SOCIAL AND RELIGIOUS CAUSES

Situation of Lucknow in 1857

Indians had a lurking suspicion that they would be converted to Christianity under the new regime. The fear was largely due to the activities of some of the activities of some Christian missionaries who openly ridiculed the customs and the traditons of both Hindus and Muslims.The English also established Chapels and Churches for propagating Chritianity at the expense of the government. Even civil and military officers were asked to propagate the gospel. The religious sentiments of the people were further hurt when a tax was imposed on property held by temples and mosques.

Indian soldiers in the service of the company were equally prejudiced against the English in the religious matters. An ACT was passed in 1856 known as the "General Services Enlistment Act", which imposed on the Indian sepoys the obligation to serve wherever required. This dreaded sea voyage and considered this measure against their religious customs. The passing of the laws allowing converts from Hinduism to Christianity to inherit their ancestral property was a clear proof of the encouragement to the Christian missionaries for the spread of Christianity in India.

Sepoy during the Revolt

The introduction of western innovations had unsettled the minds of the ignorant people. The spread of English education, the construction of railways and telegraph lines, legislation for the suppression of sati and the remarriage of the widows engendered a belief that the British were determined to convert the people to Christianity. The introduction of railways was resented on the ground that people of all castes would have to travel in the same compartments. The common people did not appreciate these changes. They looked upon them as foreign innovations designed to break down the social order to which they were accustomed and which they considered sacred.

The educated Indians were also denied high posts. The highest office open to an Indian in Civil Services was that of a sadar or a an Amin with an annual salary of Rs. 500 only. In the military service the highest office that an Indian could secure is that of a Subedar. Humiliation and torture were inflicted upon Indians in their own country.This racial discrimination hurt Indian sentiments tremendously.