Consider: Assertion (A): The first war of Independence in 1857 failed to secure freedom from the British Government. Reason (R): The leadership of Bahadur Shah Zafar did not have popular support and most of the Indian rulers of important States shied away from the struggle.
Select the correct answer from the code given below:
- ABoth (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
- BBoth (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
- C(A) is true, and (R) is false.
- D(A) is false, but (R) is true.
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: (a) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation
The nature of the Revolt of 1857 was mainly feudal, though it contained some elements of nationalism. The feudal elements of Awadh, Rohilkhand and other parts of North India led the revolt and, on the other hand, the rulers of Patiala, Jind, Gwalior and Hyderabad helped in suppressing it. In a time of crisis, Canning said—“If Scindia also joins the revolt, I will have to roll up my bed tomorrow.”