Colonial Rule and the Revolt of 1857: Class 8 Study Guide
A trading company became a ruler. In 1857 many people rose against its rule.
The English East India Company came to India to trade. Over time it gained political power. After the Battle of Plassey in 1757, when Robert Clive defeated the Nawab of Bengal, and the Battle of Buxar in 1764, the Company gained control of Bengal and received the right to collect revenue (the diwani) in 1765.
It expanded further through wars and policies such as the Subsidiary Alliance and the Doctrine of Lapse, under which a state without a natural heir could be annexed.
The Revolt of 1857
| Cause | Detail |
|---|---|
| Political | Loss of states through the Doctrine of Lapse and annexations |
| Economic | Heavy taxes; hardship for farmers, artisans and weavers |
| Social and religious | Fear that customs and beliefs were being interfered with |
| Military | Unequal pay and treatment of Indian soldiers; the new rifle cartridges |
What happened
The revolt began among soldiers at Meerut on 10 May 1857 and spread to Delhi, where Bahadur Shah Zafar was declared the leader. Rani Lakshmibai in Jhansi, Nana Sahib and Tantia Tope at Kanpur, and Begum Hazrat Mahal in Lucknow were among the leaders. Villagers, soldiers and rulers joined in many regions, but not everywhere. The revolt was put down by 1858.
10 May 1857.
Bahadur Shah Zafar is the symbol.
Kanpur, Jhansi, Lucknow.
By 1858.
After 1857
In 1858 the British Crown took over from the Company. Queen Victoria promised respect for religions and customs. The army was reorganised and the British became more cautious about Indian traditions, but they continued to rule India until 1947.
Worked examples and common mistakes
Example: Which battle in 1757 began the Company's rise in Bengal? Plassey. Example: Where did the revolt begin? Meerut. Common mistakes: saying that the revolt was caused by only one thing, such as cartridges, and saying that the whole country joined. There were many causes, and it was strongest in some regions.
Check your understanding: model answers
1. 1757. 2. For example Rani Lakshmibai and Tantia Tope. 3. The British Crown took over from the East India Company.
✨ Key Takeaways
- The Company won power after Plassey (1757) and Buxar (1764).
- The Doctrine of Lapse annexed states.
- The revolt began at Meerut on 10 May 1857.
- The Crown took over in 1858.
💬 Questions for Discussion & Reflection
- In which year was the Battle of Plassey?
- Name two leaders of the revolt.
- What changed in 1858?