Rebels and the Raj: 1857 Revolt and its Representations

Rani Lakshmi Bai, Nana Sahib, Kunwar Singh, Begum Hazrat Mahal

Rani Lakshmi Bai of Jhansi, Nana Sahib (successor to Peshwa), Kunwar Singh (zamindar from Bihar), and Begum Hazrat Mahal (wife of Nawab of Awadh) were all prominent leaders. Raja Ram Mohan Roy was a social reformer, not a revolt leader.

1856

The kingdom of Awadh was formally annexed by the British in 1856, just one year before the revolt began. This annexation was one of the major causes of discontent.

A storeroom for weapons

A bell of arms was a storeroom in which weapons and ammunition were kept. Capturing the bell of arms was often the first act of mutinous sepoys.

Nawab Wajid Ali Shah was exiled, Court culture was dissolved, Taluqdars lost their power, Revenue demand increased

The annexation led to the exile of the popular Nawab, dissolution of court culture affecting many livelihoods, dispossession of taluqdars, and increased revenue demands. British rule became very unpopular, not popular.