Evaluate the major causes of the War of Independence 1857.
Religious reasons: Cartridges greased with cow and pig fat hurt Hindu and Muslim beliefs.
Political reasons: British annexed Indian states unfairly.
Economic reasons: Heavy taxes and loss of land.
- Military reasons: Indian soldiers were treated badly.
Explain the outcomes of the War of Independence.
Beginning of direct British rule in India (Company rule ended).
Muslims faced discrimination and lost power.
Hindus got more benefits in jobs and education.
Discuss the Hindi–Urdu controversy with reference to the Two Nation Theory.
In 1867, Hindus demanded that Hindi should replace Urdu as the official language in Northern India.
This hurt Muslims because Urdu was closely linked to their culture and identity.
The controversy proved that Hindus and Muslims had different cultures, languages, and traditions.
This incident gave strength to the Two Nation Theory: that Hindus and Muslims were two separate nations.
Evaluate the formation of Congress and Muslim League as a result of political consciousness in India.
The Indian National Congress (1885) was formed to give Indians a political platform. But soon it started favoring Hindus.
Muslims realized that their rights were being ignored in Congress.
As a result, the All India Muslim League (1906) was formed to protect Muslim interests.
The creation of these parties showed rising political consciousness and highlighted the differences between Hindus and Muslims.
The War of Independence 1857 started with a lot of enthusiasm; however, it failed to achieve its basic purpose. Discuss any two reasons for this failure.
- Lack of Unity among Indians
The revolt failed because there was no single aim. Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs had different interests. Many princes and rulers even supported the British instead of joining the war. This disunity weakened the movement.
- Better Organization and Resources of the British
The British were well organized, disciplined, and had modern weapons and communication systems like railways and telegraphs. The Indian fighters, on the other hand, were poorly armed and lacked proper leadership and planning.