Causes and Consequences of the War of Independence (1857)

Vocabulary flashcards covering the key terms, policies, figures, and consequences related to the 1857 War of Independence based on the lecture transcript.

War of Independence (1857)

A major conflict between Indians and the British that began on 10 May 1857 in Meerut and ended in August 1858, also known as the Sepoy Mutiny, Indian Mutiny, Great Rebellion, Revolt of 1857, or Indian Insurrection.

Agrarian Policy (1852)

A British land policy introduced by Lord Dalhousie under which landowners were deprived of their land if they failed to prove property ownership with valid documents.

Doctrine of Lapse

An 1852 land annexation policy under which a landlord's state was confiscated by the British if he died without a legal male heir, explicitly prohibiting adopted sons.

English Education Act (1835)

An act passed in 1835 that introduced English into Indian education, established a Western curriculum, and made English the language of administration and higher law courts.

Purdha

An Indian custom practiced for centuries involving female seclusion, which the British forced Indian women to abandon.

Suttee

The ritual burning of Indian women on the funeral pyres of their deceased husbands, which was banned by the British first in Bengal and then across the rest of the country.

Macauley

The British reformer who introduced schools across India to teach Western ideas using the English language, believing British values were superior and would aid in governing India effectively.

Greased Cartridges (1857)

The immediate cause of the 1857 revolt involving new military cartridges coated with cow and pig fats that had to be chewed before use, offending both Hindu and Muslim religious beliefs.

Nana Sahib

A rebel leader mainly interested in getting the Doctrine of Lapse reversed, demonstrating the lack of unity and single common cause among the Indian rebels.

General Bakht Khan

A brilliant Indian officer during the rebellion who was not placed in charge of all rebel forces due to fragmented leadership.

Sir Henry Lawrence and Sir Colin Campbell

British military generals recognized as military geniuses who led British forces during the War of 1857.

Lord Canning

The Governor General who adopted a conciliatory policy offering forgiveness and concessions to rebels who surrendered arms, and who became the first Viceroy of the sub-continent.

Bahadur Shah Zafar II

The last Mughal Emperor and puppet ruler who was exiled to Rangoon by the British following the collapse of the Mughal rule.

Vernacular Press Act (1878)

A law imposed by the British in 1878 that banned all publications printed against the British administration.

Arms Act

A law introduced by the British following the war to prohibit Indians from owning weapons.