When People Revolt 1857 and After Class 8 Notes: CBSE History (Our Pasts - III) Chapter 5

Chapter Overview:

This chapter talks about the Revolt of 1857, which is also called the First War of Indian Independence. It explains why the revolt happened, who the key leaders were, what major events took place, and what happened after the revolt. The chapter shows how many people in India were unhappy with British rule, leading to a big rebellion.

Key Topics Covered:

Nawabs Losing Power

• From the middle of the 18th century, Nawabs and Rajas had seen their power eroded. They progressively lost their authority and honour.

• The inhabitants had been stationed in numerous courts, the freedom of the rulers reduced, their armed forces dismantled, and their revenues and territories removed in stages.

• Numerous family leaders have attempted to negotiate with the Company to protect their interests. For example, Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi wanted the Society to recognise her adoptive son as heir to the kingdom after her husband's death.

The company even started planning how to terminate the Mughal dynasty. The Mughal king's name has been removed from coins minted by the Society.

The Peasants and the Sepoys

• In the countryside, farmers and zamindars were dissatisfied with high taxes and rigid methods of collecting receipts.

• Many have not repaid their loans to lenders and have progressively lost the land they have been cultivating for generations.

• Indian burials employed by the Society also had reasons for dissatisfaction. They were dissatisfied with their pay, entitlements, and conditions of service.

• In addition, some of those new rules violated their religious beliefs and sensitivities.

• When in 1824 the sepoys were told to go to Burma by sea route to fight for the Company, they refused to follow the order, though they agreed to go by land route.

Sepoys also reacted to what was going on in the campaign. A good number of them were farmers and had families in the villages. Thus the anger of the peasants spread rapidly amongst the sepoys.

Responses to Reforms

The English thought it was necessary to reform Indian society. Legislation has been passed to stop the practice of Sati and to encourage widows to remarry. The teaching of English has been actively encouraged. After 1830, the Society allowed Christian missionaries to operate freely in its field and even to own lands and possessions. In 1850, a new statute was adopted to facilitate conversion to Christianity. This law made it possible for an Indian converted to Christianity to inherit the property of his ancestors.

A Mutiny Becomes a Popular Rebellion

• Although the struggles between the leaders and the governed are not unusual, at times such struggles become widespread as popular resistance to the collapse of state power.

• Very many people are beginning to believe that they have a common enemy and are rising against the enemy at the same time.

• After about 100 years of conquest and administration, the English East India Company was confronted by a massive rebellion that began in May 1857 and threatened the very presence of the Company in India.

• Sepoys mutinied in several locations from Meerut and a large number of people from different sections of society arose in rebellion.

From Meerut to Delhi

• On April 8, 1857, a young soldier, Mangal Pandey, was hanged to death for assaulting his officers in Barrackpore.

• Some sepoys of the Meerut Regiment refused to exercise the army using the new cartridges, which were believed to be coated with cow and pig grease.

• Eighty-five sepoys were sent back from the service and sentenced to ten years in prison for disobedience to their officers. That occurred on May 9, 1857.

• The reaction of the other Indian soldiers at Meerut was absolutely amazing. On May 10, the soldiers walked to Meerut prison and freed the imprisoned sepoys. 

• The Meerut sepoys drove through the night of May 10 and arrived in Delhi early the next morning. While word of their arrival spread, the regiments stationed in Delhi also rose up in rebellion.

The Mughal dynasty ruled an enormous part of the country. Most of the leaders and smaller leaders controlled various territories on behalf of the Mughal sovereign.

The Rebellion Spreads

• After the English were routed from Delhi, there was no uprising for nearly a week. It took all that time to get the new people to travel. Then the outbreak of mutiny began.

• Regiment after regiment mutinied and departed to join other troops at nodes such as Delhi, Kanpur and Lucknow.

• Nana Saheb, the adoptive son of the deceased Peshwa Baji Rao who lived near Kanpur, assembled the armed forces and expelled the British garrison from the city.

• At Lucknow, Birjis Qadr, son of the ousted Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, was proclaimed the new Nawab. He also recognised Bahadur Shah Zafar for his suzerainty.

In Jhansi, Rani Lakshmibai joined the rebellious graves and fought the English with Tantia Tope, Nana Saheb's general. In the Mandla region of Madhya Pradesh, Rani Avantibai Lodhi of Ramgarh raised and led an army of four thousand against the British who had taken over the administration of her state.

The Company Fights Back

• Troubled by the magnitude of the upheaval, the Company decided to suppress the revolt with all its strength.

• It brought assistance from England, passed new laws so that the rebels could be condemned with ease, and then moved to the storm centres of the uprising. Delhi was recaptured from the rebel forces in September 1857.

• The last Mughal emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar, was brought to trial and sentenced to life imprisonment.

• Lucknow was captured in March 1858. Rani Lakshmibai was beaten to death in June 1858. A similar fate awaited Rani Avantibai, who, following the initial victory at Kheri, chose to embrace death while surrounded by the British from all sides.

Tantia Tope fled to the jungles of central India and continued to conduct guerrilla warfare with the support of numerous tribal chiefs and peasants. He was taken prisoner, tried, and assassinated in April 1859.

The Aftermath of The Rebellion

By the time 1859 came around, the country was again under the control of the British. Also, some necessary changes were made during the rule. Students can find more details in the Class 8 History Chapter 5 Notes.

1. In the following year, the control and power were transferred from the Company to the Crown for proper management of affairs in India. A secretary was appointed by the British Cabinet members to handle the matters related to the Indian government.

2. The ruling chiefs were provided with the assurance that their territory wouldn't have to face the threat of being annexed. Also, the chiefs were allowed to safely pass the kingdoms and property to their heirs.

3. There was an increase in the proportion of European soldiers and a subsequent decrease in the number of Indian soldiers that were present in the army.

4. Property and lands of the Muslims were heavily confiscated and the people were often treated with hostility and suspicion.

5. Overall respect was paid to the cultural and religious beliefs of the Indians.

5 Important Topics of Class 8 History Chapter 5 When People Revolt 1857 and After

Importance of Class 8 Social Science History Chapter 5 When People Revolt 1857 and After Revision Notes

• Class 8 When People Revolt Notes break down the complex events of the 1857 Revolt into easily understandable sections, helping students grasp the key causes, events, and consequences of the rebellion.

• The Notes highlight the most important topics, such as the reasons behind the revolt, key figures like Rani Lakshmibai and Bahadur Shah Zafar, and the outcomes of the rebellion, making it easier for students to focus on what’s essential for exams.

• By summarising the Chapter, these Notes allow for quick and effective revision, saving students time and helping them retain important information.

• The Notes are designed to cover the key points that are likely to be tested in exams, ensuring that students are well-prepared to answer questions about the 1857 Revolt.

• The notes help students retain the key details and understand the broader significance of the 1857 Revolt in Indian History.

Tips for Learning the Class 8 Chapter 5 History When People Revolt 1857 and After

• Focus on the key causes of the 1857 Revolt, such as economic hardships, political dissatisfaction, and social and religious issues. Knowing why the revolt happened will help you grasp its significance.

• Remember the key dates, like the beginning of the revolt in May 1857 and other significant events throughout the rebellion. This will help you track the timeline of the revolt.

• Study the important leaders of the revolt, such as Rani Lakshmibai, Bahadur Shah Zafar, and Nana Sahib. 

• Understanding their roles and contributions will give you a clearer picture of the rebellion.

• Understanding how the British responded and the changes in their policies will help you see the revolt's impact on Indian History.

Conclusion 

Vedantu's provision of free PDF downloads for CBSE Class 8 History Chapter 5 Notes, "When People Rebel," serves as a valuable educational asset. These Notes offer a comprehensive understanding of historical rebellions, shedding light on the motivations, outcomes, and societal impacts of various uprisings. Vedantu's commitment to offering high-quality educational resources ensures that students have access to well-structured and informative materials that enhance their historical comprehension. These Notes not only facilitate academic excellence but also cultivate a deep appreciation for the resilience and bravery of individuals who rose against oppressive systems. Vedantu's dedication to accessible education makes these CBSE Class 8 History Chapter 5 Notes an essential tool for students striving for success in their Social Science studies.

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