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Home / IAS Preparation / Leaders of Revolt of 1857

Leaders of Revolt of 1857 – Heroes of India's First War of Independence

Last Updated on Feb 19, 2025
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The leaders of revolt of 1857 played a major role in India’s first war of independence. The leaders of revolt of 1857 UPSC topic is important for history students and competitive exams. The revolt was the first large-scale armed struggle against British rule in India. It started in 1857 and spread across many regions. Many brave leaders led the fight against British forces. These leaders belonged to different backgrounds, including rulers, soldiers, and common people. The revolt had multiple causes, including British policies, economic hardships, and social unrest. Though the rebellion was crushed, it ignited the spirit of freedom in India.

Leaders of Revolt of 1857" is an important topic in General Studies Paper I of the UPSC Mains. It covers key figures like Rani Lakshmibai, Bahadur Shah Zafar, Nana Sahib, and Tatya Tope, their role in the uprising, causes, failures, British retaliation, and its lasting impact on India's freedom movement.

Read notes on Political and Economic Factors of the Revolt of 1857 for upsc Preparation!

Background of the 1857 Revolt

The 1857 Revolt was India’s first major uprising against British rule. It stemmed from political annexation, economic exploitation, social unrest, and military grievances, uniting diverse groups against colonial oppression, though ultimately unsuccessful.

  • The 1857 uprising was a dangerous mix of military and civilian revolt that threatened British rule in northern and central India.
  • The revolt began in earnest on 29th March 1857 in Barrackpore near Calcutta when a sepoy named Mangal Pandey killed a European officer.
  • The revolt quickly spread from the infantry to the cavalry and then to the city, with the general population joining the sepoys.
  • Mangal Pandey was subsequently arrested, tried, and executed, leading to the disbandment of the Barrackpore regiments.
  • News of Mangal Pandey's actions spread across the country, sparking open revolts in multiple locations.
  • The most significant uprising took place in Meerut, where 85 sepoys were sentenced to 2-10 years imprisonment for refusing to use greased cartridges. This led to a mutiny on 10th May 1857, with the rebels marching towards Delhi.
  • The rebels seized control of Delhi, declared Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah as the emperor of India, and the revolt spread further from there.

Read Notes on Social Causes of the Revolt of 1857 for UPSC Preparation!

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Causes of the Revolt of 1857

Several reasons led to the uprising. The British introduced unfair policies that affected the lives of Indians.

Political Causes

  • The British introduced the Doctrine of Lapse. This policy allowed them to take control of princely states that had no direct heir.
  • Many rulers lost their kingdoms due to this policy. Examples include Jhansi, Satara, and Nagpur.
  • Indian rulers felt betrayed by the British.

Economic Causes

  • Heavy taxation ruined Indian farmers. Many lost their lands and became poor.
  • British industries replaced Indian handicrafts, leading to job losses.
  • Soldiers in the British army were paid less than British officers.

Social and Religious Causes

  • The British disrespected Indian customs and traditions.
  • The introduction of new laws challenged Indian religious practices.
  • The use of animal fat in cartridges angered Hindu and Muslim soldiers.

Military Causes

  • Indian soldiers faced discrimination in the army.
  • They were not allowed to hold high ranks.
  • The British forced Indian soldiers to serve in foreign lands.

Read notes on The Immediate Factors of the Revolt of 1857 for UPSC Preparation!

Major Leaders of the Revolt of 1857

Several brave warriors and rulers led the uprising. These leaders of revolt of 1857 inspired people to fight against British rule.

Leaders and their Revolt Centres

Leaders of the 1857 Revolt

Centres of Revolt

General Bakht Khan

Delhi

Nana Saheb

Kanpur

Begum Hazrat Mahal

Lucknow

Khan Bahadur

Bareilly

Kunwar Singh

Bihar

Maulvi Ahmadullah

Faizabad

Rani Laxmibai

Jhansi

Rani Lakshmibai – The Warrior Queen of Jhansi

Rani Lakshmibai was one of the most famous leaders of revolt of 1857. She fought bravely against the British.

  • She was the queen of Jhansi.
  • The British refused to recognize her adopted son as the heir to the throne.
  • She led a strong resistance against British forces.
  • She fought with great courage and died on the battlefield.
  • Her bravery inspired many freedom fighters in later years.

Bahadur Shah Zafar – The Last Mughal Emperor

Bahadur Shah Zafar played an important role as one of the leaders of revolt of 1857.

  • The rebels declared him their leader.
  • He ruled only in name, but the rebels saw him as a symbol of unity.
  • The British arrested him after the revolt and sent him to Burma.
  • His sons were killed by the British.
  • His leadership gave the revolt a national identity.

Nana Sahib – The Rebel of Kanpur

Nana Sahib was a major leader of revolt of 1857 in Kanpur.

  • He was the adopted son of Peshwa Baji Rao II.
  • The British stopped his pension after his father’s death.
  • He led the uprising in Kanpur.
  • His army captured Kanpur from the British.
  • The British recaptured Kanpur, and he escaped to Nepal.

Tatya Tope – The Brilliant Strategist

Tatya Tope was one of the greatest leaders of revolt of 1857.

  • He was a close ally of Nana Sahib.
  • He was known for his excellent military skills.
  • He helped recapture Kanpur from the British.
  • He fought several battles against British forces.
  • The British later captured and executed him.

Kunwar Singh – The Lion of Bihar

Kunwar Singh was a fearless leader of revolt of 1857 in Bihar.

  • He was an old but determined warrior.
  • He led the revolt in Bihar and fought bravely.
  • Despite his age, he continued fighting even after losing one hand.
  • His army attacked British positions in many places.
  • He died after months of battle but became a legend in history.

Begum Hazrat Mahal – The Queen of Awadh

Begum Hazrat Mahal was an influential leader of revolt of 1857 in Lucknow.

  • She was the wife of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah.
  • The British took control of Awadh, forcing her to fight back.
  • She led a strong resistance against British rule.
  • She played an important role in uniting Indian forces.
  • She later took refuge in Nepal after the British victory.

Read notes on Revolt of 1857 for UPSC Preparation!

Failure of the Revolt of 1857

Despite the bravery of the leaders of revolt of 1857, the revolt failed due to several reasons.

Lack of Unity

  • The rebels lacked coordination.
  • Different regions fought separately without a common plan.
  • Some Indian rulers supported the British instead of joining the revolt.

Superior British Army

  • The British had better weapons and training.
  • They received reinforcements from other countries.
  • Their modern army crushed the rebellion.

Weak Leadership

  • Many leaders of revolt of 1857 were local rulers with limited military experience.
  • They could not create a strong central command.
  • The British quickly regained control of lost areas.

Lack of Resources

  • The rebels lacked weapons and ammunition.
  • The British controlled important resources.
  • The rebels ran out of supplies and lost the war.

Impact of the Revolt of 1857

Even though the revolt failed, it had a lasting impact.

End of Mughal Rule

  • The British removed Bahadur Shah Zafar from power.
  • The Mughal Empire officially ended.

British Government Takes Control

  • The British Crown took direct control of India from the East India Company.
  • New policies were introduced to prevent future revolts.

Strengthened Indian Nationalism

  • The revolt inspired future freedom movements.
  • Indians realised the need for unity to fight the British.

Read Leaders of Revolt of 1857 upsc notes pdf!

Conclusion

The leaders of the revolt of 1857 showed great courage and sacrificed their lives for freedom. Though the revolt failed, it was the first strong challenge to British rule. The leaders of revolt of 1857 UPSC topic is important for students preparing for exams. Their bravery continues to inspire people even today. The revolt was a turning point in India's history, paving the way for the freedom struggle.

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Leaders of Revolt of 1857 UPSC FAQs

The rebels declared Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last Mughal emperor, as their leader. Though he had little power, he became a symbol of unity. After the revolt failed, the British exiled him to Burma.

Nana Sahib led the Kanpur rebellion. He opposed the British after they stopped his pension. His forces captured Kanpur, but the British later retook the city. He escaped and was never found.

Tatya Tope was a skilled military leader and close ally of Nana Sahib. He fought several battles using guerrilla tactics. The British later captured and executed him.

The main leaders of revolt of 1857 were Rani Lakshmibai (Jhansi), Bahadur Shah Zafar (Delhi), Nana Sahib (Kanpur), Tatya Tope, Kunwar Singh (Bihar), and Begum Hazrat Mahal (Lucknow). They led resistance movements against British rule in different regions.

Rani Lakshmibai led the rebellion in Jhansi. She fought bravely after the British refused to recognize her adopted son as the ruler. She defended her kingdom fiercely but was eventually killed in battle.
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