41st B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1996

What was the main cause of the failure of the revolt of 1857?

aLack of Hindu-Muslim unity
bLack of common strategy and central organization✓ Correct
cIts effect was within a limited area
dNon-participation of Landlords

Explanation

The main reason for the failure of the Revolt of 1857 was the lack of a common plan and a central organization. No spirit of organization was seen among the rebel leaders. The 82-year-old Bahadur Shah was weak, and his call to various chiefs was not sufficient. The rebels certainly showed bravery and appeared determined to destroy the government, but they completely lacked a planned and unified programme to do so. They also lacked discipline. At times, they behaved like a rioting mob rather than a disciplined army. Except for a shared hatred towards foreign rule, there was no other binding link among the leaders. After uprooting British authority from a particular region, they did not even know what kind of political power or institutions should be established in its place. They lacked a future-oriented programme, coherent ideology, political perspective, or a clear vision of a future society and economy.

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