The Revolt of 1857 was a conscious beginning of the independence struggle against the British. With reference to this, answer the following questions:
The British Government interfered in the social and religious matters of the Indians. Mention any three socio-religious causes to justify this statement.
Topic: Socio-religious causes of the Revolt
Answer
(1) Social reforms that offended orthodox opinion — the abolition of Sati (1829) and the legalising of widow remarriage (1856) were seen as interference in Hindu religion and custom. (2) The activities of Christian missionaries, who were allowed to preach and convert freely, and the Religious Disabilities Act of 1850, which allowed a convert to Christianity to inherit ancestral property — both raised the fear of forced conversion. (3) The introduction of Western education and English, and the contemptuous attitude of the British towards Indian customs, dress and traditions, which Indians felt was destroying their culture.
One mark per cause, so number three DISTINCT ones. The strongest set is the social legislation, the missionaries, and Western education. Dates make an answer authoritative — Sati 1829, Widow Remarriage Act 1856, Religious Disabilities Act 1850. Note the underlying point examiners reward: the reforms may have been good in themselves, but they were seen as an ALIEN government interfering in religion, and it is the perception that caused the Revolt.