The Revolt of 1857, also known as the Indian Rebellion of 1857 or the First War of Independence, was a watershed event in the history of British colonial rule in India. It erupted in May 1857 and quickly spread across various parts of the Indian subcontinent, involving a diverse range of participants, including soldiers, peasants, nobles, and religious leaders. This report aims to provide a detailed account of the causes, events, key players, and consequences of the Revolt of 1857.

Causes of the Revolt: Several factors contributed to the eruption of the Revolt of 1857. First and foremost was the growing discontent among the Indian soldiers, known as sepoys, in the British East India Company’s army. They were dismayed by the introduction of the new Enfield rifle, which required the sepoys to bite off the cartridge, rumored to be greased with animal fat. This act was deeply offensive to both Hindu and Muslim sepoys, as it violated their religious beliefs.

Additionally, economic grievances, such as the reduction of allowances and pensions, and the impact of the Doctrine of Lapse, which allowed the British to annex princely states, added to the sepoys’ resentment. Social and cultural factors, including the disdainful behavior of British officers towards Indian soldiers and the erosion of traditional Indian social structures, also contributed to the growing discontent.

Unfolding Events: The revolt began on May 10, 1857, with an uprising by sepoys stationed in Meerut. They refused to use the new cartridges and were subsequently court-martialed, which triggered a full-scale mutiny. The sepoys, along with discontented civilians, marched towards Delhi, where they declared the aged Mughal Emperor, Bahadur Shah II, as their leader and proclaimed him the Emperor of India.
The rebellion quickly spread to other regions, including Kanpur, Lucknow, Jhansi, and Awadh (Oudh). In each of these places, local leaders, such as Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi and Begum Hazrat Mahal of Awadh, played crucial roles in mobilizing their forces and leading the resistance against the British.
The revolt witnessed intense battles, sieges, and acts of both heroism and brutality. The sepoys and their allies fought fiercely against the British forces, but despite initial successes, they faced significant challenges. The British gradually regained control, employing superior firepower and military tactics. Delhi, the epicenter of the rebellion, fell to the British in September 1857.