Question

“Chain of grievances of taluqdars and peasants led them to join the revolt of 1857.” Elucidate the statement.

Answer 1

The prince, taluqdars, peasants, and sepoys banded together to revolt against British rule in 1857. The following are the circumstances that led to the revolt:

1. Nawab Wajid Ali Shah was overthrown in Awadh and deported to Calcutta, allegedly due to inadequate regional governance.
2. After the removal of their beloved Nawab, the populace suffered deep grief, wrath, and despair, culminating in emotional and material losses. Cooks, musicians, and craftspeople lost their livelihoods as a result of the judicial system's dissolution.
3. Following annexation, the Taluqdars were dispossessed, and their forts and weapons were taken.
4. The Summary Settlement of 1856 declared taluqdars to be unauthorized land occupants, resulting in the confiscation of their lands and a dramatic drop in their population.
5. In addition to British persecution, peasants in the region were mistreated by their employers and had difficulty obtaining leave, which exacerbated their situation after Awadh was annexed.
6. The collective complaints culminated in the 1857 mutiny.