Question

What was Nana Saheb's grievance against the British?

Answer 1

Hint:
The Doctrine of lapse imposed by the governor-general of East-India Company Lord Dalhousie for the expansion of British rule in India and the uprising Sepoy Rebellion of 1857 was the main reason for Nana Saheb’s grievance.

Complete answer:
Nana Saheb, the last Maratha Peshwa and the 13th Peshwa of Maratha, was the adopted son of Peshwa Baj Rao II. He was the representative in the uprising Sepoy Rebellion in Kanpur and stood up for the ill-treatment imposed by the governors-general with Rani Laxmi Bai.

Reason for the grievance:

The Doctrine of Lapse: According to this, when an Indian ruler dies without having an heir to rule after him, then that state under the policy of annexation will merge with the British rule.

The indignity of Hindu Tradition: According to the tradition, after the passing of any Peshwa or king, the entire responsibility of the state to be passed on to his successor irrespective of his blood status but, Lord Dalhousie declined it and took the rightful place of Nana Saheb.

Lord Dalhousie also declined the promised pension to Nana Saheb after the death of Peshwa Baji Rao II.

Sepoy Rebellion: The uprising of the sepoy rebellion because of biased tactics of the British empire with Indian Soldiers led Nana Saheb, an Indian prince, to support Indian Rebellions.

Note:
Nana Saheb Fought with a strong will against the unjust policy of annexation but, his contribution of leading the troops of sepoys in 1857 in Kanpur and later resulting in the Bibighar Massacre was a vital contribution.