Causes of the Sepoy Rebellion: Cultural Differences
ANAYLYSISIt is demonstrated that that their ways of thinking and their strategies differ from one another. The Indian's advice were not taken into consideration, implicating that the Europeans did not think their words to be worthy of thought. Of course, it is only natural for a conflict to arise when one party does not listen to another party and completely shuts others' opinions out. And when something bad occurs because of that one party decided to be stubborn, the anger only increases. It would be no surprise if there were to be an immediate outlash afterwards. The Indian, the author, showed disappointment and slight annoyance towards the Europeans; he also points out to them that he is more superior than they think him to be. Not only that, but the hint of arrogance in this author's tone may be something that triggers anger amongst the British.
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PRIMARY RESOURCES“The Lieut Governor, however, paid no attention to my advice, if he acted upon it, these mutinies of some 40 or 50 regiments, would never have occurred.”
"If I am appointed to some authoritative office, and if my brother Munnoo Lall is made a Deputy Magistrate to cooperate with me, I will very soon see that these suggestions of mine are well acted upon and carried out." |
There was no reference to any cultural differences except for their different clothing. However, this brought judgment upon the Indians, and of course, judgment is what sparks conflict. Preceding the arrival of the royal Awadh family, there were already some misconceptions, and misconceptions can easily be misinterpreted as insults. These only adds to the judgment that the Indians receive due to their clothing.
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“The strangely dressed natives stroll and lounge about the street without apparently the slightest notice being taken of them.”
“Altogether the natives appear a very good-tempered race, and amuse themselves principally by troubling shopkeepers to explain the quality and use of the articles exposed for sale, but in few instances making purchases at the prices which they are called upon to tender for the transfer of the goods.” |
This poem, written by a court poet Khazan Singh, directly points out the major difference in the two cultures that was the main reason for the Sepoy Mutiny, and that is religion. This poem was written with a tone of sarcasm and disgust. The Muslims and the Hindues hated that the Europeans were trying to convert them and make them all follow the same religion, that is - Christianity. As mentioned earlier, this difference led to the actual Mutiny, and led to the British government replacing the British East India Company in charge in the long run. Of course, the Indians were happy with this; in fact, they probably felt as though they have avenged themselves. This arrogance may or may not spark even more conflict amongst the Europeans even after the Mutiny, as they would have probably felt very insulted and humiliated.
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"I am the poet Khazan Singh
I am going to tell you the tale of the war of Delhi The Sahibs of London Company had decided That they would only have one religion First they turned their own army into Christians Then they had a fine idea They thought they would make Muslims, Hindus, and Europeans All drink from one cup sitting close together The poet Singh will tell you why the people of Hindustan Became so angry and the revolt occurred Taking the mandate from the London Company The Governor General had come to Calcutta He had the powers to order everything to everyone Just as the Company had desired" |
In this document, the conflict that had risen is that the Indian soldiers (Sepoys) were working in the British army, and that caused social cohesion. The Indians were viewed as inferior and of less authority among the British; they were also viewed as impulsive people and extremely devout/passionate about their convictions. Degradation and impulsiveness put together can easily lead to a conflict. Also, it is said that rumors had already stimulated action and anger amongst the Sepoys before they sought clarification. Not only that, but the Europeans freely threatened the Sepoys, which causes an immediate stir amongst them. All in all, the whole Rebellion began because the Europeans mistreated the Sepoys.
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“No general plan of revolt seems to have been formed, but the materials of discontent were gradually being concentrated; the inflammable spirits of the Sepoys were ready to burst into a blaze.”
'"What caste are you of, who bite pig's grease and cow's fat on your cartridges?"' |