first war of independence

political causes

policy of territorial expansion, disrespect shown to bahadur shah zafar, ill treatment towards nana saheb, absentee sovereignty of the british

policy of territorial expansion

by outright wars, subsidiary alliance, doctrine of laps, annexation on the pretext of allege misrule

subsidiary alliance

an agreement between the east india company and indian princely states by virtue of which these states lost their sovereignty to the british

terms of subsidiary alliance

accepted british as their supreme power,

surrendered their foreign relations to EEIC,

agreed not to enter into alliance with any other power and would not wage wars

accepted british resident at their headquarters, agreed not to employ any european into their service without consulting the company

agreed to maintain british troops at their own cost

virtually lost their independence

doctrine of lapse

if an indian ruler died without a male heir his kingdom would ‘lapse’ and come under the company’s territory in india

socio-religious causes

interference with social customs- abolition of sati, widow remarriage, education to girls

apprehension about modern innovations- telegraph poles, railway compartments

policy of racial discrimination

oppression of the poor

taxing religious places

religious disabilities act changed hindu law of property

fear of western education

economic causes

cheap rates of export but high rates of import for indian products

decay oof cottage industries and handicrafts

drain of wealth from surplus revenues

economic decline of peasantry - loss of land

poverty and famines - economic exploitation

inhumane treatment of indigo cultivators

decline of landed aristocracy- inam commissions

growing unemployment

military causes

ill treatment of indian soldiers

general services enlistment act 1856

large proportion of indians in british army 1:4000

bleak prospects of promotion

deprevation of allowances and salaries - post office act

faulty distribution of troops

poor performance of british toops

lower salaries - 8x less

immediate cause

introduction of Enfield rifle

consequences

end of company’s rule

queen victoria’s proclamation

end of mughals and peshwas

policy of annexation and doctrine of lapse abandoned

continuations of policy of divide and rule

racial antagonism and increased racial bitterness

policy of non-interference in religious customs, traditions

rise of nationalism

widening the gulf between hindus and muslims

foreign policy

changes in the army

increased economic exploitation

queen victorias proclamation

november 1st 1858

policy of non intervention in religious matters

treat all subjects, indians and europeans as equal

grant a general pardon to those who took part in the war except those guilty of murder

do its best to advance industries in india

promote works of public utility to ensure moral progress of the people