Indian History: The Revolt of 1857

Often described as the First War of Independence, the 1857 revolt was a major uprising against the rule of the British East India Company, starting in Meerut.

Causes and Outbreak

• Immediate Cause: Introduction of the Enfield Rifle with greased cartridges (rumored to have cow and pig fat).
• Political Causes: Policies like Doctrine of Lapse (Lord Dalhousie) and Subsidiary Alliance.
• Mangal Pandey: On March 29, 1857, he mutinied at Barrackpore, marking the early spark of the rebellion.

Key Centers and Leaders

• Delhi: Led by Bahadur Shah Zafar (nominal head) and General Bakht Khan.
• Kanpur: Led by Nana Saheb with the help of Tantia Tope.
• Lucknow: Led by Begum Hazrat Mahal.
• Jhansi: Led by Rani Lakshmibai, who fought valiantly against Sir Hugh Rose.
• Bihar: Led by the elderly Zamindar of Jagdishpur, Kunwar Singh.

Question for you: Which British Act was passed after the revolt to transfer the power of the East India Company to the British Crown?

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