Q. Regarding the immediate cause and the initial phase of the 1857 Revolt, consider the following statements:
1.The immediate catalyst was the introduction of the Enfield rifle, which required sepoys to bite off cartridges rumored to be greased with beef and pig fat.
2.The revolt formally began in Meerut on May 10, 1857, following the sentencing of 85 sepoys to 10 years of imprisonment for refusing the cartridges.
3.Upon reaching Delhi, the sepoys declared Mirza Mughal as the Emperor of India to lead the administrative affairs.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: A
Notes:
Explanation:
- Statement 1: Correct. This offended both Hindu and Muslim religious sentiments.
- Statement 2: Correct. The Meerut outbreak was the spark that turned localized sepoy grievances into a massive rebellion.
- Statement 3: Incorrect. The sepoys declared the aged Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah II (Zafar) as the Emperor of India. Mirza Mughal was one of the military commanders, but not the declared Emperor.
