“Religious issues were the main cause of the Great Revolt (Indian Mutiny) of 1857.” Discuss.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the causes of the Great Revolt (Indian Mutiny). Causes may predate the timeframe but they must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question. Candidates may refer to religious issues such as the introduction of Christianity, the undermining of Hinduism and the cartridge issue which offended Muslims and Hindus. Consideration may be given to political reasons involving expansion of British territory and the alienation of native rulers; military reasons such as the effect of the defeat in Afghanistan and deteriorating morale in the Bengal Army; economic issues related to taxation and land ownership policies as well as British trade policies. While other relevant factors may be referred to, the bulk of the response will remain on the issue raised in the question.

The question required candidates to offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that religious issues were the main cause of the Great Revolt (Indian Mutiny). Although it was a valid approach to challenge the assumption in the question, candidates did need to focus closely on religious issues rather than just a general discussion on the causes of the revolt/mutiny.