With reference to the consequences of the First War of Independence, 1857 answer the following questions:

(a) How was the Army organised after the War of Independence?

(b) What was the effect of the First War of Independence as regards the rise of Nationalism in India?

Or

How did the First War of Independence become an important landmark in India's struggle against the British Raj?

(a) The policy of 'balance and counter check' was adopted regarding military administration.

1. The proportion of the British to Indian soldiers was increased. The general policy in this regard was that the number of Indian soldiers should not exceed twice that of the European troops.
2. Artillery and other effective weapons of warfare were reserved for the British troops in India.
3. All key positions in the army were reserved exclusively for the British.
4. Indian soldiers belonging to different castes and creeds were mixed up in a manner that no sentiment of unity and nationalism could arise among them. For the same reason, supply of newspapers, journals and nationalist publications to soldiers was stopped.

(b) The British soldiers were guilty of the most inhuman atrocities.

1. In the words of Jawaharlal Nehru, "They spread terror everywhere. Vast numbers were shot down in cold blood; large numbers were shot to pieces from the mouth of cannon; thousands were hanged from the wayside trees."
2. Such barbarous scenes were never forgotten by the people of India.
3. In praise of Tantia Tope, the Rani of Jhansi and others kept the memory of their heroic deeds alive.
4. The Rani of Jhansi became India's Joan of Arc, whose very name revived the spirit of patriotism.
5. The war became a symbol of challenge to the mighty British power in India.
6. It inspired Indians in their struggle against the British Raj.