📜 English Passage: The Revolt of 1857 – First War of Indian Independence
The Revolt of 1857, often referred to as the First War of Indian Independence, marked a significant milestone in the history of India’s struggle against British colonialism. Though initially dismissed by the British as a mere sepoy mutiny, the uprising was, in fact, a widespread and spirited reaction to years of oppressive rule, economic exploitation, and cultural insensitivity.
The immediate cause of the revolt was the introduction of the new Enfield rifle. Rumors spread among Indian soldiers that the cartridges used in the rifle were greased with the fat of cows and pigs—sacred to Hindus and forbidden to Muslims. This insult to religious sentiments triggered the spark of rebellion in the British Indian Army, particularly in Meerut. On May 10, 1857, the sepoys revolted, and the flames of the uprising soon spread to Delhi, Kanpur, Lucknow, Jhansi, and other major centers.
However, the revolt was not merely a reaction to the cartridges. The deeper causes were rooted in a series of policies and actions imposed by the British that disrupted the traditional Indian socio-economic fabric. The Doctrine of Lapse, introduced by Lord Dalhousie, deprived Indian rulers of their kingdoms if they did not have a biological heir. This policy created widespread resentment among the Indian aristocracy. Similarly, high land taxes and the destruction of traditional crafts and industries under British economic policy impoverished peasants and artisans.
The revolt brought together a diverse group of participants—soldiers, peasants, artisans, and dispossessed rulers. Leaders like Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi, Bahadur Shah Zafar in Delhi, Tantia Tope in Kanpur, and Begum Hazrat Mahal in Lucknow became symbols of resistance. Their bravery and sacrifices became inspirational chapters in the Indian freedom struggle.
Despite the intensity of the uprising, the revolt lacked coordination, modern communication, and a unified leadership. Different regions acted independently, and there was no single goal or strategy. Moreover, the British, with superior military strength, regained control by 1858. The failure of the revolt led to significant administrative changes. The British East India Company was abolished, and governance was transferred directly to the British Crown. Queen Victoria issued a proclamation in 1858 promising non-interference in Indian religious and social customs, and equality before law.
Although the revolt was suppressed, its legacy lived on. It ignited a spirit of nationalism and resistance, which later movements under leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Mahatma Gandhi, and Subhas Chandra Bose would build upon. The Revolt of 1857 is not only remembered for its immediate impact but also for planting the seeds of a broader freedom movement that eventually led to India’s independence in 1947.
🌐 हिंदी अनुवाद: 1857 का विद्रोह – भारत की स्वतंत्रता की पहली लड़ाई
1857 का विद्रोह, जिसे भारत की स्वतंत्रता की पहली लड़ाई के रूप में जाना जाता है, ब्रिटिश औपनिवेशिक शासन के खिलाफ भारत के संघर्ष में एक महत्वपूर्ण मील का पत्थर था। भले ही ब्रिटिशों ने इसे एक "सिपाही विद्रोह" कहकर खारिज करने की कोशिश की, यह विद्रोह वास्तव में वर्षों से चले आ रहे दमनकारी शासन, आर्थिक शोषण और सांस्कृतिक असंवेदनशीलता के खिलाफ एक व्यापक और जोशीला प्रतिकार था।
इस विद्रोह का तात्कालिक कारण एनफील्ड राइफल का परिचय था। सैनिकों के बीच यह अफवाह फैल गई कि इन राइफलों में इस्तेमाल होने वाले कारतूस गाय और सूअर की चर्बी से बने हैं—जो हिंदुओं के लिए पवित्र और मुसलमानों के लिए वर्जित थी। धार्मिक भावनाओं का यह अपमान मेरठ में ब्रिटिश भारतीय सेना के सिपाहियों में विद्रोह का कारण बना। 10 मई 1857 को मेरठ के सिपाहियों ने विद्रोह कर दिया और यह आग जल्द ही दिल्ली, कानपुर, लखनऊ, झांसी और अन्य प्रमुख केंद्रों तक फैल गई।
लेकिन यह विद्रोह केवल कारतूसों की वजह से नहीं था। इसके गहरे कारण ब्रिटिश नीतियों में छिपे थे, जिन्होंने भारतीय सामाजिक और आर्थिक ढांचे को तोड़ दिया था। लॉर्ड डलहौजी द्वारा लागू की गई 'लैप्स की नीति' (Doctrine of Lapse) के तहत जिन राजाओं का कोई जैविक उत्तराधिकारी नहीं था, उनकी रियासतें जब्त कर ली जाती थीं। इस नीति ने भारतीय राजाओं में असंतोष भर दिया। इसी तरह, उच्च कर प्रणाली और पारंपरिक उद्योगों का विनाश किसानों और कारीगरों को गरीबी में धकेलता चला गया।
इस विद्रोह में सैनिक, किसान, कारीगर और गद्दीच्युत शासक सब शामिल थे। रानी लक्ष्मीबाई, बहादुर शाह ज़फ़र, तात्या टोपे, और बेगम हज़रत महल जैसे नेताओं ने प्रतिरोध का प्रतीक बनकर वीरता और बलिदान की नई मिसालें पेश कीं।
हालाँकि विद्रोह जबरदस्त था, लेकिन उसमें समन्वय, आधुनिक संचार प्रणाली और एकीकृत नेतृत्व की कमी थी। विभिन्न क्षेत्रों ने अपने-अपने हिसाब से विद्रोह किया और कोई स्पष्ट रणनीति नहीं थी। ब्रिटिश सेना की ताकत के आगे 1858 तक विद्रोह दबा दिया गया। इसके बाद ब्रिटिश प्रशासनिक ढांचे में बड़े बदलाव हुए। ईस्ट इंडिया कंपनी को समाप्त कर भारत का शासन सीधे ब्रिटिश क्राउन को सौंप दिया गया। 1858 में रानी विक्टोरिया ने घोषणा की कि भारतीय धार्मिक और सामाजिक व्यवस्थाओं में हस्तक्षेप नहीं किया जाएगा और कानून की नजर में सभी समान होंगे।
यद्यपि यह विद्रोह विफल हो गया, लेकिन इसने राष्ट्रवाद की भावना को जन्म दिया। आगे चलकर तिलक, गांधी और सुभाष चंद्र बोस जैसे नेताओं ने इसी भावना को आगे बढ़ाया। 1857 का विद्रोह न केवल तत्काल प्रभाव के लिए, बल्कि उस बीज के रूप में भी याद किया जाता है जिसने 1947 की स्वतंत्रता की नींव रखी।
✍️ English Quiz – 1857 Revolt
🟩 Synonyms (1–5):
1. Choose the synonym of "milestone"
A) Obstacle
B) Turning point
C) Weapon
D) Failure
2. Choose the synonym of "exploitation"
A) Employment
B) Development
C) Abuse
D) Management
3. Choose the synonym of "insensitive"
A) Cold
B) Kind
C) Generous
D) Caring
4. Choose the synonym of "triggered"
A) Controlled
B) Started
C) Stopped
D) Denied
5. Choose the synonym of "legacy"
A) Inheritance
B) Lie
C) Law
D) Punishment
🟥 Antonyms (6–10):
6. Choose the antonym of "oppressive"
A) Cruel
B) Harsh
C) Kind
D) Severe
7. Choose the antonym of "resistance"
A) Revolt
B) Surrender
C) Protest
D) Refusal
8. Choose the antonym of "widespread"
A) Common
B) Localized
C) Global
D) Huge
9. Choose the antonym of "bravery"
A) Honor
B) Fear
C) Courage
D) Pride
10. Choose the antonym of "coordination"
A) Unity
B) Harmony
C) Disorder
D) Cooperation
🟨 Spot the Error (11–15):
11. The revolt of 1857 were led by brave leaders.
A) The revolt
B) of 1857
C) were led
D) by brave leaders
12. There was many causes behind the rebellion.
A) There
B) was
C) many causes
D) behind the rebellion
13. British rule has exploit India’s economy for decades.
A) British rule
B) has exploit
C) India’s economy
D) for decades
14. Rani Lakshmibai fight bravely against the British.
A) Rani Lakshmibai
B) fight
C) bravely
D) against the British
15. The soldiers refused to used the greased cartridges.
A) The soldiers
B) refused
C) to used
D) the greased cartridges
🟦 Narration (16–20):
16. He said, “The rebellion started in Meerut.”
A) He said the rebellion starts in Meerut.
B) He said the rebellion had started in Meerut.
C) He says the rebellion started in Meerut.
D) He told that rebellion starts.
17. She said, “I admire Rani Lakshmibai’s courage.”
A) She said that she admired Rani Lakshmibai’s courage.
B) She said that she admires Rani Lakshmibai’s courage.
C) She told she admire Rani Lakshmibai.
D) She says she admire the courage.
18. They said, “The revolt was due to injustice.”
A) They said the revolt due to injustice.
B) They said that the revolt is due to injustice.
C) They said that the revolt was due to injustice.
D) They told revolt was unfair.
19. The historian said, “Bahadur Shah Zafar was the symbolic leader.”
A) The historian says Bahadur Shah Zafar was the leader.
B) The historian said that Bahadur Shah Zafar is the leader.
C) The historian said that Bahadur Shah Zafar had been the symbolic leader.
D) The historian said that Bahadur Shah Zafar was the symbolic leader.
20. The teacher said, “India’s first war for independence failed.”
A) The teacher said that India’s first war for independence failed.
B) The teacher said India’s first war is failed.
C) The teacher told that first war failed.
D) The teacher says that it was fail.
🟧 Active–Passive Voice (21–25):
21. The British abolished the East India Company.
A) The East India Company is abolished.
B) The East India Company was abolished by the British.
C) East India Company abolished by British.
D) The East India Company has abolished.
22. Rebels captured the city of Kanpur.
A) The city of Kanpur captured by rebels.
B) Rebels were captured the city.
C) The city of Kanpur was captured by rebels.
D) City of Kanpur was capture.
23. Queen Victoria issued a proclamation.
A) A proclamation was issued by Queen Victoria.
B) Queen Victoria was issuing proclamation.
C) A proclamation had issued.
D) A proclamation was Queen Victoria issue.
24. The revolution inspired future generations.
A) Future generations were inspire.
B) Future generations inspired the revolution.
C) Future generations are being inspired.
D) Future generations were inspired by the revolution.
25. The soldiers denied using the cartridges.
A) Using the cartridges was denied by the soldiers.
B) The cartridges were denied by soldiers.
C) The soldiers were denied using cartridges.
D) Using was denied by them.
🟪 Para-Jumble (26–30):
Choose the correct order:
26.
A) Introduced Doctrine of Lapse
B) Dalhousie ruled India
C) Indian rulers protested
D) British annexed kingdoms
Options:
A) B-A-D-C
B) A-B-C-D
C) B-C-A-D
D) C-B-A-D
27.
A) Rani Lakshmibai
B) Died fighting bravely
C) Refused to surrender
D) Against British troops
Options:
A) A-C-D-B
B) C-A-D-B
C) B-D-C-A
D) D-A-B-C
28.
A) Cartridges had animal fat
B) Sparked outrage
C) Religious sentiments hurt
D) Led to rebellion
Options:
A) A-B-C-D
B) C-A-B-D
C) A-C-B-D
D) B-A-C-D
29.
A) British suppressed revolt
B) Heavy losses occurred
C) Rebels fought bravely
D) Many arrested or hanged
Options:
A) C-B-D-A
B) B-A-C-D
C) C-A-B-D
D) A-C-B-D
30.
A) Inspired by 1857
B) Gandhi and Bose
C) Nationalism spread
D) Led mass movements
Options:
A) A-B-C-D
B) C-A-B-D
C) A-C-B-D
D) B-A-C-D
✅ Answers & Bilingual Explanations
1. B) Turning point
EN: "Milestone" means a significant point in progress.
HI: "Milestone" का अर्थ है एक महत्वपूर्ण पड़ाव या मोड़।
2. C) Abuse
EN: "Exploitation" refers to unfair use or abuse.
HI: "Exploitation" का अर्थ है शोषण या गलत फायदा उठाना।
3. A) Cold
EN: "Insensitive" means lacking feeling or concern.
HI: "Insensitive" मतलब संवेदना की कमी होना → "Cold" समानार्थी है।
4. B) Started
EN: "Triggered" means initiated or started.
HI: "Triggered" का अर्थ है शुरुआत करना।
5. A) Inheritance
EN: "Legacy" means something passed down, often property or tradition.
HI: "Legacy" का अर्थ है विरासत या धरोहर।
6. C) Kind
EN: "Oppressive" means harsh or cruel → opposite is "Kind".
HI: "Oppressive" (दमनकारी) का विलोम "Kind" (दयालु) है।
7. B) Surrender
EN: "Resistance" means opposing → opposite is "Surrender".
HI: "Resistance" (विरोध) का विलोम "Surrender" (समर्पण) है।
8. B) Localized
EN: "Widespread" means common across areas → opposite is "Localized".
HI: "Widespread" (व्यापक) का विलोम "Localized" (सीमित क्षेत्र में) है।
9. B) Fear
EN: "Bravery" means courage → opposite is "Fear".
HI: "Bravery" (वीरता) का विलोम "Fear" (डर) है।
10. C) Disorder
EN: "Coordination" means working together in order → opposite is "Disorder".
HI: "Coordination" (समन्वय) का विलोम "Disorder" (अव्यवस्था) है।
11. C) were led → was led
EN: "Revolt" is singular → verb should be "was led"
HI: "Revolt" एकवचन है, इसलिए "was" का प्रयोग होगा।
12. B) was → were
EN: "Causes" is plural → use "were"
HI: "Causes" बहुवचन है, इसलिए "were" सही है।
13. B) has exploit → has exploited
EN: Present perfect tense needs V3 form → "exploited"
HI: "Has" के साथ V3 "exploited" आएगा।
14. B) fight → fought
EN: Past tense required → "fought" is correct
HI: वाक्य भूतकाल में है, इसलिए "fought" होना चाहिए।
15. C) to used → to use
EN: After "to" use base form → "use"
HI: "To" के बाद क्रिया की मूल रूप (V1) आती है।
16. B) He said the rebellion had started in Meerut.
EN: Past simple changes to past perfect in indirect
HI: Indirect में "started" → "had started" बनता है।
17. A) She said that she admired Rani Lakshmibai’s courage.
EN: "Admire" becomes "admired" in indirect
HI: "Admire" → "admired" में बदलेगा।
18. C) They said that the revolt was due to injustice.
EN: Correct transformation to indirect
HI: सही अप्रत्यक्ष वाक्य।
19. D) The historian said that Bahadur Shah Zafar was the symbolic leader.
EN: No tense change required, direct to indirect
HI: सीधा indirect रूप, tense वही रहता है।
20. A) The teacher said that India’s first war for independence failed.
EN: Statement in past remains past in indirect
HI: भूतकाल के वाक्य का रूप indirect में वही रहता है।
21. B) The East India Company was abolished by the British.
EN: Passive of simple past → "was + V3"
HI: Simple past का passive = "was/were + V3"
22. C) The city of Kanpur was captured by rebels.
EN: Correct passive of past simple
HI: Past simple का passive structure।
23. A) A proclamation was issued by Queen Victoria.
EN: Correct passive sentence
HI: Passive voice में "was issued" सही है।
24. D) Future generations were inspired by the revolution.
EN: Passive structure → were inspired
HI: Passive में subject + were + V3 का प्रयोग होता है।
25. A) Using the cartridges was denied by the soldiers.
EN: Gerund ("using") as subject → correct passive
HI: "Using" को subject मानकर सही passive रूप।
26. A) B-A-D-C
EN: Dalhousie ruled → introduced policy → annexed → protest
HI: डलहौजी → नीति बनाई → रियासत छीनी → विरोध हुआ।
27. A) A-C-D-B
EN: Rani refused → fought → died bravely
HI: रानी लक्ष्मीबाई → आत्मसमर्पण नहीं किया → लड़ाई → वीरगति।
28. C) A-C-B-D
EN: Cartridges → sentiments hurt → outrage → rebellion
HI: कारतूस → धार्मिक भावनाएं आहत → आक्रोश → विद्रोह।
29. C) C-A-B-D
EN: Rebels fought → British suppressed → losses → punishments
HI: विद्रोह → दमन → नुकसान → फांसी/गिरफ्तारी।
30. C) A-C-B-D
EN: Inspired by 1857 → nationalism → leaders → movements
HI: 1857 से प्रेरणा → राष्ट्रवाद → नेता → आंदोलनों की शुरुआत।
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