Understanding the 1857 Revolt's Characterization
The quote, "Neither first, nor national nor war of independence," critically assesses the nature of the 1857 Sepoy Mutiny.
RC Majumdar's Historical Interpretation
Renowned historian RC Majumdar is credited with this statement. In his extensive research, particularly in works like 'The Sepoy Mutiny and the Revolt of 1857', Majumdar argued against viewing the uprising as a fully-fledged war for national independence.
- Majumdar contended that the revolt lacked a unified national vision or leadership.
- He characterized it primarily as a large-scale mutiny by the sepoys, albeit with participation from various segments of society affected by the British policies.
- He pointed out the absence of a pan-Indian national consciousness driving the movement.
Contrasting Views
Other prominent figures offered different perspectives:
- Veer Savarkar famously termed the 1857 uprising as the "First War of Indian Independence".
- Jawaharlal Nehru acknowledged its significance as a major challenge to British rule but also noted its limitations in terms of national unity.
- SN Sen, in his official history commissioned by the Indian government, provided a detailed account, often seen as more balanced but acknowledging the widespread nature of the discontent.
Therefore, the specific denial of the revolt being "first, national, or war of independence" is attributed to RC Majumdar.
Similar Questions
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- Who among the following sent a telegram on 6 August 1857 stating, 'Our men are cowed by the numbers opposed to them and the endless fighting. Every village is held against us, the zamindars have risen to oppose us'?
- Tatya Tope was one of the leaders who participated in the Indian rebellion of:
- Which Indian sepoy in the British army played a key part in events immediately preceding the outbreak of the Indian rebellion of 1857?
- What is the full form of BHEL, the famous public sector unit of the Government of India?
- Who ignited the spark of freedom that led to the revolt of 1857?
- In which year was Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi killed in battle?
- India's first struggle for independence started on $10^{\text{th}}$ May 1857 at:
- The 1857 revolt at Lucknow was led by:
- The Sepoy Mutiny or First war of Independence against British rule took place in the year:
Important Questions from The Great Revolt of 1857
Which one of the following statements about the Revolt of 1857 is correct?
Which one of the following statements about the ishtahars issued during the Revolt of 1857 is correct?
Which of the following statements about the first act of the Revolt of 1857 is/are true?
- It occurred in Meerut when two sepoys stole a superior officer's rifle.
- It began when the Rani of Jhansi declared war on the British.
- It began when Mangal Pandey fired at a European officer in Meerut.
- It began when Mangal Pandey fired at a European officer in Barrackpore.
Who among the following was believed to be a leader of the Sanyasis and Fakirs conspiring against the British in 1857?
The Indian Mutiny began from Meerut on 10 May 1857 and ended in:
