Significance of Revolt of 1857

The British though managed to suppress the revolt but realized the extent of people’s resentment. The events of 1857 compelled the British to re-examine their policy towards India, after the revolt; therefore, they adopted a strategy to check the future incidents of such a revolt.

In order to win back the confidence of local princes, the British made a declaration that they would no longer expand their existing territorial possessions. Special awards were given to the loyal princes. In the recruitment of army, community, caste, tribal and regional loyalties were encouraged in order to check the solidarity among soldiers.

The British took recourse to the policy of ‘divide and rule’ by tactfully utilizing caste, religious and regional identities of Indian people.

Another important consequence of the Revolt of 1857 was the declaration of Royal Proclamation in 1858. By this proclamation India’s administration was taken over directly by the British Crown abolishing East India Company’s rule.

Finally, though the rebels failed, their heroic struggle against the British Raj left a deep impression in people’s mind. The spirit of Indian nationalism which was at a formative stage in the second half of the 19th century was greatly influenced by this Revolt.