what were the effects of revolt of 1857?

Changes in the policies of the British after the suppression of the rebellion of 1857:

(i) British Crown took over the control of administration − The British Parliament passed an Act in 1859, under which, the powers of the East India Company were transferred to the British Crown. The British government was now directly responsible for ruling India.

(ii) Provided a sense of security to the local rulers − The ruling chiefs of the country were assured that their territories would never be annexed by the British. However, they had to swear allegiance to the British crown. They also abolished the Doctrine of Lapse, thereby allowing rulers to pass on their kingdoms to adopted sons.

(iii) Provided a sense of security to landowners − Policies were made to protect landlords and zamindars, and give them security of rights over their lands.

(iv) Reorganised the army− The proportion of Indian soldiers in the army was reduced and the number of European soldiers in the army was increased.

(v) Treated the Muslims with suspicion and hostility − Considering them to be responsible for the rebellion in a big way, the British confiscated the land and property of Muslims on a large scale.

(vi) Promised non-interference in the sphere of religion − The British assured the people of India that their religious and social practises would be respected and not interfered with.

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Effects of the Revolt of 1857

  • The British Parliament passed a new Act in 1858 . According to it the powers of the East India Company was transferred to the British Crown in order to ensure a more responsible management of Indian affairs.
  • All kingdoms weer amade to accept the supremecy of teh Queen.
  • proportion of Indian soldiers in the army was reduced and the number of European soldiers were be increased
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The direct effects of the Revolt of 1857 may be summed up in the following words: First, the Revolt of 1857 exposed the danger involved in allowing a commercial organization to rule over a country. Consequently the British Parliament by an Act transferred the control of the Indian government from the East India Company to the British Crown.

Secondly, Queen Victoria, by a Proclamation announced on 1 November 1858, directly assumed the responsibility of the Indian administration in her own hands. And it was in accordance with the Queen's Proclamation that the honorific title of Viceroy was added to the Governor-general of India.

Thirdly, the Revolt of 1857 led to an extensive reorganization of the army and the civil administration. It must, however, be remembered that in spite of all these bold theoretical statements hardly any change occurred in the basic exploitative character of the British rule in India.

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  • Administration was taken over by Queen Victoria in 1858; end of East India Company.
  • Board of Control and Directors replaced by Secretory of State.
  • Governor - General given the title viceroy and made subordinate to Secretory of State.
  • Reorganization of army.
  • No further annexation; no interfere in social and religious practices.
  • General pardon to the rebels except for the ones who killed British subjects.
  • Raised patriotic sentiments among the people.
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