Question

The First War of Independence of 1857 failed. But, still, it had important consequences for India. Considering this context, answer the following questions:
(a) How did the uprising give rise to the feeling of nationalism in India?
(b) The ending of the East India Company's rule brings in a grave for economic perils. Explain.
(c) How did the British Government try to pacify those feelings of Indians with regard to:
1. their religious practices
2. the Princely States

Answer 1

Hint: The First War of Indian Independence was the time period of rebellions in northern and central India against the ruling of British during 1857–1858. Although, the British usually refer to the rebellion of 1857 as the Indian Mutiny or the Sepoy Mutiny only. But, it is widely acknowledged to be the first-ever united rebellion against the British rule in India.

Complete answer:
a) The uprising of the year 1857 was the first struggle of the Indian people to get freedom from British imperialism. Further, it paved the way for the rise of the national movement. The sacrifices made by many revolutionaries served as the key source of inspiration for future freedom fighters.

b) Britishers were working in the government as well as private organisations in India and hence took away the huge amount of money. Actually, India was one of the major colonies for the Britishers to buy cheap raw materials and to sell their finished goods here. They invested in many industries for-profits, like in plantation, railways, jute mills, etc.

c) (1) Britishers declared their policy of non-interference in the religious affairs as well as the customs & traditions of the Indians.

(2) They also abandoned the policy of Annexation and the Doctrine of Lapse. Due to this many Indian princes had shown their loyalty to the British during the uprising. Hence they were rewarded with the announcement such as they would have the right to adopt an heir.

Note:
The result of the uprising after the first war of independence, was a feeling among the British authority. They thought that they had conquered India and hence were entitled to rule.