© HarperCollins Publishers 2010 Cause and Consequence Why was there an Indian mutiny in 1857?

© HarperCollins Publishers 2010 Cause and Consequence Objectives In this activity you will: Learn the reasons for the mutiny. Explore the most important cause.

© HarperCollins Publishers 2010 Cause and Consequence Key terms Hindu A follower of Hinduism, which is the most popular religion in India Muslim A follower of Islam, and widely supported within India Mutiny When soldiers refuse to follow the orders of their officers and rebel Sepoy Indian troops who served in the British Army Suttee Traditional practice of wives killing themselves when their husbands die

© HarperCollins Publishers 2010 Cause and Consequence Why was there a mutiny in 1857? When exploring the causes of events, historians often try to link different causes. This enables a deeper understanding of why events happened. Completing the following task will help you understand the mutiny: Link the following causes of the Indian mutiny in You need to provide a clear explanation of each connection.

© HarperCollins Publishers 2010 Cause and Consequence Background causes of mutiny in 1857 Many Indians disliked Britain increasing its control over India in the mid 19 th century. In 1856, Lord Dalhousie, the Governor General of India, took over the Muslim state of Awadh. This angered many sepoys from Awadh. Sepoys were paid extra for working in states that were not controlled directly by the British. Now sepoys from Awadh had their pay reduced. Dalhousie also banned suttee. This was seen as an attack on Indian customs. English was also made the official language of India instead of Persian, which upset many Indians.

© HarperCollins Publishers 2010 Cause and Consequence Trigger cause of mutiny in 1857 The mutiny started in Meerut in Northern India in May Sepoys believed they were being given cartridges greased with the fat of cows and pigs for their rifles. Hindus regarded cows as sacred animals, while Muslims believed pigs were unclean animals. Many sepoys believed the British were trying to weaken their religious beliefs. 85 sepoys refused to use the cartridges (when loading their rifles the sepoys would have to bite the end of the cartridges). They were sentenced to 10 years hard labour. On 10 May, more sepoys at Meerut revolted and killed their British officers. The revolt spread quickly to other parts of India. The rebels captured Delhi and Cawnpore. The British, with the help of loyal Sikh soldiers, took 14 months to crush the revolt.

© HarperCollins Publishers 2010 Cause and Consequence Can you find links between each cause? Why? Causal links Taking over Awadh Sepoys harshly punished English compulsory Banning Suttee Religious beliefs Cartridges Using cartridges covered in cow and pig grease went against the religious beliefs of Indians and Muslims