Question

Mention any two drawbacks of the First War of Independence.

Answer 1

The following were the drawbacks of the First War of Independence:

1. The movement did not have common plans of military action or a centralised leadership. The uprisings in different parts of the country were completely uncoordinated.
2. The movement had no common goal before it except for the anti-foreign sentiments.
3. The East India Company had the services of men of exceptional abilities like Lawrence, Nicholson, Havelock, Outram, Campbell, etc. They fought the toughest battles in the initial stages of the Uprising and controlled the situation till reinforcements were received from abroad.
4. The British Empire had far superior resources in terms of men, money and materials to the Indians.
5. Some of the rulers of the Indian States and the big zamindars refused to join the movement.