While the British government intended to safeguard the interests of Christian converts, these laws and measures were also part of a larger colonial agenda that aimed to extend British influence, values, and authority over the colonies. These policies were framed in the interest of Britishers for a variety of reasons, such as social, political, and religious ones.
In 1850, a new law was passed by the company to ease the conversion to Christianity. This law allowed an Indian who has converted to Christianity to inherit the property of his ancestors.
Some actions the British took to protect the interest of the people are:
- Freedom of Religion: The right of people to select and practice their faith, especially Christianity, was something the British placed a strong emphasis on. As a result, converts were protected from persecution and discrimination because of their religious convictions.
- Missionary Work: The spread of Christianity and the support of converts were greatly aided by British missionaries. They set up educational, religious, and medical institutions to serve the newly converted communities, as well as hospitals and schools.
- Legal Protections: In order to safeguard the rights of Christian converts, the British adopted legal reforms. This included establishing separate courts to handle Christian-related issues and recognizing Christian inheritance and marriage rules. It also entailed making sure that converts were treated fairly under the law.
- Patronage and Support: Christian organizations and leaders received favours and assistance from British officials. This included financial support, land grants, and political clout, all of which aided in the expansion and sway of Christianity in the colonies.
- Conversion Incentives: To promote Christian conversions, the British government occasionally offered financial and social rewards. This might entail greater social standing within colonial society, access to education, and career possibilities.
It’s important to recognize that these actions weren’t just taken to safeguard converts’ interests. In the framework of colonialism, the promotion of Christianity served both religious and political objectives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q 1. In what ways did the British change their policies as a result of the rebellion of 1857?
The British made various changes in their policies after the revolt of 1857. Some of them are as follows:
- A new Act was passed in 1858 that transferred the powers of the East India Company to the British crown in order to ensure a more responsible management of Indian affairs.
- All ruling chiefs of the country were assured that their territory would never be annexed in future.
- The proportion of Indian soldiers in the army would be reduced and the number of European soldiers would be increased.
- The land and property of Muslims was confiscated on a large scale, and they were treated with suspicion and hostility.
- The British decided to respect the customary religious and social practices of the people in India.
- Policies were made to protect landlords and zamindars and gave them security of rights over their lands.
Q 2. What was the demand of Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi that was refused by the British?
The demand of Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi was to recognise her adopted son as the heir to the kingdom after the death of her husband.
Q 3. What objections did the sepoys have to the new cartridges that they were asked to use?
The objections that sepoys had to the new cartridges are as follows:
- The cartridges were greased with the fat of cows and pigs.
- The sepoys had to use their mouth to remove the covering of the cartridges.
- This was a violation of their religious sentiments hence they rebelled.
Q 4. How did the last Mughal Emperor live the last five years of his life?
Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last Mughal Emperor spent the last years of his life in a jail in Rangoon along with his wife. In 1862, he died in Rangoon jail.
Q 5. What impact did Bahadur Shah Zafar’s support for the rebellion have on the people and ruling families?
Impact on the People:
The emperor’s blessings gave the people a new courage and inspired the rebels to fight with vigor and courage.
Q 6. How did the British succeed in securing the submission of the rebel landowners of Awadh?
To secure the submission of the rebel landowners, the British government assured them that they would remain safe and their rights and claims to their lands would not be denied if they submit.