2 leading political parties in subcontinent was formed in:

1) Indian National Congress: 28 December 1885 in Mumbai by A.O. Hume

W.C.
2) All India Muslim League: 30 December 1906 in Dhaka by Nawab Khawaja
Salimullah.

NOTE: At the time of war of Independence in 1857, there was no

leading political party as both were formed later.

War of Independence 1857

Other Names:
1) The Sepoy Mutiny, The Indian Mutiny (by British)
2) The Great Rebellion, The Revolt of 1857, The Indian Insurrection, The First
War of Independence (by Muslims and Hindus)

Background:
In order to understand war of Independence, first you need to understand its
background:
1. The East India Company
The East India Company (EIC) was a British company formed in 1600 to trade
with India and China. Over time, it expanded its role to include colonial
expansion, administrative control, and military power. The EIC's impact on
India was significant, introducing Western culture and values, but also
exploiting resources, imposing heavy taxes, and insulting Indian rulers. At that
time GDP of subcontinent was 34% and British considered this area as Sonay
ki Chiria.
However, the EIC's rule was marked by corruption, mismanagement, and
inefficiency, leading to widespread discontent. The Indian Rebellion of 1857
 ultimately led to the EIC's downfall, and the British government took direct
control of India, beginning the British Raj.

2. Battle of Plassey
The Battle of Plassey was a decisive victory of the British East India Company,
under the leadership of Robert Clive, over the Nawab of Bengal and his French
allies on 23 June 1757. Robert Clive was paid £1 million (equivalent to £33
million till now) by the Jagat Seth family – a rich Indian family business
group – to defeat Siraj-ud-Daulah (the East India Company was also paid £1
million by the Jagat Seths). The victory was made possible by the defection of
Mir Jafar, Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah's commander in chief who was also paid by
the Jagat Seths. The battle helped the British East India Company take control
of Bengal in 1772. Over the next hundred years, they continued to expand
their control over vast territories in the rest of the Indian subcontinent,
including Burma.

Through this short history, you people may able to understand

➢ how British came to India,
➢ how Mughal Empire was ended,
➢ how battle of Plassey was proved turning point in favor of British,
➢ how British continued their struggle and
➢ how finally finally they took control of entire subcontinent.

Causes of war of Independence 1857

Political Causes:
• Doctrine of Lapse: The British policy of annexing Indian states without an
heir, leading to widespread resentment among Indian rulers. This policy
violated traditional Indian customs and led to the loss of power and
prestige for Indian princes.
 • British expansionist policies: The British East India Company's
aggressive expansion and annexation of Indian states, leading to Indian
resentment.
• Lack of representation and participation: Indians had no
representation in the British administration, leading to feelings of
powerlessness.

Economic Causes:
• Heavy taxation and economic exploitation: Excessive taxation, land
seizures, and economic exploitation led to economic hardship, poverty, and
discontent among Indians.
• Disruption of traditional industries: The British introduction of
Western industries and trade policies disrupted traditional Indian
industries, leading to economic hardship and unemployment.
• Land seizures and revenue policies: British land seizures and revenue
policies led to the loss of land and livelihood for Indian farmers and
peasants.

Social and Cultural Causes:

• Disregard for Indian customs and traditions: The British disregard
for Indian customs, traditions, and social practices led to social and cultural
tensions.
• Introduction of Western education and values: The introduction of
Western education and values challenged traditional Indian ways of life,
creating social and cultural tensions.
• Religious intolerance: British religious intolerance and attempts to
impose Christianity led to resentment and fear among Indian religious
communities. As Indians were the victim of inflation and poverty, British
announced cash prizes for natives if they change their religion to
Christianity.

Military Causes:
 • Introduction of the Enfield rifle and greased cartridges: The
introduction of the Enfield rifle and greased cartridges offended Indian
soldiers' religious beliefs, leading to widespread discontent.
• Discontent among Indian soldiers: Poor treatment, low wages, and
limited opportunities for advancement created discontent among Indian
soldiers.
• Limited opportunities for advancement: Indian soldiers had limited
opportunities for advancement, leading to frustration and discontent.

Moreover, following 80/20 rule, British took all the 20% controlling authority and top
administration in their hands. On the other hand, all the 80% serving authority was given
to Indians (Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs and other minorities) which made them slaves of
British. This further fueled the rebellion.

Key Events of the War

❖ Mangal Pandey's Mutiny (March 1857): The first major revolt against
British rule, which took place in Barrackpore, Bengal.
❖ Meerut Mutiny (May 1857): The spark that ignited the widespread
rebellion, where Indian soldiers killed British officers and marched to Delhi.
❖ Siege (Encirclement) of Delhi (June 1857): The rebels captured Delhi,
proclaiming Bahadur Shah Zafar as the Emperor of India, and establishing a
provisional government.
❖ Battle of Kanpur (June-July 1857): A brutal battle that showcased
British ruthlessness, where British forces massacred Indian rebels and
civilians.
❖ Lucknow Siege (June-November 1857): A prolonged battle that ended
with British victory, but at great cost in lives and resources.

Leaders of the War

 ▪ Mangal Pandey: The first martyr of the rebellion, who sparked the
mutiny in Barrackpore.
▪ Bahadur Shah Zafar: The last Mughal Emperor, who became the symbol
of resistance against British rule.
▪ Rani Lakshmibai: The courageous Queen of Jhansi, who fought valiantly
against British forces and became a legendary figure in Indian history.
▪ Tantia Tope: A skilled leader who played a crucial role in the rebellion,
leading the Indian forces in several key battles.

Why Indians failed?

The Indians failed in the War of Independence in 1857 due to several reasons:
o Lack of unity and coordination: Indian rebels lacked a unified leadership
and coordination, leading to a disjointed and fragmented resistance.
o Outdated military tactics: Indian forces used outdated military tactics,
such as cavalry charges, against the British, who employed modern artillery
and rifles.
o Limited resources: Indian rebels lacked the resources, including food,
water, and medical supplies, to sustain a prolonged rebellion.
o Divide and rule policy: The British exploited existing divisions among
Indian rulers and communities, using their "divide and rule" policy to
weaken the rebellion.
o Lack of international support: Indian rebels received little to no
international support, while the British had the backing of their government
and other European powers.
o Internal conflicts: There were internal conflicts and power struggles
among Indian rebels, which weakened their resistance.
o British strategic advantage: The British controlled key strategic
locations, such as forts and communication networks, which gave them an
advantage.
o Rebellion was largely spontaneous: The rebellion was largely
spontaneous, without a clear plan or strategy, making it difficult to sustain.

Consequences of the War

 ✓ End of East India Company's Rule: The British government took direct
control of India, marking the beginning of the British Raj.
✓ Establishment of the British Raj: The British colonial rule in India was
formalized, with Queen Victoria as the Empress of India.
✓ Reorganization of the Army: The British restructured the Indian army
to prevent future rebellions, introducing new policies and reforms.
✓ Repression and Retribution: The British unleashed severe reprisals
against Indian rebels, including public hangings, mass executions, and forced
labor.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the War of Independence in 1857 was a watershed moment in
Indian history, highlighting the country's deep-seated desire for self-rule and
freedom from British colonialism. Despite its ultimate failure, the rebellion
served as a catalyst for future nationalist movements, paving the way
for India's eventual independence in 1947. The war's significance lies in its
demonstration of Indian resistance against foreign domination, showcasing the
courage and resilience of Indian rebels. For Pakistan, this historical event holds
importance as it laid the groundwork for the country's own struggle for
independence and self-determination. As we analyze this pivotal event, we gain
valuable insights into the complexities of colonialism, nationalism, and the ongoing
quest for freedom and sovereignty.