Target Exam

CUET

Subject

History

Chapter

Modern India: Rebels and the Raj

Question:

Which of the following issues against British rule was NOT highlighted in the 'Azamgarh Proclamation'?

Options:

The British imposed exorbitant jumas and disgraced the zamindars.

The British monopolised trade of all fine and valuable merchandise.

The British accorded little respect and low pay to the natives employed in the civil and military services.

The British introduction of English articles increasing the employment of weavers, shoemakers, etc.

Correct Answer:

The British introduction of English articles increasing the employment of weavers, shoemakers, etc.

Explanation:

The correct answer is Option (4) → The British introduction of English articles increasing the employment of weavers, shoemakers, etc.

The Azamgarh Proclamation, 25 August 1857 was one of the main sources of our knowledge about what the rebels wanted:
It is well known to all, that in this age the people of Hindostan, both Hindoos and Mohammedans, are being ruined under the tyranny and the oppression of the infidel and treacherous English.

Content of various sections:

Section I – Regarding Zemindars: s. It is evident, that the British Government in making zemindary settlements have imposed exorbitant Jumas (revenue demand) and have disgraced and ruined several zemindars, by putting up their estates for public auction for arrears of rent, in so much, in the institution of a suit by a common Ryot, a maid servant, or a slave, the respectable zemindars are summoned into court, arrested, put in goal and disgraced.

Section II – Regarding Merchants: It is plain that the infidel and treacherous British Government have monopolised the trade of all the fine and valuable merchandise, such as indigo, cloth, and other articles of shipping, leaving only the trade of trifles to the people, … Besides this, the profits of the traders are taxed, with postages, tolls and subscriptions for schools, etc. 

Section III – Regarding Public Servants: It is not a secret thing, that under the British Government, natives employed in the civil and military services have little respect, low pay, and no manner of influence; and all the posts of dignity and emolument in both the departments are exclusively bestowed on Englishmen.

Section IV – Regarding Artisans: It is evident that the Europeans, by the introduction of English articles into India, have thrown the weavers, the cotton dressers, the carpenters, the blacksmiths, and the shoemakers, etc., out of employ, and have engrossed their occupations, so that every description of native artisan has been reduced to beggary.

Section V – Regarding Pundits: – Regarding Pundits, Fakirs and Other Learned Persons. The pundits and fakirs being the guardians of the Hindoo and Mohammadan religions respectively, and the Europeans being the enemies of both the religions, and as at present a war is raging against the English on account of religion, the pundits and fakirs are bound to present themselves to me, and take their share in the holy war…