Explain the reasons for the failure of the Revolt of 1857.
How to lay out the answer. Follow the frame, then write it in your own words.
1 · Open in one line. The revolt was a big challenge to British rule, but it was crushed within about a year for several reasons.
2 · No unity of purpose. Leaders had different aims: Mughal glory for the Bengal sepoys, Maratha power for Nana Saheb and Tantia Tope, Jhansi for Rani Lakshmi Bai.
3 · Limited spread and loyal groups. It stayed in north and central India; Punjab, Sind and Rajputana kept away, and the Madras and Bombay armies, Sikh states and many rulers helped the British.
4 · Weak leadership. Leaders were brave but not trained generals, fought for their own lands, and no national leader emerged.
5 · Lack of weapons and money. The rebels had old, outdated weapons and little money, and their risings were not coordinated.
6 · British advantages. The telegraph, the post and command of the sea let the British move fast and bring troops from England.
7 · Close in one line. Yet the revolt ended Company rule in 1858 and sowed the seeds of nationalism.
Scoring tip: One reason per step, each with an example. Six named reasons and a one-line close make a full six-mark answer.
