After the Revolt of 1857, the British executed rebels in the open rather than in enclosed spaces. Which reason best explains this?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → To instil fear among people
Option (1) To let Indian sepoys see the fairness of British law — Incorrect. The aim was not to show fairness. The open executions were a show of brutal power.
Option (2) To instil fear among people — Correct. Punishment was performed in the open to instil fear among people; carried out quietly in enclosed spaces, it would not frighten anyone.
Option (3) To follow the old practice of the Mughal courts — Incorrect. The British were not copying Mughal custom here. Their aim was to spread fear after the revolt.
Option (4) To save time when many rebels were captured — Incorrect. Speed was not the reason. The punishment was staged theatrically so that many would see it.
NCERT (2026-27): “5.4 The performance of terror … |