Sepoy Mutiny: Causes, Results & 1858 Act Changes
Key Causes of the Sepoy Mutiny Outbreak
Four main causes for the outbreak of the Sepoy Mutiny are:
Political Cause
The reactionary policies of Lord Dalhousie caused widespread dissatisfaction among the people.
Economic Cause
The removal of the Mughal Emperor’s name from the East India Company’s coins in 1835.
Social Cause
Unrest among the royalty and common people caused by the previous century of British rule.
Religious Cause
Replacing the official Persian language with English in the administration.
Important Results of the Sepoy Mutiny
The Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 brought significant changes in the British government’s approach towards India. These changes can broadly be classified into two categories, namely:
Constitutional Changes
A strong aversion towards the English East India Company was created in the minds of the English public.
Social Changes
- (a) The medieval static state of Indian society ended, and interest grew towards modern Western culture.
- (b) The valor and confidence of the rebel sepoys inspired the people. However, they realized the need for better organization before initiating another national movement.
- (c) Direct British rule fostered a sense of unity among Indians (‘We Indians’). People of diverse castes and races began to see themselves as a single unit.
Administrative Changes: Government of India Act 1858
Following the Sepoy Mutiny, the British government passed an Act named the Government of India Act, 1858.
The administrative changes brought through this Act were:
Change of Authority
With the new act, the administration of India transferred from the English East India Company to the British Crown (i.e., the British Parliament). It also abolished the Board of Control and the Court of Directors, which previously managed Company affairs.
Appointment of Secretary of State for India
A new position, the Secretary of State for India, was created. A 15-member ‘Council of India’ advised the Secretary, comprising 8 members from the British government and 7 from the former East India Company.
Increased Indian Representation
[Note: This point likely refers to later reforms, notably the Government of India Act 1919 or 1935, not 1858] The Act expanded the franchise, allowing more Indians to participate in the electoral process. It increased the number of eligible voters from around 7 million to 35 million, which was about 13% of the total population at that time. This led to a significant increase in the number of Indian representatives in both the central and provincial legislatures.
Separation of Central & Provincial Powers
[Note: This point explicitly refers to the Government of India Act of 1919] The Government of India Act of 1919 clearly demarcated the powers and responsibilities of the central and provincial governments. It provided a list of subjects under the control of the central government, such as defense, foreign affairs, and communications, and another list of subjects under the control of the provincial governments, such as education, health, and local self-government. This aimed to reduce the centralization of power and give more autonomy to the provinces.