Which of the following Indian social classes initiated the Revolt of 1857?

Correct option is A

The correct answer is: (a) Soldiers (sepoys) and military personnel

• The Revolt of 1857 (also known as the First War of Indian Independence) was primarily initiated by the sepoys (Indian soldiers) of the British East India Company's army.

• The immediate cause of the revolt was the introduction of the new Enfield rifle, which required soldiers to bite open cartridges greased with animal fat, which was considered offensive to both Hindu and Muslim soldiers.

• The revolt started in Meerut in May 1857 and quickly spread across northern and central India, with military personnel leading the charge against British rule.

Key Leaders and Their Role in the Revolt of 1857:

Explanation:

• Mangal Pandey is considered one of the earliest martyrs of the revolt and was one of the first to defy British officers. He started the mutiny at Barrackpore, which led to the wider uprising.

• Rani Lakshmibai led the revolt in Jhansi, fiercely defending her kingdom against British forces but was eventually defeated by Sir Hugh Rose.

• Nana Saheb, the adopted son of Baji Rao II, led a rebellion in Kanpur against British rule, which was suppressed by Sir Hugh Wheeler.

• Begum Hazrat Mahal led the rebellion in Lucknow and provided leadership to the Indian forces in the region. After a siege, the British troops under Sir Henry Lawrence and Colin Campbell suppressed the rebellion.

• Tantia Tope, an associate of Rani Lakshmibai, led significant revolts in Central India, fighting against British forces under Sir Hugh Rose.

• Kuar Singh was a prominent leader of the revolt in Bihar and fought bravely against British forces until he was defeated by Fredrick Sleigh Roberts.

• Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last Mughal emperor, played a symbolic role in Delhi. The British, led by Sir John Nicholson, crushed the rebellion at Delhi and captured him.

• Rani of Jhansi: Despite heavy resistance from Rani Lakshmibai, the British, led by Sir Hugh Rose, eventually defeated her forces at the battle of Jhansi.