The liberation fight of 1857 is seen in the history of India as a heroic and revolutionary event. The 1857 revolt was the first widespread and strong armed revolution that challenged the establishment of Britain.By keeping the national problems on center stage , the revolution of 1857 challenged the existence of East India company's rule.
The revolution of 1857 was a nationwide, organized struggle for putting an end to the British rule. Although this struggle failed in its mission, its memories and inspiration are still alive in the hearts of common men. Among the Indians a revival followed by the fight for liberation took occurred.
The Indian people realized that there is a difference of interests between them and the British administration and Britishere would never allow Indians to grow in their own interest. The Indian also realised that until they themselves do not wake up and work with the feeling of independence, equality, brotherhood, self respect, unity and national pride, the country will continue to remain under British rule. This realization aroused strong patriotic feeling among Indians .
The reasons for failure of the freedom struggle
The struggle of 1857 did not bring about a positive outcome but it proved to be a milestone in gaining freedom. This revolt did not receive success in full measure because of:
1. Lack of unity and organization - The chief cause of failure of the first war of freedom was lack of unity and organized effort. Neither was there a proper planning for the revolt nor any concrete programmed. This resulted in an unorganized and limited attempt.
2. Lack of leadership - One of the main reasons for failure was lack of powerful leadership so as to be capable of strategizing. Due to the lack of a single capable leadership, this revolt did not succeed in its objective.
3. Traditional and outdated weapons - Indian soldiers had to use traditional weapons like sword, bow and arrow, spear baraha unlike the British soldiers who had modern and sophisticated weapons with a big artillery.
4. Fendal features - In the revolt of 1857, on one side there were 'Samants' of Awadh, Rohilkhand form North India who challenged British forces and on the other side there were rulers of Patiala, Zind, Gwalior and Hyderabad who supported British rulers. As a result the freedom struggle could not succeed in its objective.
5.Unawareness of Bahadur Shah Second - Despite the soldiers declaring Bahadur Shah Zafar-II as their leader, this revolt was as much a surprise to him as it was to British. That's why he was eventually arrested by Lieutenant Hudson and was sent to Rangoon in Burma.
6.Premature outbreak and lack of communication - A major reason for failure was that it broke out prematurely. There could have been better chances of success had this revolt been organised in a planned manner. In propaganda regarding the uprising the leadership failed.
7.Localised revolt - Since the revolt was based on the local issues , Indian messes did not participate in it. only those rulers whose interests were affected played a part in it.
8. No common language of communication - The main reason for failure of this revolt was a lack of a single common language among Indian which led to lack While British soldiers communicated in English alone, of communication.
The gun is a very unfaithful lover; it can change its course at any moment, so there is no confidence.' Mangal Pandey's
Ye history kha se आ गई
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