Revolts against British Colonialism - Exam Questions
Part A: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. The Sanyasi Rebellion, which took place in Bengal, was primarily a revolt by:
a) Landlords and Zamindars
b) Religious mendicants and dispossessed peasants
c) Tribal communities
d) Sepoys of the British East India Company
Answer: b) Religious mendicants and dispossessed peasants
Rationale: The Sanyasis were wandering Hindu ascetics, often joined by dispossessed peasants and demobilized soldiers.
2. The Khurda Rebellion of 1817 took place in which region of India?
a) Bengal
b) Punjab
c) Odisha
d) Awadh
Answer: c) Odisha
Rationale: Khurda is a region in Odisha, and the rebellion is specifically known as the Paika Rebellion of Khurda.
3. Who was the leader of the Khurda Rebellion of 1817?
a) Sidhu Murmu
b) Kanhu Murmu
c) Bakshi Jagabandhu Bidyadhar
d) Birsa Munda
Answer: c) Bakshi Jagabandhu Bidyadhar
Rationale: Bakshi Jagabandhu was the military chief of the Raja of Khurda and led the Paika uprising.
4. The Santal Rebellion (1855-56) was primarily a revolt against:
a) The system of Sati
b) British land revenue policies, moneylenders, and exploitative traders (Dikus)
c) The introduction of railways
d) Religious conversions by missionaries
Answer: b) British land revenue policies, moneylenders, and exploitative traders (Dikus)
Rationale: The Santals rose up against exploitation by outsiders ('Dikus') who dispossessed them of their land and exploited them.
5. The immediate cause for the Great Indian Revolt of 1857 is widely considered to be:
a) The Doctrine of Lapse
b) The Subsidiary Alliance
c) The issue of greased cartridges
d) Economic exploitation of peasants
Answer: c) The issue of greased cartridges
Rationale: The greased cartridges, rumoured to be lubricated with animal fat, offended both Hindu and Muslim sepoys and triggered the revolt.
6. Which of the following was NOT a major centre of the 1857 Revolt?
a) Lucknow
b) Kanpur
c) Delhi
d) Madras
Answer: d) Madras
Rationale: Madras (Chennai) was largely unaffected by the 1857 Revolt.
7. Who was the Mughal Emperor proclaimed as the leader of the 1857 Revolt in Delhi?
a) Bahadur Shah Zafar
b) Shah Alam II
c) Akbar II
d) Alamgir II
Answer: a) Bahadur Shah Zafar
Rationale: The sepoys of Meerut marched to Delhi and proclaimed the aged Bahadur Shah Zafar as their leader, symbolizing a unified resistance.
8. The Santal Rebellion was led by the brothers:
a) Tipu Sultan and Haidar Ali
b) Sidhu and Kanhu Murmu
c) Birsa and Munda
d) Tantia Tope and Nana Saheb
Answer: b) Sidhu and Kanhu Murmu
Rationale: Sidhu and Kanhu were the primary leaders who declared themselves independent and gathered a large Santal army.
9. Which region was known as the 'Paika' land, associated with the Khurda Rebellion?
a) Chota Nagpur
b) Santhal Parganas
c) Khurda in Odisha
d) Bastar
Answer: c) Khurda in Odisha
Rationale: The Paikas were traditional landed militia in Khurda, Odisha, who rose in rebellion.
10. One of the political causes of the 1857 Revolt was:
a) Promotion of English education.
b) Introduction of railways.
c) Doctrine of Lapse.
d) Abolition of Sati.
Answer: c) Doctrine of Lapse.
Rationale: The Doctrine of Lapse, used to annex states like Satara, Nagpur, and Jhansi, caused widespread resentment among Indian rulers and elites.
11. The term 'Fakir' is often associated with which rebellion?
a) Santal Rebellion
b) Khurda Rebellion
c) Sanyasi Rebellion
d) 1857 Revolt
Answer: c) Sanyasi Rebellion
Rationale: The Sanyasi Rebellion also involved 'Fakirs', who were Muslim mendicants, demonstrating an early Hindu-Muslim unity against British rule.
12. The British introduced the 'Police Raj' and the 'Rule of Law' after which major event, leading to more direct control?
a) Sanyasi Rebellion
b) Khurda Rebellion
c) Santal Rebellion
d) Great Indian Revolt of 1857
Answer: d) Great Indian Revolt of 1857
Rationale: The post-1857 period saw significant administrative and legal reforms to consolidate British control.
13. What was the main demand of the Santals during their rebellion?
a) To establish a separate Santal state under British protection.
b) To reclaim their traditional land and self-rule, free from 'Diku' exploitation.
c) To join the Mughal Empire.
d) To get higher wages for labor.
Answer: b) To reclaim their traditional land and self-rule, free from 'Diku' exploitation.
Rationale: Their rebellion was primarily against the exploitation by outsiders who encroached upon their traditional lands and way of life.
14. Who led the Revolt of 1857 from Lucknow?
a) Rani Lakshmibai
b) Nana Saheb
c) Begum Hazrat Mahal
d) Kunwar Singh
Answer: c) Begum Hazrat Mahal
Rationale: Begum Hazrat Mahal, the regent of Awadh, led the rebellion in Lucknow.
15. The 'Paharia' people were indirectly involved in the events leading to which rebellion, due to their forest rights being encroached upon?
a) Sanyasi Rebellion
b) Khurda Rebellion
c) Santal Rebellion
d) 1857 Revolt
Answer: c) Santal Rebellion
Rationale: The Santals were settled by the British in the Damin-i-Koh area, which was originally part of the Paharia lands, leading to increased pressure on resources.
Part B: Short Answer Questions
1. Mention two causes of the Sanyasi Rebellion.
Answer: Two causes were: 1) Excessive land revenue demands and exploitation by the British, and 2) Restriction on the movement and collection of alms by religious mendicants (Sanyasis and Fakirs).
2. Who were the 'Paikas' in the context of the Khurda Rebellion of 1817?
Answer: The 'Paikas' were the traditional landed militia of Odisha, who served the local rulers and held rent-free lands for their service. They were dispossessed and oppressed under British rule, leading them to revolt.
3. What does the term 'Dikus' refer to in the context of the Santal Rebellion?
Answer: 'Dikus' was the term used by the Santals to refer to outsiders – moneylenders, zamindars, traders, and British officials – who exploited them, dispossessed them of their land, and interfered with their traditional way of life.
4. List two immediate causes of the Great Indian Revolt of 1857.
Answer: Two immediate causes were: 1) The controversial greased cartridges issue (rumored to be coated with animal fat, offensive to both Hindu and Muslim sepoys), and 2) The General Service Enlistment Act of 1856, which required new recruits to serve overseas if required.
5. Name two major centres of the 1857 Revolt and their respective prominent leaders.
Answer: 1) Delhi: Bahadur Shah Zafar (nominal leader) / General Bakht Khan (actual command). 2) Kanpur: Nana Saheb. 3) Lucknow: Begum Hazrat Mahal. 4) Jhansi: Rani Lakshmibai. 5) Arrah (Bihar): Kunwar Singh. (Any two with correct leaders).
6. What was the significance of the Khurda Rebellion (Paika Rebellion) of 1817?
Answer: It was a significant early popular armed uprising against the British, characterized by the leadership of Bakshi Jagabandhu and the participation of the traditional Paika militia, demonstrating fierce local resistance to colonial rule and its land revenue policies.
7. Briefly explain the 'Doctrine of Lapse' and its role in sparking the 1857 Revolt.
Answer: The Doctrine of Lapse was an annexation policy introduced by Lord Dalhousie, stating that if an Indian ruler died without a male heir, his state would be annexed by the British. This policy led to the annexation of states like Jhansi and Satara, causing widespread resentment among Indian rulers and contributing to the political unrest that fueled the 1857 Revolt.
8. What was the main demand of the Santals in their 1855-56 rebellion?
Answer: The main demand of the Santals was to reclaim their traditional land (Damin-i-Koh) and establish self-rule (Santal Raj) free from the exploitation of the 'Dikus' (moneylenders, zamindars, and corrupt British officials).
9. Mention two ways in which the Sanyasi and Fakir Rebellions were an early form of resistance against British colonialism.
Answer: 1) They challenged the authority of the East India Company through organized armed resistance, and 2) They reflected widespread distress against British land revenue policies and restrictions, drawing support from dispossessed peasants and demobilized soldiers.
10. Why is the year 1857 considered a watershed moment in Indian history?
Answer: 1857 is considered a watershed moment because it led to the end of the British East India Company's rule and the direct assumption of control by the British Crown. It also marked the beginning of a more systematic British administrative and military reorganization in India.
Part C: Long Answer Questions (5-10 Marks Each)
1. Compare and contrast the causes, nature, and outcomes of the Sanyasi Rebellion and the Khurda Rebellion of 1817. (Approx. 5-7 marks)
Answer:
The Sanyasi Rebellion (late 18th century) and the Khurda Rebellion of 1817 (Paika Rebellion) were significant early popular uprisings against the British East India Company, arising from distinct local grievances but sharing a common anti-colonial sentiment.
I. Sanyasi Rebellion (c. 1770s-1800s):
Causes:
Economic Distress: The severe Bengal Famine of 1770 and the harsh land revenue policies of the East India Company dispossessed numerous peasants and led to widespread poverty.
Religious Restrictions: The Company imposed restrictions on the traditional movements of Hindu Sanyasis and Muslim Fakirs who travelled through Bengal, collecting alms and supporting themselves, thereby disrupting their religious and economic practices.
Dispossessed Classes: They were joined by dispossessed small zamindars, disbanded soldiers from local armies, and impoverished peasants.
Nature:
It was primarily a religious-cum-peasant uprising. The leadership comprised Hindu Sanyasis (e.g., Majnu Shah, Devi Chaudhurani) and Muslim Fakirs (e.g., Musa Shah).
It involved guerrilla warfare, with the rebels attacking Company factories, treasuries, and raiding government property.
It was a widespread, prolonged, but decentralized movement, lacking a unified command structure across its various groups.
Outcomes:
The rebellion was eventually suppressed by the British through sustained military campaigns, though it took decades.
It highlighted the deep economic distress caused by early Company rule and its impact on various sections of society.
It found literary expression in Bankim Chandra Chatterjee's novel 'Anandamath'.
II. Khurda Rebellion (Paika Rebellion) of 1817:
Causes:
Dispossession of Paikas: The British annexation of Khurda in 1803 led to the confiscation of hereditary rent-free service lands (Jagir lands) of the Paikas, the traditional landed militia, turning them into landless peasants.
High Land Revenue: The introduction of oppressive land revenue settlements, fixed at exorbitant rates, caused immense distress to the cultivators.
Exploitation by British Administration: Corruption, oppression by Company officials, and the introduction of a new currency system that caused hardship contributed to resentment.
Salt Monopoly: The British salt monopoly made an essential commodity expensive, affecting the common people.
Nature:
It was a popular armed tribal/peasant uprising led by the traditional landed militia (Paikas) and feudal chiefs.
Bakshi Jagabandhu Bidyadhar, the military chief of the Raja of Khurda, emerged as the main leader.
It was characterized by fierce resistance against the British, involving widespread attacks on Company establishments.
Outcomes:
The rebellion was brutally suppressed by the British through military force. Bakshi Jagabandhu eventually surrendered and died in captivity.
Despite its suppression, it compelled the British to adopt a more conciliatory approach in Odisha, including reviewing some of their land revenue policies.
It is considered a significant early example of popular anti-colonial resistance against British administrative and land policies.
III. Comparison and Contrast:
Similarities: Both were popular uprisings against oppressive British land revenue policies and economic exploitation. Both involved dispossessed local communities (Sanyasis/Fakirs/peasants vs. Paikas/peasants). Both faced brutal suppression by the British.
Differences: The Sanyasi Rebellion had a strong religious mendicant component and was more decentralized, spanning across Bengal. The Khurda Rebellion was more localized to Odisha, with the Paikas (a distinct social group) forming its core, and was triggered by more direct dispossession of their specific service lands. The Sanyasi Rebellion's timeframe was earlier and more prolonged than the sharp, intense Khurda Rebellion.
In conclusion, both the Sanyasi and Khurda Rebellions represented localized yet significant challenges to early British colonial rule, demonstrating the deep-seated popular discontent against exploitative economic policies and the disruption of traditional social structures.
2. Analyze the causes, leadership, and impact of the Santal Rebellion (1855-56). Why is it considered a significant tribal uprising against British colonialism? (Approx. 7-8 marks)
Answer:
The Santal Rebellion of 1855-56 was one of the most ferocious and widespread tribal uprisings against British colonial rule and its associated exploitative forces. It took place primarily in the Rajmahal Hills area of Bihar and Jharkhand.
I. Causes of the Rebellion:
The Santals, a tribal community, lived in the region of Damin-i-Koh (foothills of Rajmahal Hills) and practiced shifting cultivation and later settled agriculture. Their rebellion was a direct response to a multitude of grievances:
Land Dispossession: The British land revenue settlements (like Permanent Settlement in Bengal, which extended to their area) introduced non-Santal Zamindars (landlords) into their traditional lands. These Zamindars, supported by British laws, aggressively encroached upon Santal lands, dispossessing them.
Exploitation by 'Dikus': The term 'Dikus' (outsiders) referred to a nexus of exploitative forces:
Moneylenders: They advanced loans at exorbitant interest rates (often 50% to 500%), trapping Santals in perpetual debt slavery. Land was often mortgaged and eventually taken over for unpaid debts.
Traders/Mahajans: They cheated the Santals with fraudulent weights and measures, buying their produce cheaply and selling essential goods dearly.
Corrupt British Officials & Police: These officials often sided with the Zamindars and moneylenders, providing no justice to the Santals and often intimidating or imprisoning them.
British Laws and Policies: The Santals felt their traditional legal and social systems were being undermined by British laws, which they did not understand and which provided no redressal for their grievances against the 'Dikus'. They lost access to forest resources and their customary self-governance.
Loss of Identity and Way of Life: The cumulative effect of these exploitations was a threat to their very identity, culture, and traditional way of life.
II. Leadership:
The rebellion was primarily led by four Murmu brothers: Sidhu, Kanhu, Chand, and Bhairav. Sidhu and Kanhu were the most prominent, claiming divine inspiration to lead their people to freedom from 'Diku' oppression.
III. Impact of the Rebellion:
Brutal Suppression: The rebellion was met with extreme brutality by the British, who mobilized large forces to crush the Santals. Thousands of Santals were killed, their villages burnt, and their lands confiscated.
Legislative Measures (Santal Parganas Tenancy Act, 1876): Despite the violent suppression, the rebellion forced the British to acknowledge the special problems of the Santals. The Santal Parganas Tenancy Act (1876) was enacted, prohibiting the transfer of Santal land to non-Santals and attempting to safeguard their customary laws.
Creation of Santal Parganas District: A separate Santal Parganas district was created to administer them with special regulations, indicating a realization that their traditional system needed protection.
Aspiration for Self-Rule: The rebellion clearly demonstrated the Santals' aspiration for self-rule and freedom from external exploitation, inspiring future tribal movements.
IV. Significance as a Tribal Uprising:
The Santal Rebellion is considered highly significant for several reasons:
Organized Resistance: Despite being a tribal uprising, it was remarkably well-organized, with a clear leadership, objectives, and a well-defined enemy.
Against Multiple Exploiters: Unlike some other revolts focused on a single issue, the Santal Rebellion was a holistic resistance against a nexus of exploitative forces (British revenue system, moneylenders, traders, police).
Mass Participation: It witnessed massive participation from the Santal community, showcasing their collective will and determination.
Inspiration for Future Movements: Its intensity and demands for autonomy inspired subsequent tribal movements (e.g., Munda Rebellion under Birsa Munda) and highlighted the unique vulnerability of tribal communities under colonial rule.
Policy Shift (Limited): It led to specific legislative and administrative measures aimed at protecting tribal lands, marking a rare instance where a tribal rebellion directly influenced British policy in the immediate aftermath.
In conclusion, the Santal Rebellion was a powerful tribal response to systematic exploitation and dispossession. Its leadership, widespread participation, and the specific legislative outcomes it brought about cement its place as a crucial event in the history of resistance against British colonialism in India.
3. Examine the various causes (political, economic, social, religious, and military) that led to the Great Indian Revolt of 1857. To what extent can it be considered a 'First War of Indian Independence'? Why did it ultimately fail to achieve its objective? (Approx. 10 marks)
Answer:
The Great Indian Revolt of 1857, often termed the Sepoy Mutiny by the British and the First War of Indian Independence by Indian nationalists, was a seminal event in Indian history. It was not a sudden outbreak but the culmination of deep-seated resentments stemming from various British policies over a century.
I. Causes of the Revolt:
1. Political Causes:
Doctrine of Lapse: Lord Dalhousie's annexation policy (e.g., Satara, Nagpur, Jhansi, Awadh) deeply offended Indian rulers and elites, as it denied adoption rights and abolished existing states.
Subsidiary Alliance: Wellesley's policy had already led to the loss of sovereignty for many Indian states, making them dependent on the British.
Disrespect to Mughal Emperor: The British gradually undermined the authority of the Mughal Emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar, leading to a sense of humiliation among many.
Absence of Succession Policy: The British often refused to recognize adopted heirs of Indian rulers, further fueling discontent.
2. Economic Causes:
Land Revenue Policies: The Permanent Settlement, Ryotwari, and Mahalwari systems led to exorbitant revenue demands, dispossession of peasants and Zamindars, and widespread rural indebtedness.
De-industrialization: The destruction of traditional Indian handicraft industries (especially textiles) due to British commercial policies led to mass unemployment among artisans and craftsmen.
Poverty and Famines: The cumulative effect of exploitative economic policies led to recurring famines and widespread impoverishment of the masses.
Ruin of Landed Gentry: Many Zamindars and traditional landlords were dispossessed, losing their status and income.
3. Socio-Religious Causes:
Interference in Social Customs: British social reforms like the abolition of Sati (1829), promotion of widow remarriage (1856), and the introduction of Western education (including Christian missionary activities) were perceived by many orthodox Indians as interference in their traditional customs and religion.
Racial Discrimination: The British maintained a superior racial attitude towards Indians, leading to discrimination in services, social interactions, and justice.
Fear of Conversion: The activities of Christian missionaries were viewed with suspicion, leading to fears of forced conversion among both Hindus and Muslims.
4. Military Causes:
Low Status of Sepoys: Indian sepoys were paid less than their British counterparts, faced racial discrimination, and had limited avenues for promotion.
General Service Enlistment Act (1856): This act required new recruits to serve overseas if required, which was against the religious beliefs of many Hindu sepoys (crossing the sea was considered polluting).
Loss of Prestige for Sepoys: The annexation of Awadh, the home of many sepoys, directly affected their families and sense of loyalty.
Greased Cartridges: The immediate spark. Rumours spread that the cartridges for the new Enfield rifle were greased with animal fat (of pigs and cows), offensive to both Muslim and Hindu sepoys, leading to widespread outrage and mutiny.
II. Nature of the Revolt - 'First War of Indian Independence' vs. 'Sepoy Mutiny':
Historians hold differing views on the nature of the 1857 Revolt:
'Sepoy Mutiny': British historians and some contemporary accounts viewed it primarily as a 'Sepoy Mutiny' – a localized uprising of disgruntled soldiers, fueled by religious grievances (greased cartridges). They argued it lacked widespread popular support or a unified national aim.
'First War of Indian Independence': Indian nationalist historians (like V.D. Savarkar, S.N. Sen) termed it the 'First War of Indian Independence'. They argue that:
It involved a wide range of social groups beyond just sepoys, including peasants, artisans, zamindars, and dispossessed rulers.
It aimed to overthrow foreign rule and re-establish Indian authority (e.g., restoring the Mughal Emperor).
It demonstrated a degree of Hindu-Muslim unity against a common enemy.
It articulated a nascent sense of Indian nationhood, even if regional loyalties were stronger.
Verdict: While not a fully developed 'nationalist' war in the modern sense (lacked a unified ideology, pan-Indian leadership, or modern nationalism), it was certainly more than just a sepoy mutiny. It had broad popular support in many areas, involved diverse sections of society, and had the clear objective of ending foreign rule. It provided a powerful precedent for future nationalist movements.
III. Reasons for its Failure:
Despite its initial widespread success, the Revolt ultimately failed due to several critical weaknesses:
Lack of Unified Leadership and Strategy: The Revolt lacked a single, central, and effective leadership. Different leaders fought for their own regional interests, often without coordination or a clear common strategy.
Limited Territorial Spread: The Revolt was mainly confined to North and Central India (Delhi, Awadh, Rohilkhand, Bundelkhand, parts of Bihar). Regions like Punjab, Bengal, Madras, Bombay, and most of Southern India remained largely unaffected or actively supported the British.
Superior British Resources and Organization: The British had superior military organization, discipline, modern weaponry, better communication (telegraph, railways), and a well-trained army.
Lack of Modern Arms and Techniques: Indian rebels largely fought with traditional weapons and tactics, unable to match the British in terms of firepower or strategic planning.
Lack of Clear Ideology: While aiming to end British rule, the rebels lacked a clear vision for the future or a coherent political program beyond restoring pre-British feudal systems.
Support for the British: Some powerful Indian rulers (e.g., Sindhia of Gwalior, Holkar of Indore, Nizam of Hyderabad, rulers of Punjab, Gurkhas) actively supported the British or remained neutral, providing crucial aid and manpower.
Religious Divisions (Limited): While initial unity existed, some religious grievances (e.g., a sense of British neutrality in some religious disputes) also meant some groups did not wholeheartedly support the revolt.
No Alternative Social Program: The rebellion failed to present a viable alternative social or economic program that could appeal to all sections of society, especially the masses who were often victims of both British and traditional feudal exploitation.
In conclusion, the 1857 Revolt was a significant challenge to British rule, revealing the deep-seated popular discontent. Though it failed due to internal weaknesses and British strength, it irrevocably changed the nature of British rule in India, leading to the transfer of power to the Crown and serving as a crucial inspiration for the future Indian nationalist movement.
