Major reasons behind these uprising revolt of 1857
Prior to the revolt of 1857, there were numerous incidents that highlighted the growing discontent towards British rule. The people’s resistance against British rule, encompasses the revolt by several sections of the Indian society from peasants to ruling classes.
Reasons for Uprisings Against the British
Zamindars Lost Power: Zamindars and Poligars were antagonised as they lost their land and sources of revenue due to English. These Zamindars were also deprived of the power (e.g., policing, judge) they used to enjoy earlier. The power now went to government officials.
Artisans Lost Jobs: The British destroyed the Indian handicraft industry. Due to this a large number of artisans lost their jobs and faced economic distress.
Replacement of Kings and Princes: The replacement of Kings and Princess by Colonial Government impoverished the artisans as they lost their traditional Patrons.
Livelihood of Priests Affected: Priests, pandits and maulvis were dependent on zamindars, princes and feudal lords. Fall of these classes directly affected the livelihood of priests.
Foreign character of the British Rule: After gaining power in the political sphere, the company introduced and implemented policies in the fields of land revenue, law and order, and set-up an administration that kept hurting the pride of natives.
Thus, all these reasons culminated into various small uprisings, mutinies, and skirmishes that gave the final shape to the Revolt of 1857 or the ‘First War of Independence.