5.1 Policies and the People

The revolt of 1857, also known as the Indian Mutiny or Sepoy Mutiny, was a significant turning point in Indian history. However, its roots can be traced to the policies implemented by the British East India Company and later the British Crown, which affected the lives of Indian people. This subtopic focuses on understanding the impact of these policies on the Indian population, leading up to the revolt and its aftermath.

1. British Policies before 1857

The British East India Company, which ruled India before direct British Crown rule, introduced several policies that had a profound impact on Indian society. These policies were aimed at consolidating British power and making India a profitable colony. The major policies included:

• Doctrine of Lapse: Introduced by Lord Dalhousie, it allowed the British to annex any princely state if the ruler died without a male heir. This angered many Indian rulers and contributed to unrest.
• Land Revenue Policies: The British introduced land reforms, such as the Permanent Settlement of Bengal, which increased the burden on peasants and created widespread discontent among the rural population.
• Cultural and Religious Insensitivity: The British policies did not respect the religious sentiments of the Indian people. For example, the introduction of the Enfield rifle, which required soldiers to bite off the cartridge greased with animal fat, offended both Hindus and Muslims.
• Economic Exploitation: British policies drained India’s wealth and disrupted traditional industries. Indian artisans and farmers were forced to bear the brunt of exploitation, leading to poverty and widespread resentment.

2. Impact of Policies on Different Sections of Society

The British policies impacted various sections of Indian society in different ways. The reaction of these sections played a significant role in the 1857 revolt:

• The Zamindars: The British policies, especially the Permanent Settlement, made zamindars (landowners) into mere tax collectors. Many zamindars lost their lands due to inability to pay high taxes.
• The Peasants: Peasants were heavily taxed, and they were exploited by both the British and the zamindars. The harsh economic policies led to widespread famine and poverty, which angered the rural population.
• The Sepoys (Indian Soldiers): The sepoys were part of the British army and faced discrimination. They were unhappy with their low wages and poor treatment by British officers. The introduction of the new rifle cartridges, which were rumored to be greased with cow and pig fat, added to their grievances.
• The Artisans and Workers: British economic policies led to the decline of Indian industries, particularly textiles. Indian artisans were put out of work due to the influx of cheap British manufactured goods.

3. Rise of Nationalism and Reactions to British Policies

The policies and actions of the British government led to growing resentment across the Indian population. This resentment eventually sparked the First War of Indian Independence in 1857. Many of the Indian soldiers (sepoys) in the British army, along with peasants, artisans, and rulers, united against British rule. The revolt was not just a military action but a social and political movement driven by the desire to preserve Indian culture, religion, and sovereignty.

4. The Aftermath and Changing Policies

After the revolt of 1857, the British government took direct control of India, ending the rule of the British East India Company. The British also began to implement new policies to prevent further unrest. These policies included:

• Reorganization of the Army: The British reorganized the Indian army to prevent future uprisings. They reduced the number of Indian soldiers and replaced them with British soldiers to ensure loyalty.
• Economic Reforms: The British introduced new taxes and regulations to tighten control over the Indian economy. This included further commercial exploitation of India’s resources.
• Social Reforms: The British also began introducing social reforms, such as the abolition of Sati and child marriage. However, these reforms were often seen as attempts to undermine Indian culture.