1. The Revolt of 1857 Gr.8

2. Political Causes • Had their origin in the expansionist policies of the EEIC. • These policies dislodged many native rulers. • Created fear in the minds of other ruling families.

3. Social and Religious Causes • Interference in the religious customs and traditions of various religious communities. • An effort to convert people to Christianity. • The abolition of ‘sati’, female infanticide and the legislation of widow remarriage. • Racial discrimination. • Introduction of western education reduced the importance of ‘pundits’ and ‘maulvis’

4. Economic Causes • The introduction of new land revenue system allowed confiscation of land. • The influx of British manufactured goods into India, ruined the textile industry. • People who depended on royal patronage for their livelihood were rendered unemployed. (artists, musicians, poets)

5. Military Causes • Sepoys were considered inferior to British soldiers. (abused and ill-treated) • Sepoys were paid less and got no promotions. • The General Service Enlistment Act – required sepoys to work within and outside India.

6. Immediate Cause • The introduction of the Enfield rifle, with greased cartridges, set ablaze the whole of India. • Rumour – cartridges were greased with the fat of cows and pigs. • The caps of the cartridges had to be bitten off before one could use them. • The unrest began in Barrackpore and Behrampore in Bengal. • Mangal Pandey arrested and hanged to death.