The Revolt of 1857, a watershed moment in Indian history, was a complex phenomenon shaped by various factors beyond the immediate grievances of the sepoy soldiers. It was deeply rooted in the broader socio-economic and political discontent among the Indian population, exacerbated by the policies and character of British colonial rule. This discontent was the result of over a century of gradual British conquest and administration, leading to widespread resentment across different sections of Indian society.

Economic Exploitation and Destruction of Traditional Economy

1.Decimation of Local Industries: The British policies systematically dismantled the traditional Indian handicrafts and textile industries. High tariffs on Indian goods and the influx of cheap British manufactured products led to the unemployment of artisans and weavers, devastating the local economy.

2.Land Revenue Policies: The British introduced exploitative land revenue systems such as the Permanent Settlement, Ryotwari, and Mahalwari, which imposed heavy taxes on peasants. These policies led to widespread landlessness among the peasantry, as they were unable to meet the exorbitant demands and were forced to borrow from traders and moneylenders, eventually losing their lands.

Displacement and Discontent among Landowners

1.Loss of Zamindari Lands and Rights: Traditional zamindars and chiefs were dispossessed of their lands and rights due to the British demand for higher land revenues. The introduction of new landlords, who lacked the traditional bonds with the peasants, further exacerbated the situation by increasing rents to unsustainable levels and evicting tenants for non-payment.

2.Economic Decline Leading to Famines: The economic decline under British rule manifested in twelve major and numerous minor famines between 1770 and 1857. The famines were a direct result of the exploitative economic policies, leading to widespread misery and death among the Indian populace.

Corruption and Administrative Failures