Question – Analyse the causes for the failure of Revolt of 1857
- February 16, 2023
- Posted by: Pallavi Singh
- Category: Blog
![revolt](https://aakarias.co.in/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/revolt.jpg)
Answer –
The British, under the East India Company’s rule disrupted the whole economic order of India by draining Indian wealth, disrupting the traditional land system they destroyed the relationship between sectors of the Indian economy. The all-destructive British policy produced a broad popular rebellion against its rule. The Revolt of 1857 has been hailed as the watershed in the colonial history of British India.
Although the revolt of 1857 was an extraordinary event in the history of India, it had little chance of success against an organised and powerful enemy. It was suppressed within a year of its outbreak. There were many causes which led to the collapse of this mighty rebellion.
1) Narrow territorial base:
The revolt of 1857 had limited territorial spread. It was not widespread and remained confined to North and Central India only. Even in the north, Kashmir, Punjab, Sind and Rajputana kept away from the rebels. The British managed to get the loyalty of the Madras and Bombay regiments and the Sikh states. Afghans and Gurkhas also supported the British. The eastern, western and southern parts of India were more or less unaffected by the uprising.
2) Lack of leadership:
No national leader emerged to coordinate the movement and give it purpose and direction. Rani Lakshmi Bai, Tantya Tope and Nana Saheb were courageous but were not good military generals. The rebels were lacking in discipline and a central command and they could not win against a powerful and determined enemy who planned its strategy skilfully.
3) Self-Interest:
The rebel leaders were no match for the British soldiers. Most of its leaders thought only of their own interest. They were motivated by narrow personal gains. They fought to liberate only their own territories.
Thus, selfishness and narrow perspective of the leaders suppressed the strength of the revolt and prevented its consolidation.
4) No concept of Modern nationalism:
There were diverse elements among the rebels with different ideology, plan and motive. Most of the leaders of the revolt were fighting for personal gains and lack a coherent idea for modern India. Modern nationalism had not yet evolved in India.
5) Lack of unified vision and ideology:
The rebellion swept off the British system of government and administration in India but the rebels did not know what to create in its place. They had no forward- looking plan in mind. The prominent leaders of rebellion like Nana Saheb, Begum of Awadh and Rani of Jhansi did not possess any unified programme. For example, Rani Lakshmi Bai fought to regain Jhansi, which she had lost as a result of the British policy of Doctrine of lapse.
6) Poor organisation:
Another major factor contributing to the failure of the revolt was the weak leadership of the movement. Indian leaders lacked organisation and planning. The rebels were poorly organised. The uprisings in different parts of the country were uncoordinated.
7) Lack of proper arms and equipment:
The rebels were short of weapons and finances. Whatever few weapons existed, were old and outdated. In many areas, rebels fought with swords and spears which were no match for the sophisticated and modern weapons of the British. The telegraphic system and postal communication helped the British to speed up their operation. The English mastery of the sea enabled them to get timely help from England and crush the revolt ruthlessly.
Conclusion –
By the end of 1859, the revolt was suppressed and the British authority over India was firmly re-established. The revolt had finally failed. However, the revolt is remembered for the valour and the courage of its rebels. Even though they failed to achieve their objective they succeeded in sowing the seeds of nationalism among the Indians and paved the way for the future struggle for independence.