Question

Economic exploitation of the country produced discontent, resentment and resistance among the people that culminated in the great uprising of revolt of 1857
Examine this factor with reference to the following.
A. The ruin of trade and handicrafts.
B. Impoverishment of the cultivators
C. Subordination of Indian Economy to British interests (Making India an Agricultural Colony of British capitalism)

Answer 1

Hint:We will discuss the Great Revolt of the revolt of 1857 . It was also called the Sepoy mutiny. It brought an end to the rule of the East India Company and the ruling power was taken by British crown. It was the first war for Indian Independence.

Complete answer:
There were several reasons for the great revolt of 1857 . Let us discuss some major factors.
a)The ruin of trade and handicrafts. Export of cotton and silk of India was ceased and heavy taxes were implemented. British goods were imported to India at nominal prices. The art of spinning and weaving of Indian handicrafts became extinct.
b) Impoverishment of the cultivators. Only indigo was planted in the selected fields of peasants in India by the British since it was highly profitable. Crops grown other than indigo were destroyed and the cattle of the peasants were taken as punishment.
C) Subordination of Indian Economy to British interests (Making India an Agricultural Colony of British capitalism). India exported cheap products like silk and food grains at a cheaper price which was needed in Britain urgently . Availability of food grains were short in Britain. They were imported from India.
This Economic exploitation of the country produced discontent, resentment and resistance among the people that culminated in the great uprising of revolt of 1857 .

Note:Absence of Unity among the soldiers and other leaders in the Indian Territory resulted, failure of the Great Revolt. Most of the local leaders and middle class people supported the British since they considered British could improve their economic condition. The ruling power of India was transferred to the crown of British Empire from the East Indian Company by the Doctrine of Lapse.