Question

'The Revolt of 1857 was seen as a war that glorified the co-existence of different communities.' Explain the statement with examples.

Answer 1

During the 1857 revolt, the rebels' primary goal was to destabilise the British Empire. They desired to establish Indian rule but were unsure of the form of government to use. It also demonstrated the coexistence of various communities in India.

1. The ishtahars harked back to the pre-British Hindu-Muslim past and glorified the coexistence of different communities under the Mughal Empire.
2. Both communities fought for the survival of Indian culture and traditions.
3. The leadership of Bahadur Shah Zafar was recognised by both communities.
4. Other communities joined in and demonstrated their opposition to British rule.
5. The 1857 revolt symbolised the communal harmony that existed during the 1800s.