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On 1857

This is in response to the article “1857: what does it mean to us?” (Nov. 8). 1857 marked the uprising of the Indian sepoys against the British. It was subaltern in that it was spontaneous, not vertical and not cautious. Of course, the Indian society had grievances against the British. For, they uprooted the Indian princes, indulged in political aggrandisement, interfered in the social and religious systems and introduced distasteful changes in them. But no prince organised or started the movement. It was the spontaneous outburst of the last in the rank that brought about the movement. For, it was the sepoys who suffered much humiliation. They were regarded as much inferior to the white soldiers and looked down upon by both their superiors and white soldiers. They did not have a plan or leader, nor did they exercise caution when the movement was started.

The religious projection of it is due to the more and intensive participation of Muslims, which made the British characterise it as “a Muslim conspiracy making capital of Hindu grievances.”

A. Dastagir,

Chennai

A comprehensive interpretation of the events of 1857 in India should take into account the agency of the sepoy in providing the trigger for the revolt.

Chandar S. Sundaram,

New Delhi

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