THE REVOLTS OF 1857

The British policy of expansion from the beginning was devoid of ethics and values. some of the major policies which resulted in 1857 revolt were:

1. Lord Warren Hastings 'ring fencing policy' ( creating friendly states around enemy states and occupying both in course of time )
2. Lord Wellesley 'subsidiary alliance system
3. Lord Dalhousie 'doctrine of lapse policy'

In the context of social sphere the progressive legislation of British was held in contempt and suspicion by the majority of Hindus & Muslims. some of these policies were:

1. Abolition of custom of female infanticide by Lord wellesley in 1802.
2. Abolition of custom of Sati by Lord William Bentinck in 1829 on the recommendation of Raja Ram Mohan Roy.
3. Passing of widow remarriage act by Lord Dalhousie in 1856 on the recommendation of Ishwar chandra vidyasagar.
4. Passing of Religious disabilities act or Indian inheritance act in 1928.

The section of people who participated in large numbers were:

1. The impoverished peasantry,
2. The deposed Zamindars,
3. The unemployed youth in urban centres,
4. The discontent of sepoys in British army.

CAUSES OF FAILURE:

1. Limited territorial and social base.
2. Crucial support of certain sections of Indian Public to British Authorities.
3. Lack of resources as compared to those of the British.
4. Lack of coordination and a central leadership.
5. Lack of coherent ideology and a political perspective.