt of 1857 prompted the British to reorganize the Indian army to prevent future rebellions. The proportion of Indian soldiers in the British Indian army was reduced, and greater emphasis was placed on recruiting soldiers from regions less affected by the revolt. The British also implemented new recruitment policies aimed at preventing the recruitment of soldiers from regions with a history of rebellion. Moreover, the British introduced strict disciplinary measures within the army, including the segregation of troops based on caste and religion, to prevent the spread of dissent and rebellion among the soldiers.

Q: What role did religion play in the revolt of 1857?

A: Religion played a significant role in the revolt of 1857. The introduction of the Enfield rifle with cartridges greased with animal fat offended the religious sentiments of both Hindu and Muslim soldiers, sparking widespread outrage and contributing to the outbreak of the revolt. Moreover, the revolt saw the participation of religious leaders and institutions, who played a crucial role in mobilizing support for the rebellion. Religious symbols and rhetoric were often used to galvanize support for the revolt and unite diverse communities against British rule.

Q: How did the British respond to the rebellion within the army?

A: The British responded to the rebellion within the army with ruthless repression and punitive measures. They swiftly crushed the revolt, employing military force and widespread violence to suppress dissent and restore order. The British authorities also implemented strict disciplinary measures within the army, including the execution of rebel soldiers, mass arrests, and punitive actions against dissenters. Moreover, the British introduced new recruitment policies aimed at preventing the recruitment of soldiers from regions with a history of rebellion and segregating troops based on caste and religion to prevent the spread of dissent and rebellion among the soldiers.

Q: What was the impact of the revolt on Indian nationalism?

A: The revolt of 1857 had a profound impact on Indian nationalism. While the revolt itself was largely unsuccessful, it served as a powerful symbol of resistance against colonial rule and inspired subsequent generations of freedom fighters. The revolt fostered a sense of national unity and identity among different sections of Indian society, transcending barriers of caste, religion, and region. Moreover, the brutal suppression of the revolt by the British authorities and the widespread violence and atrocities committed against the Indian population further fueled nationalist sentiments and galvanized support for the struggle for independence.

Q: How did the revolt of 1857 contribute to the Indian independence movement?

A: The revolt of 1857 played a crucial role in shaping the course of the Indian independence movement. While the revolt itself was largely unsuccessful, it served as a powerful symbol of resistance against colonial rule and inspired subsequent generations of freedom fighters. The revolt fostered a sense of national unity and identity among different sections of Indian society, laying the groundwork for future nationalist movements. Moreover, the brutal suppression of the revolt by the British authorities and the widespread violence and atrocities committed against the Indian population further fueled nationalist sentiments and galvanized support for the struggle for independence.

Q: What were the underlying causes of the revolt of 1857, and how did they contribute to the outbreak of the rebellion?

A: The revolt of 1857, also known as the First War of Independence, was fueled by a combination of political, economic, social, and religious factors. Politically, the annexation policies of the British East India Company, particularly the Doctrine of Lapse, which allowed the British to annex princely states upon the ruler's death without a natural heir, created resentment among Indian rulers. The annexation of Awadh in 1856, despite its prosperous and culturally significant status, symbolized British expansionism and disregard for Indian sentiments. Economically, British policies of heavy taxation, oppressive land revenue systems, and the destruction of traditional industries impoverished Indian peasants and artisans. The introduction of the Enfield rifle with cartridges greased with animal fat, offending the religious sentiments of both Hindu and Muslim soldiers, was the immediate spark that led to the rebellion within the army. Socially, the revolt was driven by the discontent among soldiers recruited mainly from the upper castes, who felt their religion and caste traditions were under threat from British policies such as the introduction of Christian missionaries and the abolition of traditional titles. Additionally, the revolt had elements of popular protest against British rule, with peasants, artisans, and tribal people joining hands with the soldiers in various parts of the country. Overall, the revolt of 1857 was a culmination of various grievances, both political and socio-economic, which united different sections of Indian society against British colonial rule.

Q: What were the consequences of the revolt of 1857 for Indian society and British rule in India?

A: The revolt of 1857 had profound consequences for both Indian society and British rule in India. For Indian society, the revolt led to widespread violence and upheaval, resulting in loss of life, destruction of property, and social dislocation. The brutal suppression of the revolt by the British authorities led to severe reprisals against the Indian population, including executions, mass arrests, and punitive measures. Moreover, the economic and social disruptions caused by the revolt exacerbated existing tensions within Indian society and deepened divisions along lines of religion, caste, and region. For British rule in India, the revolt marked a turning point in colonial policy. The British government abolished the East India Company and took direct control of India through the Government of India Act 1858. This marked the end of the Company's rule and the beginning of direct British rule or the British Raj. The revolt also led to a reorganization of the Indian army, with the proportion of Indian soldiers reduced and new recruitment policies introduced to prevent future rebellions. Additionally, the revolt prompted the British authorities to implement policies aimed at undermining traditional social structures and disrupting the agrarian economy, further consolidating British control over India.

Q: Discuss the role of Indian soldiers (Sepoys) in the revolt of 1857 and their impact on the course of the rebellion.

A: Indian soldiers, or Sepoys, played a significant role in the revolt of 1857. Their involvement stemmed from various grievances accumulated over time, including low pay, lack of promotions, and racial discrimination within the British Indian army. The introduction of the Enfield rifle with cartridges greased with animal fat, which offended religious sentiments, served as a catalyst for rebellion among the Sepoys. Sepoys stationed in various parts of the country, from Bengal to Delhi and beyond, participated in the revolt, highlighting the widespread discontent within the army. The Sepoys' military training and discipline made them formidable opponents for the British forces during the initial phase of the rebellion. Their knowledge of military tactics and access to weapons gave them an advantage in several battles. However, despite their initial successes, the Sepoys faced challenges such as lack of coordination, strategic errors, and superior British firepower. Despite their pivotal role, the Sepoys' involvement in the revolt also had its limitations. They were primarily motivated by immediate grievances rather than a coherent political ideology or a vision for an independent India. Additionally, the British swiftly crushed the rebellion, leading to severe reprisals against the Sepoys, including executions and punitive measures. Overall, the Sepoys' participation in the revolt of 1857 highlighted the widespread discontent among various sections of Indian society under British rule and contributed to the larger rebellion against colonial authority.

Q: Analyze the aftermath of the revolt of 1857 and its impact on Indian society and British rule.

A: The aftermath of the revolt of 1857 had far-reaching consequences for both Indian society and British rule in India. For Indian society, the revolt led to widespread violence and upheaval, resulting in loss of life, destruction of property, and social dislocation. The brutal suppression of the revolt by the British authorities led to severe reprisals against the Indian population, including executions, mass arrests, and punitive measures. Moreover, the economic and social disruptions caused by the revolt exacerbated existing tensions within Indian society and deepened divisions along lines of religion, caste, and region. For British rule in India, the revolt marked a turning point in colonial policy. The British government abolished the East India Company and took direct control of India through the Government of India Act 1858. This marked the end of the Company's rule and the beginning of direct British rule or the British Raj. The revolt also led to a reorganization of the Indian army, with the proportion of Indian soldiers reduced and new recruitment policies introduced to prevent future rebellions. Additionally, the revolt prompted the British authorities to implement policies aimed at undermining traditional social structures and disrupting the agrarian economy, further consolidating British control over India.

Q: Evaluate the long-term impact of the revolt of 1857 on Indian nationalism and the freedom struggle.

A: The revolt of 1857 had a profound and lasting impact on Indian nationalism and the freedom struggle. While the revolt itself was largely unsuccessful, it served as a powerful symbol of resistance against colonial rule and inspired subsequent generations of freedom fighters. The revolt fostered a sense of national unity and identity among different sections of Indian society, transcending barriers of caste, religion, and region. Moreover, the brutal suppression of the revolt by the British authorities and the widespread violence and atrocities committed against the Indian population further fueled nationalist sentiments and galvanized support for the struggle for independence. The revolt also played a crucial role in shaping the course of the Indian independence movement. It highlighted the inherent weaknesses of British colonial rule and demonstrated the possibility of armed resistance against British authority. Moreover, the revolt served as a wake-up call for Indian nationalists, prompting them to reevaluate their strategies and tactics in the struggle against colonial rule. Overall, the revolt of 1857 marked a watershed moment in Indian history, laying the groundwork for future nationalist movements and ultimately leading to India's independence from British rule.