An 1857 British journal picture shows the execution of mutineers at Peshawar by blowing them from guns. Who are shown dominating the scene and made to watch the execution?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Mounted soldiers and sepoys in uniform
Option (1) Mounted soldiers and sepoys in uniform — Correct. The picture puts mounted soldiers and uniformed sepoys at the centre. The sepoys are made to watch their fellow sepoys die, so they feel the chilling cost of rebellion.
Option (2) British civilians and their families — Incorrect. The punishment was staged for the army, so that sepoys who might rebel would feel its chilling cost.
Option (3) Taluqdars and village headmen — Incorrect. Taluqdars and village headmen appear in the chapter as rural leaders of the revolt in Awadh. The watchers in this scene were the army.
Option (4) Mughal nobles and court officials — Incorrect. Mughal nobles were linked to the court at Delhi, far from Peshawar. The scene is dominated by the army's own soldiers.
NCERT (2026-27): “5.4 The performance of terror … |