Skip to content
ICSE Question Bank
2019Q2(a)The First War of Independence (1857)
DefinitionModerate2 marks
2

Answer briefly each of the questions (a) to (j):

What was the General Service Enlistment Act?

Topic: General Service Enlistment Act

Previous-year question practice database

Answer

Exam answer

The General Service Enlistment Act was passed in 1856 under Lord Canning. It laid down that every NEW RECRUIT to the Bengal Army must undertake to serve wherever the Government required, including OVERSEAS.

The sepoys resented it deeply, because crossing the sea (the "kala pani") meant loss of caste for a Hindu, and they saw it as another attempt to interfere with their religion. It became one of the military causes of the Revolt of 1857.

Explanation

Two marks: one for what the Act required and one for why it was resented — the question is set in a 1857 context, so the grievance is half the answer. Give the year (1856) and the Governor-General (Canning). The phrase "kala pani" is worth using, since it names the exact religious objection.

More from The First War of Independence (1857)

Under which policy of expansion was the place marked in the map annexed by the British?2026What was the General Service Enlistment Act?2026Why were soldiers unhappy with it?2026How did the introduction of the new Enfield Rifle become an immediate cause of the revolt?2026The British reformed the army after the revolt ended. Mention any four changes made in the army.2026Read the description and identify the person. He introduced the Subsidiary Alliance to expand the British control over India.2025