Question

Explain the following statement with a reason.

There was discontent among the Hindu and Muslim sepoys.

Answer 1

1. Sepoys in the time of British rule were regarded as powerless and hopeless peasants in uniform. U.P. and Bihar were the regions occupied by the sepoys. Annexation of Oudh by the British led to maladministration. The sepoys began to develop discontent. The main reasons are:
2. Discrimination of sepoys in all the ways.
3. Low wages and constant physical abuse from the bosses.
4. No permission to put caste-marks or religious clothes.(e.g., wearing a turban)
5. The grease on cartridges was made of a mixture of beef and pork tallow. The consumption of beef was forbidden in Hinduism. The use of pork is not allowed in Islam. The sepoys were asked to open the cartridge with their teeth. The Muslim and the Hindu sepoys were hurt religiously and mentally.