Causes of Failure of Revolt of 1857

The Great rebellion of 1857 (also Sepoy mutiny, Indian rebellion of 1857, First War of Indian Independence) lost its vigor after a few months and within a year it was completely put down by the government. This failure surprised many but it was not unexpected.

• There was no planning and no organization. The risings at different places were loose and unconnected. Revolts at different placed did not take place at the same time.
• As we said above, the aims of the leaders were different. Their only common aim was the anger against the foreign government. Nana Sahib wanted to restore the glory of the Peshwa; Bahadur shah wanted to restore the glory of the Mughals.
• In many places the people were scared by the cruelty of the rebels.
• The rebels fought with old-fashioned weapons while the British used all modern weapons. That is why the rebels had few chances of success. Moreover, we must also refer to the support given to the government by the Sikhs, the Gorkhas and the Rajputs.
• The rules of Kashmir, Rajasthan and Patiala helped the British government.