Sepoy Rebellion

Glossaries

Term	Definition
Sepoy Rebellion	The Sepoy Rebellion of 1857 was a major uprising against British rule in India, initially led by Indian soldiers employed by the East India Company. The Sepoy Rebellion, also known as the First War of Indian Independence by some historians, broke out in May 1857 in Meerut and quickly spread across northern India. It was triggered by the discontent of sepoys (Indian soldiers serving in the British East India Company’s army) who opposed degrading service conditions and the introduction of cartridges allegedly greased with animal fat—offensive to both Hindus and Muslims. The revolt soon expanded beyond the military sphere, encompassing religious, political, and social grievances. It attracted support from former rulers, peasants, artisans, and displaced nobles seeking to overthrow colonial authority. Key centers of resistance included Delhi, Kanpur, and Lucknow. The British response was marked by harsh repression. Following the uprising, the East India Company was dissolved, and the British Crown took direct control of India, establishing the British Raj in 1858. Synonyms: Sepoy Mutiny

Term

Definition

The Sepoy Rebellion of 1857 was a major uprising against British rule in India, initially led by Indian soldiers employed by the East India Company.

The Sepoy Rebellion, also known as the First War of Indian Independence by some historians, broke out in May 1857 in Meerut and quickly spread across northern India. It was triggered by the discontent of sepoys (Indian soldiers serving in the British East India Company’s army) who opposed degrading service conditions and the introduction of cartridges allegedly greased with animal fat—offensive to both Hindus and Muslims.

The revolt soon expanded beyond the military sphere, encompassing religious, political, and social grievances. It attracted support from former rulers, peasants, artisans, and displaced nobles seeking to overthrow colonial authority. Key centers of resistance included Delhi, Kanpur, and Lucknow.

The British response was marked by harsh repression. Following the uprising, the East India Company was dissolved, and the British Crown took direct control of India, establishing the British Raj in 1858.

Synonyms: Sepoy Mutiny