Department of History, Vidyant Hindu P.G. College, Lucknow University, Lucknow, India.
The revolt of 1857 was one of the primary and severe outbursts of resentment and discontent accumulated in the hearts of various sections of the Indian society ever since the inception of the British rule in Bengal, following the Battle of Plassey in 1757. British historians like Alexander Llewellyn were of the opinion that the events of 1857 qualified a military coup. However many Indian historians did not share his views and believed that the Revolt of 1857 was not merely a “Sepoy mutiny” and had a tremendous effect on the social, religious and economic fabric of the country. P.C. Joshi and Bipin Chandra were of the opinion that religious factors played a major role in the Revolt of 1857. The economic conditions prevailing at that time too gave a national colour to the revolt. P.C. Joshi observes that almost all the classes were deprived of their productive professions. Several varied opinions have been put forth by different historians with regard to whether the Revolt of 1857 was a mere sepoy mutiny or it qualifies as the First war of independence. Opinions and theories do differ but what is remarkable about the Revolt of 1857 is that it played a vital role in bringing together Indians from all walks of life and acquainting them with the concept of belonging to one country.
