Ganga Classes(Notes)
Chapter 5
The First War Of Independence
The Nawabs Lose their Power
The British policies caused widespread discontent among
Indians, leading to various revolts between 1756 and 1857, as
people sought to overthrow British rule.
The British expanded their control in India by annexing states
through policies like subsidiary alliances and doctrine of lapse,
reducing local rulers' power and taking over their territories
and revenues.
The British refused to recognize Rani Lakshmi Bai's adopted son
as Jhansi's heir and denied Nana Saheb's pension, angering
both leaders.
The British annexed Awadh in 1856, causing widespread
discontent. They also planned to end the Mughal dynasty by
removing the king's name from coins and limiting the
emperor's power, ultimately decided that in 1856 no successor
would be recognized as king after Bahadur Shah Zafar.
Dissatisfaction among Peasants and Sepoys and other
Sections
The British exploited India economically, introducing new
land revenue systems and destroying traditional industries,
impoverishing the country. Peasants and artisans suffered,
losing land and livelihoods due to high taxes and revenue
demands.
, The British policies led to widespread poverty, famines, and
discontent among peasants, artisans, and the educated
middle class. Indians faced discrimination in jobs, lost royal
patronage, and were treated poorly in the British army.
Indians were paid less and had limited career growth
opportunities compared to British counterparts, with a
salary cap of 70-80 rupees per month.
The British forced Indian soldiers (Sepoys) to cross seas,
which went against their caste and religious beliefs. When
they refused, the British became angry.
The British punished and hanged Sepoys for refusing to go
overseas, and passed a law forcing them to serve abroad.
This, combined with the annexation of Awadh and higher
taxes, fueled resentment among Sipoys and locals.
Reaction to the So-called ‘Reforms’
The British introduced laws that hurt Indian religious and
social sentiments, such as abolishing certain practices and
taxing temples, which were seen as interference in their
customs.
The British allowed Christian missionaries to work freely
and introduced laws favoring converts, which many
Indians saw as an attack on their customs, religion, and
way of life.
Account of Syed Ahmed Khan
Sir Syed Ahmed Khan explained that Indians gradually
started believing that every new law made by the British was
meant to harm them, destroy their traditions, and weaken
their religion. People began to think of British rule as
dangerous and untrustworthy—like slow poison. Because of
this mistrust, the Indians started wishing for a change in
Chapter 5
The First War Of Independence
The Nawabs Lose their Power
The British policies caused widespread discontent among
Indians, leading to various revolts between 1756 and 1857, as
people sought to overthrow British rule.
The British expanded their control in India by annexing states
through policies like subsidiary alliances and doctrine of lapse,
reducing local rulers' power and taking over their territories
and revenues.
The British refused to recognize Rani Lakshmi Bai's adopted son
as Jhansi's heir and denied Nana Saheb's pension, angering
both leaders.
The British annexed Awadh in 1856, causing widespread
discontent. They also planned to end the Mughal dynasty by
removing the king's name from coins and limiting the
emperor's power, ultimately decided that in 1856 no successor
would be recognized as king after Bahadur Shah Zafar.
Dissatisfaction among Peasants and Sepoys and other
Sections
The British exploited India economically, introducing new
land revenue systems and destroying traditional industries,
impoverishing the country. Peasants and artisans suffered,
losing land and livelihoods due to high taxes and revenue
demands.
, The British policies led to widespread poverty, famines, and
discontent among peasants, artisans, and the educated
middle class. Indians faced discrimination in jobs, lost royal
patronage, and were treated poorly in the British army.
Indians were paid less and had limited career growth
opportunities compared to British counterparts, with a
salary cap of 70-80 rupees per month.
The British forced Indian soldiers (Sepoys) to cross seas,
which went against their caste and religious beliefs. When
they refused, the British became angry.
The British punished and hanged Sepoys for refusing to go
overseas, and passed a law forcing them to serve abroad.
This, combined with the annexation of Awadh and higher
taxes, fueled resentment among Sipoys and locals.
Reaction to the So-called ‘Reforms’
The British introduced laws that hurt Indian religious and
social sentiments, such as abolishing certain practices and
taxing temples, which were seen as interference in their
customs.
The British allowed Christian missionaries to work freely
and introduced laws favoring converts, which many
Indians saw as an attack on their customs, religion, and
way of life.
Account of Syed Ahmed Khan
Sir Syed Ahmed Khan explained that Indians gradually
started believing that every new law made by the British was
meant to harm them, destroy their traditions, and weaken
their religion. People began to think of British rule as
dangerous and untrustworthy—like slow poison. Because of
this mistrust, the Indians started wishing for a change in
