Describe briefly the Great Uprising of 1857 with reference to:

(a) the Company's rule in India.

(b) rise of nationalism.

(c) policy of 'Divide and Rule'.

(d) change in the nature of the British rule.

(a) The East India Company’s rule was marked by economic exploitation, political annexations (like the Doctrine of Lapse), and disregard for Indian customs. These policies caused widespread resentment among princes, peasants, soldiers (sepoys), jagirdars, zamindars and artisans. The immediate spark was the greased cartridges issue, but deep discontent with the Company’s oppressive administration led to a large-scale uprising. The revolt began with sepoys in Meerut and quickly spread to other parts of India.

(b) Though the uprising did not have a united nationalist ideology, it laid the foundation for Indian nationalism. It was the first large-scale collective resistance against British rule involving different sections of society — soldiers, peasants, zamindars, and deposed rulers. The shared struggle created a sense of unity and everyone united against the British.

(c) After the revolt, the British learned to prevent unity among Indians. They adopted the policy of ‘Divide and Rule’ to ensure that such a mass uprising would not occur again. They began dividing Hindus and Muslims, favoring some communities over others, and keeping princes loyal through concessions. This tactic weakened Indian unity and was a major tool of British imperial control.

(d) The Great Uprising led to many changes in the nature of the British rule.

1. In 1858, the British crown took direct control, ending the rule of the East India Company. The Board of Control was abolished and the Board of Directors was stripped of all it powers.
2. The Governor-General became the Viceroy, representing the crown.
3. The British government started following policy of appeasement towards the princes, and decided to honour all the treaties entered by the Indian rulers with the East India Company.
4. The Doctrine of Lapse was given a final goodbye and the Indian rulers were allowed the right of adoption.
5. The number of Indian soldiers in their armies was restricted and they were forbidden to enter into any relations with any native or foreign power without the consent of the British Government.
6. The Indians were also assured that there would be no interference in their internal matters except in case of misgovernance.

However, the rule became more authoritarian and cautious, focused on military strength and surveillance to suppress dissent.