Read the following Passage and answer the questions The wirters who profess to write the history of the Revolution that was enacted in India in 1857 do not try to discuss the real causes that led to it. On all great religious and political revolutions it is impossible to connect together the links apparently inconsistent without thoroughly understanding the principles which are at work. Mazzini in a critical article on Carlyle's French Revolution has said that every revolution must have a fundamental principle. A revolutionary movement cannot be based on flimsy and momentary grievances. What types of mistakes the English authors have committed in writing the history of Revolutionary war. Their accounts have been based on misleading and unjust ideas one which changes or distorts the whole spirit of Revolution is the device of The English historian of namely describing the rumour of greased cartridges as the moving cause of the Revolt. Equally misleading is the theory that the rising was due to the annexation of Oudh. The great principles were Swadharma and Swaraj. In the thundering room of 'Din Din' which rose to protect religion when there were evident signs of cunning, dangerous and disruptive attack on religion dearer than life and in terrific blows dealt at chains of slavery with holy desire of acquiring Swaraj. In the proclamiation of the establishment of Swaraj. The emperor of Delhi says, Hindus and Mohomedans of India, Arise Brethren of all the gifts of God the most gracious is the gift of God.
Who gave the call to the Hindus and the Muslims to rise together for Swaraj?
Bahadur Shah Jafar
Understanding the 1857 Revolution and the Call for Swaraj
The passage discusses the true causes of the Indian Revolution of 1857, contrasting them with the explanations often given by English historians. According to the passage, the real driving forces behind this significant uprising were the principles of Swadharma (one's own religion) and Swaraj (self-rule).
The passage highlights how English writers supposedly focused on superficial reasons like the rumour of greased cartridges or the annexation of Oudh, missing the deeper commitment to protecting religion and achieving self-governance that fueled the revolutionaries.
Identifying the Leader Who Called for Unity and Swaraj
The question asks specifically who, according to the passage, issued a call for Hindus and Muslims to unite and rise together for Swaraj. We need to locate the part of the passage that describes such a call.
The passage states:
"In the proclamiation of the establishment of Swaraj. The emperor of Delhi says, Hindus and Mohomedans of India, Arise Brethren of all the gifts of God the most gracious is the gift of God."
This sentence clearly indicates that "The emperor of Delhi" made a proclamation "in the establishment of Swaraj" and called upon "Hindus and Mohomedans of India" to "Arise".
Historically, Bahadur Shah Zafar was the Emperor of Delhi during the 1857 uprising. Therefore, based on the information provided in the passage, the call to Hindus and Muslims to rise together for Swaraj was given by the Emperor of Delhi, identified in the options as Bahadur Shah Jafar.
Analyzing the Options
Let's look at the given options in the context of the passage:
- Nana Saheb: While Nana Saheb was a prominent leader in the 1857 revolt, the passage does not attribute this specific proclamation calling Hindus and Muslims to rise for Swaraj to him.
- Maulvi Azimullah: Maulvi Azimullah Khan was an associate of Nana Saheb and played a key role, but the passage does not mention him issuing this call.
- Bahadur Shah Jafar: The passage explicitly states, "The emperor of Delhi says, Hindus and Mohomedans of India, Arise...". Bahadur Shah Zafar was the Emperor of Delhi during the revolt. This directly matches the passage's description of who made the call for unity and Swaraj.
- Begum Hazrat Mahal: Begum Hazrat Mahal was a significant figure in the revolt, leading forces in Awadh, but the passage does not state that she issued the specific proclamation mentioned.
Based solely on the text provided in the passage, the person who gave the call to the Hindus and the Muslims to rise together for Swaraj was the Emperor of Delhi, identified as Bahadur Shah Jafar in the options.
Conclusion on the Call for Swaraj Unity
The passage provides a clear statement attributing the call for Hindu-Muslim unity and the fight for Swaraj to "The emperor of Delhi". Matching this with the options provided, Bahadur Shah Jafar, being the Emperor of Delhi during the 1857 Revolution, is the individual described as making this call according to the text.
Revision Table: Key Leaders of 1857 Revolt
| Leader | Area of Operation | Role in Revolt (General) |
|---|---|---|
| Bahadur Shah Zafar | Delhi | Nominal head of the rebellion, Emperor |
| Nana Saheb | Kanpur | Led the revolt in Kanpur |
| Begum Hazrat Mahal | Lucknow (Awadh) | Led the rebellion in Lucknow |
| Rani Lakshmibai | Jhansi | Led the revolt in Jhansi |
| Tatya Tope | Kanpur, Central India | Military leader, key associate of Nana Saheb and Rani Lakshmibai |
| Maulvi Ahmadullah Shah | Faizabad | Prominent leader and strategist |
Additional Information on Swadharma and Swaraj
The passage emphasizes 'Swadharma' and 'Swaraj' as the fundamental principles of the 1857 Revolution, contrasting them with what it calls the "misleading" and "unjust" ideas presented by some English historians. Understanding these concepts is crucial to appreciating the perspective presented in the passage.
- Swadharma: This term refers to 'one's own duty' or 'one's own religion/righteous path'. In the context of the 1857 revolt, it implies the defence of their religious beliefs and practices which were perceived to be under threat by the British policies. The passage mentions the "thundering room of 'Din Din'" (referring to religion) rising to protect religion when there were "evident signs of cunning, dangerous and disruptive attack on religion dearer than life".
- Swaraj: This term translates to 'self-rule' or 'self-governance'. It represents the desire to overthrow foreign rule and establish Indian authority. The passage links the "terrific blows dealt at chains of slavery" with the "holy desire of acquiring Swaraj". It portrays the uprising not merely as a reaction to specific grievances but as a movement aimed at regaining control over their own land and destiny.
These two principles, according to the passage, were the true "great principles" that motivated the participants of the 1857 Revolution, making it a profound religious and political movement rather than just a mutiny over cartridges or annexations.
Important Questions from French Revolution and ahead
In which battle was Napoleon defeated?
Artist Frederic Sorrieu, who painted the idea of Democracy and Social Republic, belonged to which country?
Who is the critical of Carlyle’s account of the French Revolution?
Which is incorrect about the history writing of the Revolt?
Which amongst the following was the moving cause of the Revolt?
