In what ways did the revolt of 1857 evolve into a popular movement with significant involvement from the peasants of Awadh? (10M, 150 words)

Introduction:

• Awadh was a significant region for the East India Company, supplying a large number of military personnel to its army.
• With 75,000 soldiers, nearly every farming family in Awadh was represented in the army, making the region critically important to the Sepoys.
• The ousting of the Nawab and the expropriation of taluqdari villages during the 1856 land revenue settlement triggered widespread discontent. Sepoys submitted over 14,000 petitions about the revenue system’s impact, highlighting the dissatisfaction among peasant families, exemplified by Mangal Pandey.

Body:

• Mangal Pandey joined the East India Company’s army at 22, serving in the 6th Company of the 34th Bengal Native Infantry. He refused to use the newly introduced Enfield rifle, whose cartridges, rumored to be made of animal fat (beef and pork), had to be bitten open.
• The soldiers perceived this as an affront to their religious beliefs, viewing it as a British attempt to undermine their religion and propagate Christianity.
• The blending of identities between soldier and farmer, coupled with widespread public anger against British rule, fueled the rebellion’s expansion across India. For a time, the populace felt liberated from governmental oppression and administrative control.
• In Awadh, the revolt evolved into a popular movement, with participation from both dispossessed taluqdars and peasants who had received land titles in 1856. These groups fought for their ousted Nawab.

Conclusion:

• On September 20, 1857, Delhi fell after intense fighting. Bahadur Shah, who had sought refuge at Humayun’s tomb, was captured, tried, and exiled to Myanmar. The British also dealt with rebels in other regions.
• On June 17, 1858, the Rani of Jhansi died in battle. Nana Saheb refused to surrender, fleeing to Nepal in early 1859 with hopes of reigniting the conflict. Tantiya Tope, who continued guerrilla warfare until April 1859, was betrayed by a zamindar, captured, and executed by the British.
• Thus ended the most formidable challenge the British had faced in India, marking a significant chapter in the struggle for independence.