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CANKERS OF A CALM WORLD:THE SEPOY REVOLT
Copyright © 1990 Gene Brooks Home
The Sepoy Revolt of 1857-1858 in India was "the most dramatic event in nineteenth-century India,
THE REVOLT'S IDENTITY
Just what was the identity of the Revolt of 1857? Four basic opinions are held. First, that it was "only a military revolt caused by ignorance, negligence, and astonishing ineptitude on the part of the [British] government and army."(4) However, if this event were purely military, there is no explanation why the Muslims would support the Hindu caste grievances concerning the greased cartridges. Second, some historians have said that the event was a conspiracy. Those holding this view break down into two religious sides which state that either the Brahmans were using Kshatriya grievances for orthodox purposes, or the Muslims were trying to retake control of the old Mogul Empire. Unfortunately, there is no clear evidence to support this idea. More than that, the Hindu Maratha and the Mogul Emperor were taken by surprise at the uprising. Third, a small group believe the Indians were fighting their first war for independence from British rule. However, there was no Indian nation, no common language, and nationalist groups were few and opposed to the insurrection, looking to bring back the past rather than forge a new future. Fourth, some believe that socio-political tensions were set off when military problems came to a head over greased cartridges. A military mutiny stemming from agitating social forces is the most reliable explanation.(5)
The revolt had been secretly and well organized, but a premature outburst rather upset the plans of the leaders. It was much more than a military mutiny, and it spread rapidly and assumed the character of a popular rebellion.(6)
<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->THE REVOLT'S AFTERMATH
The cost to put down the mutiny was 36 million pounds,(69) and it was charged back to the Indians in higher taxes. As a result of this revolt, the Crown took over the administration of India with the Act for the Better Government of India signed by Queen Victoria on August 2, 1858,(70) to go into effect November 1, 1858. Amnesty was granted officially to all rebels, and a solemn promise was made that the British had no desire to tamper with caste.(71) All direct government was transferred from the British East India Company to the Crown, and the governor-general's title was changed to viceroy.(72) The Company's European troops became part of the royal forces, and the Indian navy was abolished.(73) The sepoys had lost from the beginning. The sepoys had no confidence, and only a fear of the loss of caste with no new ideas. Their only goal was to turn back the clock to the old days. The British, on the other hand, had to win this contest. They had reinforcements and good leadership, a belief in their right and moral responsibility to rule. British national pride was at its height in a world where the self-confidence of the West reigned. "Neither Mughal, Maratha, or the Company was the real victor of the struggle. It was the pervasive spirit of the West."(74) Though the British government still had cankered problems, they could be assured of a calm British Indian world and a long enforced peace. <!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
<img src='http://www.geocities.com/genebrooks/sepoy01.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />
CANKERS OF A CALM WORLD:THE SEPOY REVOLT
Copyright © 1990 Gene Brooks Home
The Sepoy Revolt of 1857-1858 in India was "the most dramatic event in nineteenth-century India,
THE REVOLT'S IDENTITY
Just what was the identity of the Revolt of 1857? Four basic opinions are held. First, that it was "only a military revolt caused by ignorance, negligence, and astonishing ineptitude on the part of the [British] government and army."(4) However, if this event were purely military, there is no explanation why the Muslims would support the Hindu caste grievances concerning the greased cartridges. Second, some historians have said that the event was a conspiracy. Those holding this view break down into two religious sides which state that either the Brahmans were using Kshatriya grievances for orthodox purposes, or the Muslims were trying to retake control of the old Mogul Empire. Unfortunately, there is no clear evidence to support this idea. More than that, the Hindu Maratha and the Mogul Emperor were taken by surprise at the uprising. Third, a small group believe the Indians were fighting their first war for independence from British rule. However, there was no Indian nation, no common language, and nationalist groups were few and opposed to the insurrection, looking to bring back the past rather than forge a new future. Fourth, some believe that socio-political tensions were set off when military problems came to a head over greased cartridges. A military mutiny stemming from agitating social forces is the most reliable explanation.(5)
The revolt had been secretly and well organized, but a premature outburst rather upset the plans of the leaders. It was much more than a military mutiny, and it spread rapidly and assumed the character of a popular rebellion.(6)
<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->THE REVOLT'S AFTERMATH
The cost to put down the mutiny was 36 million pounds,(69) and it was charged back to the Indians in higher taxes. As a result of this revolt, the Crown took over the administration of India with the Act for the Better Government of India signed by Queen Victoria on August 2, 1858,(70) to go into effect November 1, 1858. Amnesty was granted officially to all rebels, and a solemn promise was made that the British had no desire to tamper with caste.(71) All direct government was transferred from the British East India Company to the Crown, and the governor-general's title was changed to viceroy.(72) The Company's European troops became part of the royal forces, and the Indian navy was abolished.(73) The sepoys had lost from the beginning. The sepoys had no confidence, and only a fear of the loss of caste with no new ideas. Their only goal was to turn back the clock to the old days. The British, on the other hand, had to win this contest. They had reinforcements and good leadership, a belief in their right and moral responsibility to rule. British national pride was at its height in a world where the self-confidence of the West reigned. "Neither Mughal, Maratha, or the Company was the real victor of the struggle. It was the pervasive spirit of the West."(74) Though the British government still had cankered problems, they could be assured of a calm British Indian world and a long enforced peace. <!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->