Home > Indian History > History of India > Causes of Sepoy Mutiny
Causes of Sepoy Mutiny
Various indispensable causes of humanity added up to the grand revolt being held in such proportions.

Share this Article:

The Sepoy Mutiny was not a mere movement that took shape in just a day. Various causes summed up to its happening. The country during that time, was going through a tumultuous phase, with disillusionment being the order of the day for the evolving youth. The English, however, were still not permeated with the idea to capture the subcontinent with the policy of `divide and rule`. Yet, some of the prominent causes can be laid down as follows:

Political causes: British East India Company gained its control over India in a span of 150 years from 1751 to 1856. The policy of expansion pursued by the British created discontent among the princes. A number of independent kingdoms were annexed to the British Empire. In 1843, Sind was attacked and annexed. Lord Dalhousie annexed indian kingdoms whenever an occasion arose. Under his policy `Doctrine of Lapse` the princes were denied the right of adoption; in this way Dalhousie annexed the Maratha States of Satara, Nagpur and Jhansi and several minor kingdoms. On the death of the ex-Peshwa, Baji Rao II, the pension granted to him was abolished and the claims of his adopted son, Nana Saheb, were disregarded.

The result of his policy was that no Indian prince felt secure, and there was widespread resentment. The policy of annexation created panic and feeling of insecurity among the rulers of other states also. Corruption and inefficiency in the administration further created political unrest and the Indians wanted to get rid of the British.

Social causes: The continuous interference of English in basic way of living, traditional beliefs, values and norms was seen by masses as threat to religion. The English administrators gradually became arrogant and there was a wide gulf between them and the people. They could hardly know the feelings of the vast multitude, which providence had placed under their rule. Some of the social reforms introduced to put an end to evil customs like sati, female infanticide, etc. and to ameliorate the condition of the people made people unhappy.

The activities of the Christian missionaries, whose avowed objects was to convert people to their faith led to people`s believe that the Government was in collusion with them to eradicate their caste and convert them to Christianity. The passing of Act XXI of 1850, which enabled converts to inherit ancestral property, confirmed this belief; the new law was naturally interpreted as a concession to Christian converts.

Economic causes: The general discontentment grew rapidly and strongly among the Indian soldiers. Most of the soldiers in the East India Company`s army came from peasant families which were deeply affected by their impoverished status .Lot of partiality was done against Indians like not giving them post above subehdars and salary being less than their English counterparts.

The adverse effects of the Industrial Revolution on the Indian economy were also being felt because of British economic policies in India. The British Economic Policy worked against the interests of Indian trade and industry. Indian handicrafts completely collapsed and the craftsmen were impoverished. Thus, the British drained India of her wealth and all her natural resources.

Religious causes: The introduction of telegraph, railways and the spread of western education, caused suspicion and fear in the people`s minds. They were convinced that the English were conspiring to convert them to Christianity. Superior civil and military officers abused the name of Ram and Muhammad. Idolatry was denounced. Hindu gods and goddesses ridiculed. The Religious Disabilities Act modified Hindu customs. This act enabled a convert to Christianity, to inherit his ancestral property. All this created resentment among the people.

Military causes: The Sepoys of the Bengal Army were belonged to high castes of Oudh and the North-Western Province. Although the Sepoys had fought and won many wars for the Company with determined devotion in the most difficult and dangerous circumstances they did not get a fair deal. Their emoluments were very low in comparison with those of the British soldiers and their chances of promotion negligible. The loyalty of the Sepoys was further undermined by certain military reforms which outraged their religious feelings. They had an aversion to overseas service, as travel across the seas meant loss of caste for them.

Immediate Cause: Discontentment was rampant among the Indians and they were waiting only for an occasion to revolt. The introduction of Greased cartridge in 1856 sparked the fire. The government decided to replace the old-fashioned musket, `Brown Begs` by the `Enfield rifle`. The loading process of the Enfield rifle involved bringing the cartridge to the mouth and biting of the top paper. There was a rumour among the Sepoys in January 1857 that the greased cartridge contained the fat of cow and pig, the former sacred to Hindus and latter forbidden to Muslims. The sepoys were now convinced that the introduction of greased cartridges was a deliberate attempt to defile Hindu and Muslim religion. This sparked off the Mutiny on 29th March 1857.


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in History of India


History of Uttar Pradesh
The state was the heart of Mahabharata war and the history of Uttar Pradesh is very much the history of India. The place finds its mentions in Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.
History Of Archaeology In India
History of archaeology in India contributes a lot to define the past history and the social life of India.
Mughal Architecture during Babur
Mughal Architecture during Babur is of adequate significance in Mughal history, as the emperor introduced Mughal architecture in India, during 16th century.
Princely State of Patdi
Princely State of Patdi or Patri was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was a sub division of Western India States Agency.
Architecture during Sayyid and Lodi Dynasty
Architectures during the Sayyid and Lodi dynasty were mainly the tombs and monuments for the dead rulers. It were carefully designed and meticulously constructed.
Brahmanical Sources of Ancient History
Brahmanical Sources of ancient history are contained in the Vedas and they constitute one of the most important literary sources of information about ancient India.
Female Education In British India
The over brimming enthusiasm among zealous Hindu reformers welcomed female education in British India.
Revenue System of Mauryan Empire
Revenue system of Mauryan Empire can be divided into eight categories. The principal revenue of the state was the land revenue, taxes from traders, artisans and professional taxes were also collected.
Mughal Architecture During Jahangir
Mughal architecture during Jahangir`s period was relative dull in comparison to that of Akbar dynasty.
Princely State of Satlasna
Princely State of Satlasna was amongst the former native states of India that was appointed as one of the Indian princely states during the early 19th century.
Coins of Chola Empire
Coins of Chola Empire were issued in gold, silver and copper and carried the Chola emblem.
Social Life during the Pala Period
Religious toleration and simple living were the characteristics of social life during the Pala period.
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty was reintroduced in the South India after a brief break of coinage less period of nearly three century. Chalukyas issued coins only in gold and they exhibit a brilliant artistic skill of the engraver.
Costumes of Indus Valley Civilisation
Costumes of Indus valley Civilization have been considered as the basis for Indian clothes. Sophisticated ornaments and make up were used during that age.
Development of Science under Gupta Empire
Development of Science under Gupta Empire was progressive and it had attained considerable perfection. Mathematics, astronomy, medicine, chemistry, physics and metallurgy were the most prominent of the sciences at that time.
Culture under Delhi Sultanate
Culture under Delhi Sultanate had enduring aspects to it. It included the society, the religious condition, literature and art and architecture of that period.
Princely State of Hapa
Princely State of Hapa was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was under the administrative control of the Western India States Agency.
Economy Under Chola Dynasty
Economy under Chola dynasty was strong and well developed. The economic life of the people of the Chola Kingdom was well balanced with their social life.
Coins of Khilji Dynasty
Coins of Khilji Dynasty had an influential feature that was followed by the other dynasties.
Religion During Mauryan Dynasty
Religion during Mauryan dynasty became a considerable episode in Indian history with an esteemed lineage of rulers.