Indian Rebellion of 1857
Indian Rebellion of 1857- A Sociological Perspective
The Indian rebellion of 1857 which is also known as ‘India's First War of Independence’ was a crucial historic moment for our country. The Indian Rebellion of 1857 did not occur as a result of one specific event; it was an accumulation of several events, over time, resulting in its eventual outbreak. It was in reality a product of colonial rule, of the accumulated grievances of the people against the British.
The Rebellion of 1857 could be understood in a sociological point of view by taking into consideration the following issues.
Rise of Sepoys and Issues of Religion
This rebellion is also known as Sepoy Mutiny. The sepoys were Indian soldiers under the British command which had people from both Hindu and Muslim community. The new Enfield rifle which was introduced during that time used greased cartridges which were made from pork and beef fat, and offensive to Muslims and Hindus, respectively. The use of the greased cartridges would endanger their religion. Many of them believed that the British were deliberately trying to destroy their religion and convert them to Christianity.
Class and Caste
Much of the resistance to the Company came from the old aristocracy, who were seeing their power steadily eroded. The British officials emerged as the powerful class and all the other upper castes which had enjoyed their dominance in the society were stripped from their positions. The British followed many oppressive policies in order to establish their supremacy. One such policy was ‘Doctrine of Lapse’ which was an annexation policy introduced by Lord Dalhousie, who was the Governor General for the British in India between 1848 and 1856. Under this policy, any princely state or territory would automatically be annexed if the ruler was either manifestly incompetent or died without a direct heir.
Nobility, feudal landholders, and royal armies found themselves unemployed and humiliated due to Company
The Indian rebellion of 1857 which is also known as ‘India's First War of Independence’ was a crucial historic moment for our country. The Indian Rebellion of 1857 did not occur as a result of one specific event; it was an accumulation of several events, over time, resulting in its eventual outbreak. It was in reality a product of colonial rule, of the accumulated grievances of the people against the British.
The Rebellion of 1857 could be understood in a sociological point of view by taking into consideration the following issues.
Rise of Sepoys and Issues of Religion
This rebellion is also known as Sepoy Mutiny. The sepoys were Indian soldiers under the British command which had people from both Hindu and Muslim community. The new Enfield rifle which was introduced during that time used greased cartridges which were made from pork and beef fat, and offensive to Muslims and Hindus, respectively. The use of the greased cartridges would endanger their religion. Many of them believed that the British were deliberately trying to destroy their religion and convert them to Christianity.
Class and Caste
Much of the resistance to the Company came from the old aristocracy, who were seeing their power steadily eroded. The British officials emerged as the powerful class and all the other upper castes which had enjoyed their dominance in the society were stripped from their positions. The British followed many oppressive policies in order to establish their supremacy. One such policy was ‘Doctrine of Lapse’ which was an annexation policy introduced by Lord Dalhousie, who was the Governor General for the British in India between 1848 and 1856. Under this policy, any princely state or territory would automatically be annexed if the ruler was either manifestly incompetent or died without a direct heir.
Nobility, feudal landholders, and royal armies found themselves unemployed and humiliated due to Company