CBSE Class 8 Answered

Following are the military causes behind the 1857 rebellion:

1. The Indian sepoys were effectively the backbone of the Company army and had been absolutely crucial in the creation of the British Empire in India. However, despite this, the Indians soldiers’ salary was much less than their British colleagues and they could never rise beyond the post of Subedar. Also, the British officers often treated them with disrespect which further increased resentment within the ranks.
2. The General Service Enlistment Act of 1856 mandated that all soldiers had to serve anytime, anywhere, even overseas. Crossing the sea was considered a taboo among the Hindus. This led to tension among the Hindu sepoys of the Company army.
3. The British defeat in the Afghan War dispelled the myth of British invincibility. The Indians realised that if they stood united, the Company government was likely to be defeated.
4. The Indian sepoys greatly outnumbered the British soldiers in the Company army. The numerical superiority of Indians emboldened the sepoys when the revolt finally broke out.