👉 First major uprising against British rule in India

📅 Basic Facts

• 📆 Year: 1857
• 📍 Started at: Meerut
• 👑 Mughal Emperor declared leader: Bahadur Shah Zafar
• Also called:
  • Sepoy Mutiny
  • First War of Independence (by V. D. Savarkar)

🔥 Causes of Revolt

1. Political Causes

• Doctrine of Lapse by Lord Dalhousie
• Annexation of Indian states (Jhansi, Satara, etc.)

2. Economic Causes

• Heavy taxes on farmers
• Decline of artisans & industries

3. Military Causes

• Discrimination against Indian soldiers
• Low salaries and no promotions

4. Religious & Social Causes

• Fear of forced Christianization
• Social reforms seen as interference

5. Immediate Cause

• Introduction of Enfield Rifle cartridges rumored to be greased with cow & pig fat

⚔️ Major Centers & Leaders

⚔️ Course of Revolt

• Started at Meerut, spread to North & Central India
• Rebels captured Delhi
• British slowly suppressed revolt using military strength

❌ Causes of Failure

• Lack of unity among leaders
• Limited to North India
• No common goal or planning
• Modern weapons & organization of British

📜 Results of Revolt

1. End of Company Rule

• East India Company rule ended

2. Beginning of Crown Rule

• Power transferred to British Crown (1858)

3. Changes in Administration

• Policy of non-interference in religion
• Army restructured

🎯 Importance (Exam Point)

• First large-scale revolt against British
• Showed unity among Indians
• Marked beginning of freedom struggle

🧠 One-Line Revision

👉 “Revolt of 1857 was the first major uprising against British rule but failed due to lack of unity and planning.”