The Sepoy Mutiny of 1857-

A detailed Summary of The Sepoy Mutiny of 1857-

As with any conflict or controversy there are always two sides

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

with several reasons. Much of the Sepoy arm

they `had to remain in the background for some time', while the Hindus

British fails to acknowledge the level of `widespread unrest among the

those regarding the conversion to Christianity and dismantling of the

qualities of certain ethnic groups showed that, although they did not

who were more favourable in the adoption of this western style of

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

to achieve the goal of an India ruled by Indians. However the evidence

These racially based beliefs in superiority and inferiority were

writers and observers of the events, they are agreed in calling it a

Approximate Word count = 2756
Approximate Pages = 11 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: History

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