Early Uprisings
Resistance began almost immediately after conquest.
1. Sannyasi-Fakir Rebellion (Bengal)
- Context: Post-1770 famine.
- Action: Hindu Sannyasis and Muslim Fakirs attacked British treasuries.
- Legacy: Inspired Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s novel Anandamath and the song Vande Mataram.
2. Tribal Uprisings
Tribals faced loss of forest rights and exploitation by moneylenders.
- Kol Uprising (1831): Chota Nagpur.
- Santhal Rebellion (1855): Led by Sidhu and Kanhu Murmu. They declared independence and fought with bows against guns. Though brutally suppressed, it showed immense courage.
3. Peasant Uprisings
- Indigo Revolt (1859): Peasants in Bengal refused to grow indigo for European planters who paid them negligible prices.
The Great Rebellion of 1857
Often called the “Sepoy Mutiny” by the British, but widely regarded as the First War of Independence by Indians.
Causes
- Political: Doctrine of Lapse (Annexation of Jhansi, Awadh).
- Economic: Heavy taxation and ruin of artisans.
- Military/Religious: The Greased Cartridges (rumored to contain cow and pig fat) offended Hindu and Muslim sepoys.
Key Leaders
- Mangal Pandey: His revolt at Barrackpore sparked the uprising.
- Bahadur Shah Zafar: Proclaimed Emperor of India by rebels in Delhi.
- Rani Lakshmibai: Defended Jhansi; died fighting.
- Begum Hazrat Mahal: Led the resistance in Lucknow/Awadh.
- Nana Saheb & Tatia Tope: Led forces in Kanpur.
Outcome
- Suppression: The British recaptured Delhi and other centers with extreme brutality.
- End of EIC: The Government of India Act 1858 transferred power directly to the British Crown. Queen Victoria promised non-interference in religion, but the trust was broken.