Best History Notes on Revolt of 1857 available for BPSC and for other Competitive Exams aspirants in 2025
History-13
Here’s a detailed explanation of the Revolt of 1857, focusing on its Indian context, with a special emphasis on Kunwar Singh’s leadership in Bihar — highly relevant for BPSC/UPSC Mains (History & Bihar Special).
Revolt of 1857 – The First War of Indian Independence
Also called: Sepoy Mutiny, Indian Mutiny, First War of Independence
Timeline: Started on 10 May 1857 in Meerut, soon spread across northern India
Nature: A combination of military mutiny, civilian rebellion, and feudal resistance against British rule.
Causes of the Revolt
| Category | Key Causes |
| Political | Doctrine of Lapse (e.g., Jhansi, Satara); disrespect to traditional rulers |
| Economic | Heavy taxation, land confiscations, ruin of artisans and peasants |
| Social/Religious | Interference in social customs (e.g., widow remarriage); fear of forced Christian conversions |
| Military | Discrimination in pay and promotion; use of greased cartridges (cow/pig fat) that offended Hindu & Muslim sentiments |
| Immediate Trigger | Court-martial of Mangal Pandey, refusal to use cartridges in Meerut, led to outbreak on 10 May 1857 |
Major Centers and Leaders of the Revolt
| Region | Leader |
| Delhi | Bahadur Shah Zafar (symbolic head), Bakht Khan |
| Kanpur | Nana Sahib, Tantia Tope |
| Jhansi | Rani Lakshmibai |
| Awadh | Begum Hazrat Mahal |
| Bihar | Kunwar Singh |
Kunwar Singh – Leader of the Revolt in Bihar
Who was Kunwar Singh?
- Zamindar of Jagdishpur (present-day Bhojpur district, Bihar)
- Belonged to the Ujjainiya Rajput clan
- Aged around 80 years during the revolt – symbol of courage and patriotism
- Revered as one of the key regional leaders of the 1857 uprising
His Role in the Revolt:
| Timeline | Actions |
| March 1857 | Kunwar Singh joined the rebellion from Jagdishpur |
| Arrah Siege (July 1857) | Rebel forces attacked British outpost at Arrah; later defeated but became symbol of defiance |
| Retaliatory Campaigns | Conducted guerrilla-style attacks on British forces in Bihar and UP (including Azamgarh) |
| Re-entry to Jagdishpur | Despite being wounded (his hand was amputated), he recaptured Jagdishpur in April 1858 |
| Death | Died on 26 April 1858, shortly after his last victory – hailed as a martyr of freedom |
Contributions and Legacy:
- Revived local resistance in Eastern India
- Proved that age was no bar to patriotism
- Known as “Veer Kunwar Singh” in Bihar’s folklore
- Government of India commemorated his legacy with a postage stamp and the Veer Kunwar Singh University in Arrah
- In 2022, his 160th death anniversary was celebrated as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav
Why Bihar was Important:
- Bihar’s social base (Zamindars, peasants, sepoys) had deep resentment against British revenue policies
- The region’s sepoys in the Bengal Army were strongly influenced by caste and religious issues
- The presence of local leadership like Kunwar Singh helped sustain resistance
Why the Revolt Failed
| Reason | Explanation |
| Lack of unity | No common national goal or coordination among leaders |
| Traditional leadership | Many leaders wanted to restore old order, not create a new India |
| No modern communication | Slow spread of ideas; limited reach |
| British military strength | Superior arms, organized retaliation |
| Lack of support | Modern educated Indians, princes, merchants remained aloof |
Impact of the Revolt
- End of East India Company rule (1858)
- Beginning of British Crown rule (British Raj)
- Queen’s Proclamation 1858: Promised non-interference in religious matters, equal opportunities
- Indian Army reorganized: More loyal elements, divided on caste/region
- Laid psychological groundwork for modern Indian nationalism
Mains Answer Framework (BPSC/UPSC)
“The Revolt of 1857 marked the first organized challenge to British rule in India. While it failed militarily, it ignited the spirit of nationalism. In Bihar, Kunwar Singh emerged as an inspiring symbol of courage. Despite his age, he took up arms and led successful campaigns, demonstrating regional patriotism. His leadership reflects the diverse and grassroots nature of the 1857 uprising.”
Keywords for Mains:
- First War of Independence, Kunwar Singh, Jagdishpur, Doctrine of Lapse, greased cartridges, Arrah siege, Queen’s Proclamation, symbolic resistance, British Raj, Veer Kunwar Singh
