Question

Why did the middle class stay away from the revolt of 1857 ?

Answer 1

Hint:We will discuss the Great Revolt of 1857 . It was also called the Sepoy mutiny. It brought an end to the rule of the East India Company and the ruling power was taken by British crown. It was the first war for Indian Independence.

Complete answer:
Let us discuss the cause for the great revolt. The Army of East India Company mainly occupied by the Indian soldiers and the European soldiers were few in numbers. Indian soldiers have lack of promotion and salary improvement. The East Indian company army was divided into three divisions Bengal, Bombay, Madras divisions. Bombay and Madras Division mainly had troops without the higher caste people. In the Bengal Army, the soldiers were from high castes. Though British captured India, they also brought some social reforms which include abolition of sati and child marriage. Higher caste people consider this as it is interrupted in their culture. The main spark for the revolt was Enfield rifle Cartridges. In 1853, a new cartridge with paper coated with grease was introduced. It was told that grease was made from Cow and pig fat. It was opposed by both Hindus and Muslim. The soldiers had to buy cartridges before loading them into the refile. It was against their religion. It resulted as a major cause. Mangal Pandey was the first sepoy of mutiny to kill a British officer. The rebellion started on 10 May 1857. Only the Bengal presidency Army was in rebellion. Other presidential armies Bombay and Madras were in favour of the British. The rebels were suppressed with the help of the other presidential armies. The middle class people considered that British rule can help them to grow their economic conditions. British educated the middle class and provided jobs and improved their economic conditions. So, most of the middle class stayed away from the revolt.

Note:Absence of Unity among the soldiers and other leaders in the Indian Territory resulted in the failure of the Great Revolt of 1857 . Most of the local leaders and middle class people supported British. When British retaliated a large number of Indians were killed. The ruling power of India was transferred to the crown of British Empire by the Doctrine of Lapse.