to the debate, and the events in India during 1857 are certainly no

exception. Given the situation in India during the nineteenth century

it is hardly surprising that such a polarisation of opinion exists

regarding the context of the rebellious events during that year. The

British being in control of the subcontinent and their sense of

superiority over their Indian subjects, would naturally seek to

downplay any acts of rebellion. While the Indian subjects on the other

hand would arguably wish to exaggerate and over emphasise the

importance of these events, as a means of promoting the nationalist

cause for self determination. The truth of the events themselves, does

it lie towards the British account or the Indian pro nationalistic

side, or could there be a certain amount of truth in both sides of the

Metcalf in his account cites three indisputable factors behind

the outbreak of rebellion in 1857. Primarily he sees `accumulating

grievances of the Sepoy Army of Bengal' as the most important factor.

The reasons behind this `deterioration of morale' amongst the army lay

of India adopted the policy of creating division and disunion in the

of 1857 as a war of independence, rather than a mutiny, is that of

feelings, long suppressed by the British occupation, flared into

disproportionate share of judicial position diminish to a situation

qualities of each was an area which having been neglected before the

Some common words found in the essay are:
Western Provinces, British Indians, Hindu Muslim, Punjabi Sikh, John Lawrence, Sepoy Mutiny, Bombay Madras, Muslims British, Savakar British, Queen Jhansi, events 1857, war independence, indian subjects, nationalist balanced approach, superiority inferiority, prior mutiny, rebellion 1857, sepoy army, rebellion perceived, events 1857 war, racially based, racial superiority, events war independence, three' attempt reduce, madras three' attempt,
Approximate Word count = 5513
Approximate Pages = 22 (250 words per page double spaced)