question_answer

With the help of specific examples examine the nature of Indian leadership that emerged against the British in the revolt 1857.

Answer:

The nature of Indian leadership in 1857:

Bahadur Shah was accepted by the rebels as a leader in 1857 who was old and without any ambition. Bakht Khan was in the Company but after revolt he joined them and built an army of the Rohilas. Nana Saheb was denied his right to be Peshwa and all his attempts had failed so he expelled British and declared himself Peshwa. He joined the revolt. Rani was ordered to leave Jhansi but she refused and fought bravely and died. All these were forced to enter the revolt. The sepoys who started the revolt were leaderless and indisciplined. Amanu Ila Khan preached Jehad and the mutineers elected him as their leader. He was believed to have magical powers. There was lack of planning and coordination in these leaders.