Rebels and the Raj: The Revolt of 1857

About this unit

This unit studies the Revolt of 1857, the most serious challenge to British rule in India in the nineteenth century. It began as a mutiny of sepoys but drew in rulers, landholders, peasants and townspeople across large parts of north India. The chapter looks at how the revolt spread, why Awadh became a major centre of rebellion, what the rebels hoped to achieve, and how the events were represented later by both the British and Indian nationalists.

Key ideas

• The revolt broke out at Meerut on 10 May 1857, and the sepoys marched to Delhi.
• Bahadur Shah Zafar, the Mughal emperor, was proclaimed leader of the rebellion.
• Leaders included Nana Sahib, Rani Lakshmibai, Kunwar Singh, Begum Hazrat Mahal and others.
• The annexation of Awadh in 1856 made it a centre of widespread resistance.
• Rebel proclamations stressed unity of Hindus and Muslims and opposition to British rule.
• Paintings, cartoons and nationalist writings created contrasting images of the revolt.

How to prepare

Learn the main centres and their leaders, the dates connected with Meerut, Delhi and Awadh, and the meaning of terms such as taluqdar, subsidiary alliance and Summary Settlement. Study how British paintings and nationalist images differ, as source-based questions often use them.