In the given question, a statement of Assertion is followed by a statement of Reason. Mark the correct answer.
Assertion: In 1857, in towns and cantonments the sepoys and the common people refused to touch the atta.
Reason: There was a rumour that the atta was mixed with poisonous substances to kill the rebels silently.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option 4 - The Assertion is correct but the Reason is incorrect.
Assertion: In 1857, in towns and cantonments the sepoys and the common people refused to touch the atta. (Correct)
Reason: There was a rumour that the atta was mixed with poisonous substances to kill the rebels silently. (Incorrect)
Correction in Reason- The rumors said the British had mixed the bone dust of cows and pigs into the flour and that the British government had hatched a gigantic conspiracy to destroy the caste and religion of Hindus and Muslims.
In 1857 in North India there was the 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.