Sruthi Kc

Revolt of 1857 In 1757, after the Battle of Plassey, the British laid the first step towards getting power in Northern India. And in 1857 took place the major ‘Revolt’ which was a product of the character and policies of colonial rule after 1757, and after which noteworthy changes to place in the British policy of ruling over India. The cumulative effect of British expansionist policies, economic exploitation and administrative innovations over the years had adversely effected the positions of all rulers of Indian States, Sepoys, Zamindars, peasants, traders, artisans, pundits and maulvis, etc. However, the period between 1757 and 1857 was not peaceful and trouble-free; its saw a series of sporadic popular outbursts in the form religio-political violence , tribal movements, peseant uprisings and agrarian rights, and civil revellions. The nature of the revolt; Views differ on the nature of the 1857 revolt. It was a mere ‘Sepoy Mutiny’ to some British historians- a” wholly un patriotic and selfish Sepoy Mutiny with no native leadership and no popular support”, said Sir John Seeley. However, that is not a complete picture of the event as it involved many sections of the civilian population and not just the Sepoys. The discontent of the Sepoys was just one cause of the disturbance. There are very pathetic consequences made of 1857 revolt. The revolt of 1857 marks a turning point in the history of India. It led to far-reaching changes in the system of administration and the policies of the British government. Even before the revolt could be suppressed fully, the British Parliament, on August 2, 1858, passed an act for the better government of India. The act declared Queen Victoria as the sovereign of British India and provided for the appointment of a secretary of State for India. The direct responsibility for the administration of the country was assumed by the British Crown and Company rule was abolished.