Identify the correct statements regarding the Revolt of 1857.
A. Response to call for action in revolt was reinforced by prophecy of end of British.
B. 'Bell of arms' was a honor received after revolt.
C. British used military power on a gigantic scale in suppression of the revolt.
D. Rebels sepoys from Meerut went to Shah Mal to assume leadership of revolt.
E. Rebellion was seen as a war between both Hindus and Muslims.

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
1. A, B only
2. B, C only
3. D, E only
4. A, C only

4

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.

The Bell of arms was not an hour but the place where the arms and ammunition were kept.

To suppress the revolt the British used military power on a gigantic scale. But this was not the only instrument they used. In large parts of present-day Uttar Pradesh, where big landholders and peasants had offered united resistance, the British tried to break up the unity by promising to give back to the big landholders their estates.

Shah Mal mobilised the villagers of pargana Barout in Uttar Pradesh; not Meerut in the revolt of 1857.

Rebellion was not seen as a war between both Hindus and Muslims. The rebellion was seen as a war in which both Hindus and Muslims had equally to lose or gain.