‘The War of Independence of 1857 achieved nothing’. Give reasons why you might agree and disagree with this statement. [14] (Past Paper, October 2002: Q1/c)

The war of independence 1857 was a failure. The uprising was successfully crushed by the British troops in all parts of India within a few months. Countless Indians lost their lives. Muslims were victims of worst atrocities after the war ended because the British blamed them responsible for the revolt. They were hanged in large number; their properties were confiscated and many were driven out of jobs. The war brought utter destruction to the still existing powerless Mughal King and the symbolic Mughal Empire.

Although the uprising failed in driving the British out of India, but it won’t be just to say that it achieved nothing. It brought about significant changes in policy and administration of the British government in India. The exploitative role of East India Company came to an end. The subcontinent went under direct control of the British Crown. Constitutional reforms were introduced involving Indians in the affairs of the state on limited scale. The governor-general was to be called Viceroy and a Secretary of State for Indian affairs was nominated with a council of 15 members. These changes were made to address concerns of Indian people. The hated “doctrine of lapse” was abolished which was aimed at grabbing Indian territories.

The war became a historic event promoting nationalism and patriotism in Indians. It created a strong urge in the Indians to break the shackles of slavery. At the same time Indian leaders came to know that the British are too powerful to be overthrown through armed struggle. Therefore, they changed their strategy and started political struggle forming Indian National Congress in 1885 followed by All India Muslim League in 1906. Their urge for freedom culminated in independence of the subcontinent 90 years after the 1857 war.

[Conclusion] Instead of saying “nothing” I would like to say that the war achieved “little” in terms of immediate returns.