Answer: 

Introduction:

The 1857 uprising, also known as the First War of Indian Independence or the Sepoy Mutiny, was a significant turning point in the Indian struggle against British rule. This large-scale rebellion was a culmination of the numerous local rebellions that occurred in the hundred years preceding the uprising, reflecting the growing discontent among various sections of Indian society under colonial rule.

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Body:

The major factors and local rebellions that led to the 1857 uprising include:

• Socio-economic factors:
  • British economic policies, such as heavy taxation and land revenue systems, impoverished the peasantry and led to widespread famines.
  • The introduction of modern industries, railways, and telegraphs disrupted traditional occupations, causing social unrest.
  • These factors contributed to several local rebellions, such as the Sanyasi Rebellion (1763-1800) and the Kol Rebellion (1831-1832).
• Religious and cultural factors:
  • The British policy of imposing Western culture, education, and religious values led to resentment among the Indian population, who saw these measures as an assault on their customs and beliefs.
  • Additionally, rumors about the use of cow and pig fat in the new Enfield rifle cartridges angered both Hindu and Muslim soldiers, leading to the widespread rebellion in 1857.
• Political factors:
  • British annexation policies, such as the Doctrine of Lapse, caused discontent among Indian princely states that were forcibly absorbed into British India.
  • The deposition of Bahadur Shah II, the last Mughal emperor, and the annexation of Oudh (Awadh) were significant triggers for the 1857 uprising.
  • Key local rebellions before 1857: Some notable examples include the Paika Rebellion (1817) in Odisha, the Santhal Rebellion (1855-1856) in present-day Jharkhand and Bihar, and the Vellore Mutiny (1806) in present-day Tamil Nadu.

Conclusion:

The 1857 uprising was a culmination of the recurrent local rebellions against British rule that had occurred in the preceding hundred years. It marked a significant turning point in India’s struggle against colonial rule, as it demonstrated the widespread discontent among various sections of Indian society and ultimately paved the way for the emergence of the Indian national movement.

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