Aftermath of the Revolt of 1857


 
 
Concept Explanation
 

Aftermath of the Revolt of 1857

The Aftermath of the revolt: In the beginning, the Revolt was a success, but within a short, while the British suppressed it. Great acts of violence and cruelty were committed by both the Indian rebels and the British in the course of the Revolt.

The British had regained control of the country by the end of 1859, but they could not carry on ruling the land with the same policies any more.

 Given below are the important changes that were introduced by the British.

  • The British parliament passed a new act in 1858 and transferred the powers of the east India Company to the British crown in order to ensure a more responsible management of Indian affairs. A member of the British cabinet was appointed secretary of state for India and made responsible for all matters related to the governance of India. He was given a council to advise him, called the India council. The governor- general of India was given the title of viceroy, that is, a personal representative of the crown. Through these measures the British government accepted direct responsibility for ruling India.
  • All ruling chiefs of the country were assured that their territory would never be annexed in future. They were allowed to pass on their kingdoms to their heirs. Including adopted sons. However, they were made to acknowledge the British Queen as their sovereign paramount. Thus the Indian rulers were to hold their kingdoms as subordinates of the British crown.
  • It was decided that the proportion of Indian soldiers in the army would be reduced and the number of European soldiers would be increased. It was also decided that instead of recruiting soldiers from Awadh, Bihar, central India and south India, more solders would be recruited from among the Gurkhas, Sikhs and Pathans.
  • The land and property of Muslims was confiscated on a large scale and they were treated with suspicion and hostility. The British believed that they were responsible for the rebellion in a big way.
  • The British decided to respect the customary religious and social practices of the people in India.
  • Policies were made to protect landlords and seminars and give them security of right over their lands.
  • Thus a new phase of history began after 1857.
  • Sample Questions
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    Question : 1

    The main effect of the revolt of 1857  was that it ____________________________

    Right Option : B
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