Class 12 History Notes Chapter 10 Pattern of the Rebellion discusses that the Indian Rebellion of 1857 was a major uprising against the British East India Company that began on May 10, 1857, in the garrison town of Meerut. The rebellion spread quickly to other parts of India, and for a time, it seemed that the British might be forced out of the country. However, the British eventually regained control, and the rebellion was crushed. The rebellion was a complex event with many causes and consequences. It is still studied by historians today, and it continues to be a source of debate and controversy.
It is an important topic in History Class 12 History NCERT. Students can go through this article to get comprehensive notes on Class 12 History Chapter 10 Pattern of the Rebellion.
Pattern of the Rebellion
The rebellion began in Meerut, on May 10, 1857, when sepoys (Indian soldiers) of the Bengal Army mutinied against their British officers. The sepoys were angry about several things, including the use of new Enfield rifles, which they believed were greased with cow and pig fat, and the British government’s decision to annex Oudh.
The rebellion quickly spread to other parts of India, and soon it was a full-fledged war. The sepoys were joined by peasants, artisans, and other groups who were also unhappy with British rule. The rebels fought bravely, but they were eventually defeated by the British. The rebellion was crushed by the end of 1858, and the British government took direct control of India from the East India Company.
How the Mutinies Began
The sepoys began their revolt with a signal, seized the bell of arms, and attacked government buildings, burning records. Proclamations in Hindi, Urdu, and Persian called for the population to unite and exterminate the firangis. As ordinary people joined the revolt, targets expanded, including moneylenders and the rich in major towns. Peasants saw the sepoys as oppressors and allies of the British. Their houses were looted and destroyed, and the mutiny in the sepoy ranks quickly became a rebellion. In May and June, the British had no answer to the rebels’ actions, and individual Britons tried to save their lives and families.
Lines of Communication
The mutiny in different places was partly due to planning and coordination between sepoy lines. The 7th Awadh Irregular Cavalry refused to accept new cartridges, and they wrote to the 48th Native Infantry, expressing their faith and waiting for orders. Sepoys and their emissaries moved from station to station, planning and discussing the rebellion. The pattern of mutinies raises questions about the planning and planners.
One incident provides clues about the organization of the mutinies. Captain Hearsey of the Awadh Military Police was given protection by his Indian subordinates during the mutiny. The 41st Native Infantry insisted on killing Hearsey or delivering him as prisoner. The Military Police refused, and a panchayat was formed to settle the matter. Panchayats were a nightly occurrence in the Kanpur sepoy lines, suggesting collective decisions were made. The sepoys were the makers of their own rebellion.
Leaders and Followers
The rebellion against the British required leadership and organization, and the sepoys of Meerut urged the old Mughal emperor to accept the leadership of the revolt. Bahadur Shah initially rejected this, but after some sepoys moved into the Mughal court, he agreed to be the nominal leader. Similar scenes were enacted in Kanpur, Jhansi, and Awadh, where the displacement of the popular Nawab Wajid Ali Shah and the annexation of the state were still fresh in the memory of the people.
Not everywhere were the leaders people of the court, but ordinary men and women, as well as religious men, carried the message of rebellion. In Lucknow, after the annexation of Awadh, many religious leaders and self-styled prophets preached the destruction of British rule. Local leaders emerged, urging peasants, zamindars, and tribals to revolt. Shah Mal mobilized the villagers of pargana Barout in Uttar Pradesh, while Gonoo became a rebel leader of the Kol tribals of the region.
Rumors and Prophecies
Rumours and prophecies played a significant role in the upheaval in North India during the early 1857 period. Sepoys in Delhi were told about bullets coated with cows and pigs, which they believed would corrupt their caste and religion. This spread rapidly across the sepoy lines of North India, leading to fear and panic among the sepoys. Rumours also circulated about a conspiracy by the British government to destroy the caste and religion of Hindus and Muslims, with the bone dust of cows and pigs mixed into flour sold in the market. Panic spread rapidly, and the call for action was reinforced by the prophecy that British rule would end on the centenary of the Battle of Plassey on 23 June 1857. The distribution of chapattis was also a significant rumour.
Why did People Believe in the Rumours?
Rumours and prophecies in history are powerful because they reflect the minds of those who believed them. In 1857, rumors began to make sense when viewed in the context of British policies aimed at reforming Indian society. Under Governor General Lord William Bentinck, the British introduced Western education, ideas, and institutions, abolishing customs and allowing Hindu widows to remarry. They annexed territories like Awadh, Jhansi, and Satara, introducing their own administration, laws, and land settlement methods. This led to a profound perception that their sacred customs and practices were being replaced by an alien, oppressive system. Rumours spread rapidly in this uncertain situation.
Conclusion – Class 12 History Notes Chapter 10 Pattern of the Rebellion
In conclusion, the rebellion was a major turning point in Indian history. It marked the end of the Company rule and the beginning of British rule in India. The rebellion also led to a number of important reforms, including the introduction of the Indian Councils Act of 1861 and the Government of India Act of 1858. The rebellion was a major event in Indian history. It was a time of great upheaval and change. The rebellion had a profound impact on the lives of all Indians. It led to the end of Company rule and the beginning of British rule in India. The rebellion also led to a number of important reforms, including the introduction of the Indian Councils Act of 1861 and the Government of India Act of 1858.
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Chapter 10 Pattern of the Rebellion- FAQs
What is the main focus of Class 12 History Chapter 10?
Chapter 10 focuses on the patterns and characteristics of rebellions against British colonial rule in India during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Who were the key figures involved in the rebellions discussed in this chapter?
The chapter discusses various leaders and participants of rebellions, including Rani Lakshmibai, Mangal Pandey, and leaders of the Sepoy Mutiny.
What were some common grievances that led to these rebellions?
Grievances included economic exploitation, cultural disrespect, and political oppression under British rule.
How did the rebellions challenge British authority?
Rebels utilized various methods such as armed uprisings, protests, and acts of sabotage to challenge British control and demand freedom.
What was the significance of these rebellions in India’s struggle for independence?
While some were suppressed, these rebellions inspired future generations and contributed to the eventual momentum towards India’s independence.
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