War of Independence 1857

The War of Independence (also known as the 1857 Uprising or the Indian Mutiny) was a major, armed rebellion against the British East India Company. It was the first organized attempt by the people of the subcontinent to overthrow British rule. Although the war was suppressed, it marked the end of the Mughal Empire and the start of direct British Crown rule in India.

• Religious Cause: The introduction of "Greased Cartridges" (reportedly using cow and pig fat) which offended both Hindus and Muslims.
• Political Cause: The "Doctrine of Lapse" introduced by Lord Dalhousie to annex states like Oudh, Jhansi, and Nagpur.
• Economic Cause: Heavy taxation and the destruction of local industries by the East India Company.
• Immediate Cause: Mangal Pandey’s execution and the refusal of soldiers in Meerut to use the greased cartridges.

• The Revolt began on May 10, 1857, in the town of Meerut.
• The Government of India Act 1858 was passed after the war, transferring all powers from the East India Company to the British Crown.
• Bahadur Shah Zafar was tried for treason and exiled to Rangoon (Myanmar), where he died in 1862.
• The Proclamation of 1858, read by Lord Canning at Allahabad, promised that the British would not interfere in the religious beliefs of the people.
• Lord Canning became the first Viceroy of India following the war.
• Muslims were held primarily responsible for the war by the British, leading to a long period of educational and political marginalization.

• Q: When did the War of Independence begin?
• A: May 10, 1857.
• Q: Who was the last Mughal Emperor?
• A: Bahadur Shah Zafar.
• Q: Where was Bahadur Shah Zafar exiled to?
• A: Rangoon (Myanmar).
• Q: Who was the first Viceroy of India?
• A: Lord Canning.

"The 'Doctrine of Lapse', which was a major political cause of the 1857 war, was introduced by which British official?"

A) Lord Canning

B) Lord Dalhousie

C) Lord Cornwallis

D) Lord Curzon

(Correct: B - Lord Dalhousie)