What did the rebels want? To what extent did the vision of different social groups differ?
The rebels wanted to uproot the British rule. It was to be replaced by the rule of Indian, but nwhat would be the nature of that governance is something the rebels were not sure of. They were definitely not fighting to establish a democratic government.
The salient points of the vision of the rebels were as follows:
1.Hindu-Muslim Unity: The rebels were not clear about the idea of Hindu-Muslim Unity. But they were definitely cherished the ideals of Hindu-Muslim unity. The religious sentiments of both the parties were respected so much so whenever a new territory fell to rebels , cow slanghter was banned.
2.Preserving Indian Culture: Many believed that the company was pushing European culture and Christianity on the Indians. The rebels wanted to reverse this process. Some of the measures by the company to reform our society were also seen with the same vein.
The vision of the different social groups:
Zamindars: Many of them did not like the provision of auction of their estate by the company to recover losses. They considered themselves as rulers who could not be dispossessed of their estate. Hence, many of them wanted to give governance that suited their interest.
Merchants: They were a mixed lot. They liked the rule of company as it maintained peace and law across vast areas of India. However, they also looked upon the company rule as partisan that promoted British trade interest at the cost of that of Indian’s, for the end of Company rule could translate into a favourable environment.
Artisans: Most artisans were struggling to survive as they suffered due to policies of Company that pumped manufactured goods of England.
What do visual representations tell us about the revolt of 1857? How do historians analyse these representations?
Why was the revolt particularly widespread in Awadh? What prompted the peasants, taluqdars and zamindars to join the revolt?
Why did the mutinous sepoys in many places turn to erstwhile rulers to provide leadership to the revolt?
What steps did the British take to quell the uprising?
Discuss the evidence that indicates planning and coordination on the part of the rebels.
What were the measures taken to ensure unity among the rebels?
Examine any two sources presented in the chapter, choosing one visual and one text, and discuss how these represent the point of view of the victor and the vanquished.
Discuss the extent to which religious beliefs shaped the events of 1857.
Why was the jotedar a powerful figure in many areas of rural Bengal?
To what extent are census data useful in reconstructing patterns of urbanisation in the colonial context?
How did Mahatma Gandhi seek to identify with the common people?
What did the Muslim League demand through its resolution of 1940?
What were the ideals expressed in the Objectives Resolution?
How did zamindars manage to retain control over their zamindaris?
What do the terms “White” and “Black” Town signify?
How was Mahatma Gandhi perceived by the peasants?
Why did some people think of Partition as a very sudden development?
How was the term minority defined by different groups?
On an outline map of India, trace the major rivers and hill ranges. Plot ten cities mentionedin the chapter, including Bombay, Calcutta and Madras, and prepare a brief note on why the importance of any two cities that you have marked (one colonial and one pre-colonial) changed in the nineteenth century.
How were urban centres transformed during the eighteenth century?
What are the problems of using official sources in writing about the history of peasants?
How was the term minority defined by different groups?
Find out about the route of the Dandi March. On a map of Gujarat plot the line of the march and mark the major towns and villages that it passed along the route.Find out about the route of the Dandi March. On a map of Gujarat plot the line of the march and mark the major towns and villages that it passed along the route.
Why was British India partitioned?
What connection did some of the members of the Constituent Assembly make between the political situation of the time and the need for a strong Centre?
What were Mahatma Gandhi’s arguments against Partition?
How did the American Civil War affect the lives of ryots in India?
To what extent are census data useful in reconstructing patterns of urbanisation in the colonial context?