Which of the following was considered a major cause of the 1857 revolt?

NHM UP Staff Nurse-2023 Shift-2nd

General Knowledge

Easy

Appeared in: NHM UP Staff Nurse-2023 Shift-2nd

Explanation

The British exhibited a strong sense of racial superiority, treating Indians with contempt, which created deep-seated resentment across society.
British interference in Indian socio-religious customs, including the caste system and religious practices, was perceived as a deliberate attempt to undermine the traditional way of life.
This sense of racial and cultural superiority was evident in the military, where Indian sepoys faced discrimination in pay, promotions, and general treatment.
The immediate trigger for the revolt was the introduction of Enfield rifle cartridges greased with cow and pig fat, which directly offended the caste and religious beliefs of Hindu and Muslim soldiers, confirming their fears about a British plot to defile their religion.

Option B: Illiteracy was a prevailing social condition in 19th-century India but was not a direct cause or a specific grievance that led to the organized, widespread rebellion against the East India Company.
Option C: While gender-based social issues existed, they were not the central grievances against the British. The revolt was primarily fueled by political, economic, and socio-religious angst directed at the colonial power.
Option D: The size of the population has no direct causal relationship with the outbreak of the revolt. The rebellion was a reaction to specific policies and attitudes of the British, not demographic pressure.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Causes of the Indian Rebellion of 1857 as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
The Revolt of 1857 was a watershed moment in Indian history, leading to the end of the English East India Company's rule.
Following the revolt, the administration of India was transferred directly to the British Crown through the Government of India Act 1858, marking the beginning of the British Raj.
The event served as a major source of inspiration for the later Indian independence movement, highlighting the importance of unity against colonial rule.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question, which asks for a 'major cause' of the 1857 revolt.
Recall the historical context of British rule in India during the mid-19th century, focusing on the relationship between the British and the Indian populace.
Evaluate each option based on its significance as a trigger for a large-scale rebellion. Consider which grievance would affect a broad and influential section of society, like the army.
Racial discrimination and interference with caste/religion were profound grievances affecting a large part of the population, especially the sepoys, making it a major cause.
Eliminate options like illiteracy, gender discrimination, and population, as they were either general societal conditions or not direct causes of conflict with the British.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QJtxqNTSZ31pTyEteHDITO

E6 Applied Sociology for Nurses TK Indrani p. 85-87