Introduction: The Revolt of 1857 was a watershed moment in the history of British rule in India. Characterized by widespread uprisings across North India, it sparked significant debates regarding its nature and its relationship with the burgeoning ideas of nationalism. This discussion will briefly explore these aspects, with a particular emphasis on the attitudes of the educated Bengali society towards the revolt and the significance of the Queen’s Proclamation of 1858.  

The Revolt of 1857: Characteristics and Nature

The Revolt of 1857, often referred to as the Sepoy Mutiny or the First War of Independence, was a complex event with diverse characteristics:  

• Military Origins: The immediate trigger was the controversy surrounding the greased cartridges used in the new Enfield rifles, which were rumored to be lubricated with animal fat offensive to both Hindu and Muslim sepoys (soldiers). This sparked mutinies within the British Indian Army.  
• Widespread Participation: The revolt quickly transcended its military origins and drew in various sections of Indian society, including disgruntled rulers (like Nana Sahib, Rani Lakshmibai, and Bahadur Shah Zafar), zamindars, peasants, and artisans. Grievances against British policies, such as land revenue settlements, annexation of princely states, and economic exploitation, fueled this widespread participation.  
• Diverse Motives: The motives behind the revolt were varied. Sepoys protested against religious insensitivity and poor service conditions. Rulers fought to regain their lost kingdoms and authority. Peasants and zamindars resisted oppressive land policies and economic hardship.  
• Localized Impact: While widespread in North India, the revolt’s intensity and impact varied regionally. Some areas witnessed intense fighting, while others remained relatively unaffected.
• Lack of Unified Leadership and Ideology: The revolt lacked a central unifying leadership and a coherent pan-Indian nationalist ideology. The different leaders and groups involved had their own specific grievances and objectives.  
• Brutal Suppression: The British responded to the revolt with brutal force, leading to widespread violence and loss of life on both sides. The suppression of the revolt marked a significant turning point in British rule, leading to increased control and a shift in policies.  

Debates Regarding the Relationship with Ideas of Nationalism

The nature of the Revolt of 1857 and its connection to the concept of nationalism have been subjects of intense debate among historians:

• Early Nationalist Uprising: Some historians view the Revolt of 1857 as the first major expression of Indian nationalism. They point to the widespread participation across religious and social lines, the common desire to end British rule, and the invocation of a unified Indian past. Figures like Rani Lakshmibai and Bahadur Shah Zafar are seen as symbols of early nationalist resistance.  
• Localized Grievances and Traditional Loyalties: Other historians argue that the revolt was primarily driven by localized grievances and traditional loyalties rather than a fully developed nationalist consciousness. They emphasize the diverse motives of the participants, the lack of a unified pan-Indian ideology, and the absence of a clear vision for a post-British India. They argue that the primary loyalties of the rebels were often to their local rulers, communities, or religious identities.  
• Proto-Nationalism: A more nuanced perspective suggests that the Revolt of 1857 represented a form of proto-nationalism. While not yet a fully articulated nationalist ideology, the shared experience of resistance against a common enemy and the expressions of unity (albeit limited) laid some of the groundwork for the later development of Indian nationalism.

Attitudes of Educated Bengali Society towards the Revolt of 1857

The attitude of the educated Bengali society towards the Revolt of 1857 was largely ambivalent and, in many cases, critical of the uprising. Several factors contributed to this stance:  

• Influence of Western Education: The educated Bengali elite had embraced Western education and often saw it as a vehicle for social progress and modernization. They were generally appreciative of some of the reforms introduced by the British, such as the abolition of Sati.
• Belief in Gradual Reform: Many believed in achieving social and political progress through gradual reform and collaboration with the British, rather than through violent upheaval. They feared the potential chaos and instability that a widespread revolt could bring.
• Distance from the Sepoys and Traditional Order: The educated Bengalis often felt a social and cultural distance from the sepoys, who were largely drawn from rural backgrounds and represented a more traditional social order. They viewed the revolt as a backward-looking movement driven by superstition and outdated grievances.  
• Fear of Social Disruption: The educated elite, often belonging to the upper castes, feared the social disruption that a successful revolt led by traditional elements might entail. They were wary of the potential for the old order to be restored.
• Loyalty to the British Crown (in some cases): Some educated Bengalis believed that British rule, despite its flaws, provided stability and opportunities for advancement. They expressed loyalty to the Crown and condemned the violence of the revolt.
• Critique of the Rebels’ Actions: The Bengali press and intellectuals often criticized the violence and lack of clear objectives of the rebels. They saw the revolt as disorganized and ultimately doomed to fail.  

However, it is important to note that there were some dissenting voices within the educated Bengali society who sympathized with the rebels’ grievances and saw the revolt as a legitimate expression of resistance against colonial oppression. Yet, the dominant sentiment remained one of cautious neutrality or even outright disapproval.

The Queen’s Proclamation (1858)

The Queen’s Proclamation, issued by Queen Victoria in November 1858, was a direct response to the Revolt of 1857 and marked a significant shift in the nature of British rule in India. Key aspects of the proclamation included:  

• Transfer of Power: The proclamation announced the end of the rule of the East India Company and the direct assumption of the government of India by the British Crown.  
• Pledge of Non-Interference in Religious Matters: The Queen assured the Indian people that the British government would not interfere in their religious beliefs and practices. This was a direct response to one of the key triggers of the revolt.  
• Promise of Equal Protection Under the Law: The proclamation promised equal protection of the law to all subjects, regardless of race or creed.
• Respect for Treaties with Indian Princes: The British government pledged to uphold the treaties and agreements made with the Indian princely states.
• Inclusion of Indians in Administration: The proclamation hinted at the possibility of including qualified Indians in the administration, although this was implemented gradually and in a limited manner.  
• General Amnesty: A general amnesty was granted to all those who had participated in the revolt, except for those directly involved in the murder of British subjects.

Significance: The Queen’s Proclamation aimed to pacify the Indian population and restore faith in British rule after the upheaval of 1857. It signaled a shift from the often arbitrary rule of the East India Company to a more direct and ostensibly benevolent governance under the Crown. While many of the promises were not fully realized, the proclamation set the tone for future British policies in India and acknowledged the need to address some of the grievances that had contributed to the revolt. It also marked the formal beginning of the British Raj.