Explain the causes of the Revolt of 1857.

The Revolt of 1857, also known as the First War of Indian Independence, was a watershed moment in the history of British India. Several factors contributed to the outbreak of the revolt:

1. Political Causes:

   • Annexation of Oudh (Awadh): The annexation of Oudh by the British in 1856 angered both the Indian sepoys (soldiers) and the local nobility. The annexation led to the disbandment of the Oudh army, causing widespread resentment and discontent among the sepoys.

   • Doctrine of Lapse: The Doctrine of Lapse, a policy introduced by Lord Dalhousie, allowed the British to annex states if they lacked a male heir. This policy was perceived as a direct interference in the internal affairs of Indian states, causing dissatisfaction among rulers and their subjects.

2. Economic Causes:

   • Economic Exploitation: The economic policies of the British, including heavy taxation and the introduction of new revenue systems like the Permanent Settlement, placed a heavy burden on the Indian peasantry. The introduction of the cash-based economy led to the impoverishment of many.

   • High Land Revenue: The imposition of high land revenue demands, often beyond the capacity of the peasants, resulted in widespread agrarian discontent. The peasants faced the risk of losing their land due to inability to pay the revenue.

3. Military Causes:

   • Sepoy Discontent: The sepoys were discontented with various aspects of their service, including the use of Indian soldiers in foreign campaigns, the introduction of the new Enfield rifle cartridges rumored to be greased with cow and pig fat, and the perceived neglect of their religious sentiments.

   • Racial Discrimination: The British maintained a policy of racial discrimination, which was evident in the preferential treatment given to European soldiers over Indian sepoys in terms of promotions, pay, and living conditions.

4. Social and Religious Causes:

   • Cultural Insensitivity: The British displayed cultural insensitivity, which offended Indian religious sentiments. The British practice of promoting missionaries and their efforts to convert Indians to Christianity fueled religious tensions.

   • Fears of Religious Conversion: There were fears among various sections of society, particularly among the sepoys, that the British intended to convert them forcibly to Christianity. This added to the overall discontent and unease.

5. Leadership Vacuum and Popular Support:

   • Leadership Crisis: There was a leadership vacuum among the Indians, with no centralized authority or unified leadership. However, local leaders, including Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi, Kunwar Singh, and Bahadur Shah II, emerged as key figures during the revolt.

   • Popular Support: The revolt gained widespread support from diverse sections of society, including peasants, artisans, and local rulers. The collective grievances against British rule found a common platform in the uprising.

The Revolt of 1857 was a complex and multifaceted event driven by a combination of political, economic, military, social, and religious factors. It marked a turning point in India's struggle for independence, inspiring subsequent movements against British rule.