For more than a year the rebels fought on, but in the end they could not withstand the onslaught of a more effective army.5Ĭomplete British rule over India began during 1857 with the repression of the Sepoy rebellion, by this time the British had already introduced their political, social and economic ideals to India because of the influence of the East India trade company. In some areas the local Indian landowners were also attacked whilst in other areas landowners joined the rebellion, angered by the pressure of rising taxation. Government buildings were destroyed, treasuries were plundered, barracks and court houses were burnt and prison gates flung open. Once the Sepoys' revolt began, peasants rose en mass as accumulated grievances, particularly against excessive taxes, found expression in a challenge to British rule.

The causes of revolt in the army were many, from feelings that soldiers' religious beliefs were being abused to racial abuse and discrimination. Soldiers defied and killed their European officers, Delhi was captured by the rebels and rebellion broke out all over north, central and western India.

The revolt of 1857 combined an army mutiny with peasant revolt.

Sepoy mutiny quizlet