Question

The Great Outbreak of 1857 brought about important changes in the character of Indian administration and the future development of the country. In this context discuss:
(a) The changes introduced in the administrative set-up of the British territories in India
(b) India's economic exploitation
(c) Changes in the Army.

Answer 1

Hint: The Revolt of 1857 is also known as the First War of Independence in Indian History. It was an initiative against the East India Company to make India free from British Rule. Though it was an ineffective try to make India free from Britishers yet it provokes some of the optimistic results among Indians.

Complete answer:
The Revolt of 1857 was an initiative against the East India Company. Although it was an unsuccessful attempt to free India from Britishers yet it brings positive results among Indians. The Revolt of 1857 brought significant changes in the life of Indians people. Other major changes are:

a) Changes in the Administration of the country: The significant result of this revolt was the end of the East India Company rule in the country. After this, the administration power of the country transferred in the hands of the British Government

b) India's economic exploitation: The British army controlled the resources of India. They forced Indian workers to export raw materials to Britain and there they used to make products and to sell them in the Indian Market at higher prices. There was no production carried in India. Thus they drained Indian wealth in different ways.

c) Change in the Army: The Army of India was reshuffled so that no such revolt arises in future. The Indians were given some of the ranked positions in the British Army and British officers started dealing with them politely.

Note: The Revolt of 1857 witnessed a lot of changes among Indians and the ruling policy of Britishers. Other major changes include: Change in Religious Policies and the passing of the Vernacular Press Act. The Britishers were much threatened by the unity of Indians so they adopted Divide and Rule Policy to break Indians.