In the context of 1857, the term "revolt" refers primarily to uprising of the:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Civilians
Option (1) Sepoys — Incorrect. The uprising of the sepoys is called the mutiny – a collective disobedience of rules and regulations within the armed forces. The word ‘revolt’ is kept for the uprising outside the army.
Option (2) Zamindars — Incorrect. Zamindars did take part, but they were only one group within the civilian population. The term does not refer to them alone.
Option (3) Jagirdars — Incorrect. Jagirdars too were only one part of the civilian population that rose, together with peasants, zamindars and rajas.
Option (4) Civilians — Correct. In the context of 1857, the term revolt refers primarily to the uprising of the civilian population – peasants, zamindars, rajas and jagirdars – while the mutiny was of the sepoys. A revolt is a rebellion of people against established authority and power.
NCERT (2026-27): “Mutiny – a collective disobedience of rules and regulations within the armed forces Revolt – a rebellion of people against established authority and power. The terms ‘revolt’ and ‘rebellion’ can be used synonymously. In the context of the revolt of 1857 the term revolt refers primarily to the uprising of the civilian population (peasants, zamindars, rajas, jagirdars) while the mutiny was of the sepoys.” |