Read the passage and answer the question: The reason for the similarity in the pattern of the revolt in different places lies partly in its planning and coordination. It is clear that there was communication between the sepoy lines of various cantonments. After the 7th Awadh Irregular Cavalry had refused to accept the new cartridges in early May, they wrote to the 48th Native Infantry that “they had acted for the faith and awaited the 48th’s orders”. Sepoys or their emissaries moved from one station to another. People were thus planning and talking about the rebellion. |
According to one of the 'prophecies', the British rule was predicted to end at the centenary of which of the following events? |
Battle of Buxar Battle of Plassey Battle of Chinhat Battle of Haldighati |
Battle of Plassey |
The correct answer is Option 2 - Battle of Plassey There was a prophecy that British rule would come to an end on the centenary of the Battle of Plassey, on 23 June 1857. There were many rumours that were circulating in North India at the beginning of 1857. There was a rumour that the British government had hatched a gigantic conspiracy to destroy the caste and religion of Hindus and Muslims. To this end, the rumours said, the British had mixed the bone dust of cows and pigs into the flour that was sold in the market. In towns and cantonments, sepoys and the common people refused to touch the atta. There was fear and suspicion that the British wanted to convert Indians to Christianity. Panic spread fast. British officers tried to allay their fears, but in vain. These fears stirred men to action. The response to the call for action was reinforced by the prophecy that British rule would come to an end on the centenary of the Battle of Plassey, on 23 June 1857. |