The Indian Mutiny of 1857

“What was the Most Important Factor Leading to the Indian Mutiny of 1857?”

Shariq Khan

Word Count:

Plan of Investigation:

This investigation is to determine what caused the Indian Mutiny of 1857. In order to determine the origin, the investigation will evaluate the various factors which have been proposed as to why the Indians mutinied. The factors which will be assessed include the British East India Company’s expansionist economic policies, cultural and religious clashes including British evangelism, and comparatively poor treatment of Indian Sepoys within the British army. Interviews and modern analysis from British and South Asian sources on the subject will be assessed. An interview with Dr. Hassan and “Raj: the Making and Unmaking of British India” a book by James Lawrence will be evaluated for their limitations and values with respect to their origins and purposes. Finally, an analysis will be done to assess the most important cause of the rebellion. This investigation will not assess forces outside of India (such as in Britain) for their relevance and importance to the mutiny.

Summary of Evidence:

There had been a history of smaller mutinies of Indian soldiers against the British army. There were at least 4 in the previous half century. Two of these rebellions were caused by Sepoys being asked to perform tasks which they considered to be for lower castes. Evangelism was practiced by the British East India Company in all of their colonies, including India. Indians believed that the British were trying to convert them to Christianity. The British outlawed child marriage and other religious practices#. Beginning in 1856, many officers started to force Sepoys# to listen to Christian sermons.

In 1857, the Sepoys we...

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