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WHAT WAS THE IMMEDIATE CAUSE OF THE REVOLT?

Social Causes:

The social reforms introduced by the British were looked upon with suspicion by the conservative sections of the Indian society. Reforms such as abolition of ‘sati’, legalization of widow remarriage and extension of western education to women were looked upon as examples of interference in the social customs of the country. The social discrimination faced by the Indians due to the British attitude of racial superiority also led to much resentment. Educated Indians were denied promotions and appointments to high office. This turned them against the British.

Economic Causes:

The most important cause of popular discontent was the British policy of economically exploiting India. This hurt all sections of society. The peasants suffered due to high revenue demands and the strict revenue collection policy. Artisans and craftsmen were ruined by the large-scale influx of cheap British manufactured goods into India which, in turn, made their hand-made goods uneconomical to produce. People who made a living by following religious and cultural pursuits lost their source of livelihood due to the withdrawal of royal patronage caused by the displacement of the old ruling classes. A corrupt and unresponsive administration added to the miseries of the people.

Immediate Cause

The new 'Enfield Rifle' introduced by the British in the army needed a special type of cartridge which had a greased paper cover. This paper had to be bitten off before the cartridge was loaded into the rifle -The grease used in the paper was made of beef and pig fat.

This enraged both the Hindu and the Muslim sepoys both the religious communities felt that their religions were at stake. This worked as a spark in the magazine room and the Mutiny began.