A rebel proclamation of 1857 urged natives in British service to side…

The correct answer is Option (3) → They had little respect, low pay and no influence, while all posts of dignity went to Englishmen.

Option (1) The British had monopolised trade in fine goods like indigo and cloth, leaving them only the trade of trifles. — Incorrect. This was the complaint the proclamation made on behalf of <strong>merchants</strong>. It promised that all trade would be opened to native merchants, but it is not about men in British service.

Option (2) English articles brought into India had thrown them out of employ and reduced them to beggary. — Incorrect. This was the grievance of <strong>artisans</strong> such as weavers, carpenters and blacksmiths. The proclamation said they would be employed by kings, rajahs and the rich instead.

Option (3) They had little respect, low pay and no influence, while all posts of dignity went to Englishmen. — Correct. The section on <strong>public servants</strong> said natives in the civil and military services had <strong>little respect, low pay and no influence</strong>. High posts went only to Englishmen, so it asked them to leave the British and join the Badshahi Government.

Option (4) Exorbitant revenue demands had ruined them, and their estates were auctioned for arrears of rent. — Incorrect. This was the grievance of <strong>zemindars</strong>. The proclamation blamed heavy Jumas and the auction of estates, and promised light revenue under the Badshahi Government.