History & Civics
Explain the discontent and disaffection in the Bengal Army that lead to the First War of Independence in 1857.
Answer
- The name 'Bengal army' was a misnomer, because Bengal had nothing to do with the personnel of the army.
- The sepoys and officers of the Bengal army were mainly high-caste Hindus of Awadh.
- During Anglo-Afghan war (1839-1842), they had to cross the Sindhu and go outside India.
- They very much disliked it because they thought that sea voyage was forbidden by their religion.
- In 1844, some Bengal regiments refused to serve in Sindhu till extra allowances were given to them.
Related Questions
Which of the following events of the Uprising of 1857 and their leaders is not correctly matched?
- Lucknow-Begum Hazrat Mahal
- Kanpur—Nana Saheb
- Meerut-Tantia Tope
- Bareilly-Khan Bahadur
Suppose the Uprising of 1857 had not taken place when it did. What would have happened then? Do you think India would still have gained Independence later. Why or why not?
Which was the first kingdom to sign the Subsidiary Alliance?
- Mysore
- Awadh
- Maratha
- Jhansi
Arrange the following events in chronological order
(A) Battle of Plassey
(B) Queen Victoria's Proclamation
(C) Lord Dalhousie annexed Awadh
(D) Introduction of Enfield Rifle- (A), (B), (C), (D)
- (C), (A), (B), (D)
- (A), (C), (D), (B)
- (A), (D), (C), (B)