When People Rebel Class 8 SST, PDF Notes

The chapter When People Rebel explains how the people of India stood up against British rule in 1857. This event is known as the first major struggle for freedom. It was not just a revolt by soldiers but a movement where rulers, peasants, and common people joined hands against injustice.

The Beginning of Discontent

In When People Rebel, we learn that British policies slowly took away the power of Indian rulers. The British East India Company used the Subsidiary Alliance and Doctrine of Lapse to control Indian kingdoms. Rulers like Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi and Nawab Wajid Ali Shah of Awadh lost their kingdoms because of these unfair rules. The Nawabs, who once had power, became pensioners under British control.

Suffering of Peasants and Soldiers

The chapter When People Rebel also shows how peasants and soldiers suffered under British rule. The British collected heavy taxes even during bad harvests. Farmers lost their land when they could not pay. The soldiers, known as sepoys, were treated badly. They were given low pay and were forced to do odd jobs. The British did not respect their religion or culture. This made the soldiers angry and hopeless.

Reforms and Growing Anger

In When People Rebel, we see that British reforms also created fear and confusion. The British banned some social practices like Sati and supported widow remarriage. Although these reforms were helpful, many Indians felt that the British were interfering in their religion. Christian missionaries started converting people, which created more distrust.

The Spark of the Revolt

When People Rebel explains that the real trigger of the revolt was the cartridge issue. The soldiers had to use rifle cartridges greased with cow and pig fat. This hurt both Hindu and Muslim beliefs. A soldier named Mangal Pandey protested against it. He was executed by the British, which made other soldiers very angry.

The revolt began in Meerut in May 1857. The soldiers attacked British officers and then went to Delhi. There, they declared Bahadur Shah Zafar as their leader. When People Rebel describes how the revolt quickly spread to many parts of India like Kanpur, Lucknow, Jhansi, and Gwalior.

Brave Leaders of the Revolt

In When People Rebel, several leaders stood out for their courage.

• Rani Lakshmibai fought bravely to protect Jhansi.
• Begum Hazrat Mahal led the fight in Lucknow.
• Nana Sahib led the revolt in Kanpur.
• Tatya Tope continued to fight using guerrilla tactics.

These leaders inspired many Indians to fight against British power.

The British Response

According to When People Rebel, the British brought in more troops from England to stop the revolt. They punished anyone who opposed them. By 1859, the revolt was completely crushed. Bahadur Shah Zafar was sent to Rangoon, and many Indian leaders lost their lives.

Results and Changes

After the revolt, When People Rebel tells us that the British government ended the rule of the East India Company. The control of India was given directly to the British Crown. The Government of India Act 1858 was passed. The British promised not to interfere in Indian religions and allowed rulers to keep their kingdoms if they remained loyal.