Explain how the upraising of 1857 constitutes an important watershed in the evolution of British policies towards colonial India.

Theme

T12 1857 and tribal–peasant resistance to colonial rule

What UPSC asks in this theme

Questions ask how 1857 changed British policy and how colonial rule affected tribals and how they resisted.

What to cover

• 1857: causes, spread, nature, consequences, Queen's Proclamation, army reorganisation, policy towards princes
• Colonial impact on tribals: forest laws, land alienation, moneylenders, missionaries
• Tribal revolts: Santhal, Munda (Birsa), Bhil, Rampa

Writing the answer

• Name specific movements and leaders
• Tribal questions benefit from a link to present-day tribal policy and forest rights

These notes are for the whole theme, built from all 2 of its PYQs. UPSC does not publish model answers.