Q. The cause for the immediate precipitation of the Sepoy Mutiny was
(a) Use of cartridges greased with cow fat
(b) Doctrine of Lapse
(c) The disparity between salaries of Native Sepoys and the British Soldiers
(d) The Spread of Christianity
Ans: (a) Use of cartridges greased with cow fat
Explanation: The cause for the immediate precipitation of the Sepoy Mutiny (also known as the Indian Rebellion of 1857) was (a) Use of cartridges greased with cow fat.
The use of cartridges greased with cow and pig fat was a major contributing factor to the outbreak of the Sepoy Mutiny. The British East India Company, which controlled large parts of India at the time, introduced new rifle cartridges for the Indian soldiers (sepoys). These cartridges were rumored to be greased with animal fat, including cow and pig fat, which deeply offended both Hindu and Muslim sepoys. In Hinduism, cows are considered sacred, while in Islam, pigs are considered unclean. The sepoys believed that the British were intentionally disrespecting their religious beliefs.
The controversy over the use of the greased cartridges sparked widespread discontent and led to a series of mutinies and uprisings among the sepoys, which quickly spread to other parts of India. The Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 was a significant event in India’s struggle for independence, as it marked a major rebellion against British colonial rule.
