Questions on Resistance Against British Rule

1. List causes of popular resistance movements?

The four causes of popular resistance movements were: (a) Exploitation by the British (b) High revenue rates on the peasants (c) Compulsory growing of commercial and cash crops (d) Interference in the religious practices of the people by the British.

2. Explain the following terms: (a) Faqirs (b) Mahajan (c) Mappilas

Faqirs were a group of wandering Muslim religious mendicants.

Mahajan was the term used for moneylenders.

Mappilas were the Muslim cultivating tenants, landless laborers and fishermen of Malabar region.

3. List three groups involved in the exploitation of the Indian peasantry?

The three groups of exploiters were: (a) Officials of British Government (b) Landlord (c) Money lender

4. List grievances of the Indian sepoys against the colonial rulers?

1. Low pay and no bhatta, that is, no extra payment for their duty overseas.
2. Social discrimination in promotion, pension & in terms of service.
3. Use of greased cartridge rumored to contain the fat of cow and pig which hurt their religious sentiments.

5. Name important leaders of the Revolt of 1857?

Rani Laxmi Bai, Tantia Tope, Begum Hazrat Mahal, Nana Saheb, Kunwar Singh of Arrah.

6. When and how was the East India Company’s rule abolished?

The East India Company’s rule was abolished in 1858 through a declaration of the Queen’s Proclamation by the British Parliament.

7. Enlist major causes of the failure of the Revolt of 1857?

The major causes of the failure of the Revolt of 1857 were:

1. The revolt was a big event in the history of India. It had very little chance of success against an organised and powerful enemy.
2. It remained confined to north and central India.
3. There was no unity of purpose among the rebels.
4. The leadership of the movement was weak.
5. The rebels were short of weapons and finances.