The First War of Independence, 1857

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering the political, socio-religious, economic, and military causes of the 1857 Uprising, as well as its administrative consequences.

Battle of Plassey (June 1757)

The event after which the East India Company's territorial power in India began to increase rapidly.

Subsidiary Alliance

A system introduced by Lord Wellesley where Indian Princely States lost their sovereignty, accepted British supremacy, surrendered foreign relations, and maintained British troops at their own cost.

Doctrine of Lapse

A policy adopted by Lord Dalhousie stating that if an Indian ruler died without a male heir, his kingdom would 'lapse' and come under the Company's territory.

Battle of Buxar (1764)

The military victory that established the British as the masters of Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha.

Nana Saheb

The adopted son of Baji Rao II who was refused the pension paid to his father and subsequently used his wealth to generate awareness against British policies.

Absentee Sovereignty

The concept that India was being ruled by the British government from England, thousands of miles away, leading to the drain of India's wealth to a foreign land.

Religious Disabilities Act of 1850

A law that enabled a convert from Hinduism to inherit the property of his father, which was seen by Hindus as an incentive to give up their faith.

Drain of Wealth

The transfer of India’s raw materials, resources, and wealth to England with no proportionate economic return, including salaries of Englishmen and interest on debts.

Inam Commission (1852)

A commission under which 20,000 estates were confiscated when landlords failed to produce title-deeds, leading to the decline of the landed aristocracy.

General Service Enlistment Act (1856)

A British decree stating that Indian soldiers could be sent overseas on duty, which Brahmin soldiers viewed as a danger to their caste.

Enfield Rifle

A new weapon introduced in 1856 that required soldiers to bite off the top of greased cartridges rumored to contain cow and pig fat, serving as the immediate cause of the uprising.

Government of India Act of 1858

The legislation that ended the East India Company's rule and transferred the governance of India directly to the British Crown.

Secretary of State for India

A member of the British Cabinet appointed to be responsible for the governance of India, advised by a body called the Indian Council.

Viceroy

The title given to the Governor-General of India after 1858, signifying their role as a personal representative of the British Crown.

Divide and Rule

The British policy after 1858 of creating divisions between princes and people, different castes, and especially between Hindus and Muslims to prevent united resistance.

Queen Victoria's Proclamation

A public declaration made on November 1, 1858, promising non-intervention in social/religious matters and equal treatment for all subjects.

Qaisar-i-Hind

The title, meaning 'Empress of India', assumed by Queen Victoria at the Delhi Durbar of 1877.