Revolt of 1857 — Set 3
Indian History · 1857 की क्रांति · Questions 21–30 of 70
The 'Inam Commission' was established to inquire into:
Correct Answer: D. Land titles and Jagirs
• **Inam Commission** investigated tax-free land grants (**Jagirs/Inam**) — confiscation caused revolt. • Confiscation of these lands caused **great discontent among landed aristocracy** — economic cause. • Dalhousie's policies: Doctrine of Lapse + Inam Commission = two major grievances of 1857. • 💡 Army Reorganisation = Peel Commission; Education = Wood's Dispatch 1854; Famine = separate commissions.
Who was the military commander of the rebels in Delhi?
Correct Answer: C. Bakht Khan
• **Bakht Khan** was military commander of rebels in **Delhi** during 1857. • He led the **Bareilly troops to Delhi** — formed a court of administration with Bahadur Shah. • A subhedar who served in British Army before; skilled military organiser with field experience. • 💡 Bahadur Shah II = symbolic leader (not military); Khan Bahadur = Bareilly; Azimullah = Nana's advisor.
The 'Doctrine of Lapse', which angered many Indian rulers, was introduced by:
Correct Answer: A. Lord Dalhousie
• **Doctrine of Lapse** introduced by **Lord Dalhousie** — adopted sons couldn't inherit throne. • States annexed: **Satara (1848), Jhansi (1853), Nagpur (1853), Awadh (1856)**. • This caused deep resentment among Indian rulers — a major political cause of 1857 revolt. • 💡 Lord Bentinck = Sati abolition; Lord Canning = revolt suppressor; Lord Wellesley = Subsidiary Alliance.
Where did Nana Saheb escape to after the failure of the revolt?
Correct Answer: C. Nepal
• **Nana Saheb** escaped to **Nepal** after British recaptured Kanpur — refused to surrender. • He disappeared into Nepal hills — his **ultimate fate remains unknown** to history. • The last confirmed sighting was 1859; some historians believe he died in Nepal around 1906. • 💡 Bahadur Shah Zafar = exiled to Rangoon; Begum Hazrat Mahal = escaped to Nepal (died 1879); Tantia Tope = hanged.
Who called the 1857 revolt a 'Sepoy Mutiny'?
Correct Answer: B. John Lawrence
• **Sir John Lawrence** (and British historians) termed 1857 a **'Sepoy Mutiny'** — mere military outbreak. • They argued it had no popular support — downplayed the nationalistic elements. • **Karl Marx** supported it as a popular uprising; Disraeli called it a 'National Revolt'. • 💡 Savarkar = 'First War of Independence'; Disraeli = 'National Revolt'; S.B. Chaudhuri = 'Civil Rebellion'.
What does 'Enfield' refer to in the context of the 1857 revolt?
Correct Answer: D. A type of Rifle
• **Enfield** refers to the **Pattern 1853 Enfield rifle** introduced in the British Indian Army. • Cartridges were **rumored to be greased with cow + pig fat** — sepoys had to bite the tip to load. • This outraged both **Hindu** (cow sacred) and **Muslim** (pig forbidden) soldiers — immediate cause of revolt. • 💡 The rumor started at **Dum Dum arsenal** near Calcutta; Enfield is a place in England where rifle was made.
Who led the revolt in Allahabad (Prayagraj)?
Correct Answer: C. Liyaqat Ali
• **Maulvi Liyaqat Ali** led the revolt in **Allahabad (Prayagraj)** — school teacher and religious leader. • Took control of the city and declared himself **governor** for a short period. • Was defeated by **Colonel Neill** who suppressed the revolt in Allahabad and Benaras ruthlessly. • 💡 Kadam Singh/Devi Singh = Mathura; Tantia Tope = Central India; Liyaqat Ali = Allahabad confirmed.
Which state was annexed in 1856 on grounds of 'maladministration'?
Correct Answer: B. Awadh
• **Awadh (Oudh)** was annexed in **1856** by Lord Dalhousie on pretext of **maladministration**. • This caused immense resentment among sepoys — many came from Awadh (Oudh sepoys). • Begum Hazrat Mahal led resistance in Lucknow on behalf of her son after annexation. • 💡 Nagpur = 1853 (Doctrine of Lapse); Satara = 1848; Jhansi = 1853; Awadh = 1856 (maladministration).
The 'Peel Commission' was appointed after 1857 for:
Correct Answer: A. Army Reorganisation
• **Peel Commission** was appointed after 1857 to **reorganise the Indian Army**. • Recommended increasing **British to Indian soldier ratio** to prevent future mutiny. • Suggested dividing regiments on **caste and community lines** — 'divide and rule' in army. • 💡 Peel Commission = army; Wood's Dispatch = education; Famine Commission = famine; Judicial = Law Commission.
Who was the main leader of the revolt in Bihar?
Correct Answer: D. Kunwar Singh
• **Kunwar Singh**, Zamindar of **Jagdishpur, Arrah (Bihar)**, was main Bihar revolt leader. • Despite being **80 years old**, he fought bravely — famous for guerrilla tactics. • He cut off his own arm (wounded by bullet) to avoid pollution and threw it into the Ganges. • 💡 Peer Ali = Patna; Amar Singh = Bihar sub-leader; Hussain Khan = wrong; Kunwar Singh = Jagdishpur confirmed.