Question

Although the First War of Independence of 1857 failed, it had important consequences for India. In this context, answer the following questions:

1. How did the Uprising give rise to nationalism in India?
2. How did the end of the East India Company's rule bring in grave economic perils in India?
3. State how the British Government tried to pacify the feelings of Indians with regard to:
   1. their religious practices.
   2. the Princely States.

Answer 1

1. One significant effect of the 1857 Rising was that the sacrifices of Indian leaders sparked the Nationalist Movement in India. People from all sections of society came together. Nana Saheb and the Rani of Jhansi became national heroes, representing the fight for freedom. The war became a symbol of resistance against British rule. Nationalism, which means patriotism and the desire to protect one's culture, was clearly seen after the First War of Independence.
2. According to Majumdar, India became a place of exploitation not just for a single trading company, but for the entire British people.
   1. The recruitment of English people in both private and public sectors drained a large part of India's resources.
   2. India was turned into an agricultural colony that exported raw materials and imported finished goods.
   3. The peasants fell into deep debt, which led to their poverty and near-slavery.
   4. The British invested their surplus capital in railways, plantations, and coal mines in India, but this investment only benefitted the British. Even the profits were distributed among British shareholders. Overall, Indians were left in misery and poverty.
3. 1. The First War of Independence led to the following important promises:
      1. In her Proclamation of 1858, Queen Victoria promised not to interfere with the religious beliefs of the people of India.
      2. The Queen assured equal treatment for all her subjects, both Indians and Europeans.
      3. All appointments would be made based on education, ability, and integrity.
      4. An official pardon was granted to those guilty of murdering British subjects.
   2. Princely States: The policy of annexation and the doctrine of Lapse were abandoned. Some of the Indian princes had remained loyal to the British and had helped them in suppressing the uprising. Their loyalty was rewarded with the announcement that their right to adopt heirs would be respected and the integrity of their territories guaranteed against future annexation.