Discuss the extent to which religious beliefs shaped the events of 1857.
People during the company rule felt that their religious sentiments are systemically hurt by them government. For them it was an attack on their religious freedom, and an insult. The religious causes for the Revolt are as follows:
1.Immediate cause: The soldiers were given cartridge greased with cow and pig fat. This angered Moslems and Hindus alike.
2.Reforms by Company: The Company introduced many religious and social reformers. Many Indians began to believe that it was an attempt on the part the government to deviate them from their own religion. Important of such reforms were prevention of sati system, widow remarriage, etc.
3.Activities of Christian Missionaries: During company rule involved in spread of education. But local people looked upon them with suspicion. Thus, the people plunged in rebellion against the foreign rule.
What are the problems of using official sources in writing about the history of peasants?
How did the Paharias respond to the coming of outsiders?
Why was the jotedar a powerful figure in many areas of rural Bengal?
What were the concerns that influenced town planning in the nineteenth century?
Why was the charkha chosen as a symbol of nationalism?
What do visual representations tell us about the revolt of 1857? How do historians analyse these representations?
How did the American Civil War affect the lives of ryots in India?
How did women experience Partition?
In what way was the livelihood of the Paharias different from that of the Santhals?
Why was the revolt particularly widespread in Awadh? What prompted the peasants, taluqdars and zamindars to join the revolt?
How did the American Civil War affect the lives of ryots in India?
On an outline map of the subcontinent, mark out the areas described in this chapter. Find out whether there were other areas where the Permanent Settlement and the ryotwari system were prevalent and plot these on the map as well.
Why was the jotedar a powerful figure in many areas of rural Bengal?
How were urban centres transformed during the eighteenth century?
What steps did the British take to quell the uprising?
What were the arguments in favour of greater power to the provinces?
Examine the strengths and limitations of oral history. How have oral-history techniques furthered our understanding of Partition?
How did prominent Indian merchants establish themselves in the colonial city?
Why was the charkha chosen as a symbol of nationalism?
What historical forces shaped the vision of the Constitution?