India gained independence from the British rule 90 years after the First War of Independence. Why, do you think, it took so long for us to become an independent nation?

This is because the First War of Independence although a significant milestone, did not result in immediate freedom from British rule. There were several reasons why India took another 90 years (until 1947) to finally achieve independence:

1. Lack of National Unity in 1857: The revolt was not a nationwide movement. It was confined to specific regions and did not include participation from all sections of society. Many Indian rulers either remained neutral or supported the British, fearing loss of their own power.
2. Absence of a Common Nationalist Ideology: The uprising lacked a unified goal or nationalistic vision. The rebels fought more for restoration of old powers (Mughal, Maratha, etc.) rather than a collective idea of an independent India.
3. Superior British Resources and Military Strength: The British had better military technology, communication systems (telegraph, railways), and organized administrative machinery, which helped them suppress the revolt effectively.
4. Divide and Rule Policy: After 1857, the British deliberately sowed communal divisions between Hindus and Muslims through their Divide and Rule policy, preventing the emergence of a strong, united front against colonial rule for many years.
5. Repressive Measures After 1857: The revolt was followed by harsh punishments, executions, and mass repression. The British also strengthened their control over the army and administration, ensuring no similar rebellion could easily arise again.
6. Gradual Rise of Political Consciousness: It was only towards the end of the 19th century, with the formation of the Indian National Congress in 1885, that a systematic and organized national movement began, and even that took decades to mature into a mass struggle.

The First War of Independence was an important beginning, but India’s independence was a gradual process, requiring the rise of political awareness, social reforms, national unity, and organized leadership, all of which took time to develop under oppressive colonial rule. Hence, it took 90 more years to finally overthrow British rule.