UPSC Prelims Special – Modern India Synopsis | English | Page – 3

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🔹 Revolt of 1857

✅ Revolt of 1857 / Sepoy Mutiny

The Revolt of 1857 was the first large-scale armed uprising against British rule in India.

• ✔ Started at Meerut
• ✔ Bahadur Shah II became the symbolic leader
• ✔ Nana Sahib, Tantia Tope, and Rani Lakshmibai played major roles
• ✔ Immediate cause – Greased cartridges issue

✅ Causes for Failure of the Revolt

• ✔ Lack of coordination
• ✔ Absence of modern weapons
• ✔ Limited support from South India
• ✔ Weak leadership unity

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🔹 Government of India Act – 1858

• ✔ Ended East India Company rule in India
• ✔ Power transferred directly to the British Crown
• ✔ Office of Viceroy created
• ✔ Lord Canning became the first Viceroy

 “From 1858 onwards, India came under direct Crown rule.”

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🔹 Formation of Indian National Congress

✅ Indian National Congress – 1885

• ✔ Founded by A.O. Hume
• ✔ First session held at Bombay
• ✔ W.C. Bonnerjee became the first President

✅ Phases of Congress

🔸 Moderates

• ✔ Dadabhai Naoroji
• ✔ Gopal Krishna Gokhale
• ✔ Believed in constitutional methods

🔸 Extremists

• ✔ Bal Gangadhar Tilak
• ✔ Bipin Chandra Pal
• ✔ Lala Lajpat Rai

 “Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it.” – Bal Gangadhar Tilak

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🔹 Partition of Bengal – 1905

• ✔ Introduced by Lord Curzon
• ✔ Official reason – Administrative convenience
• ✔ Real objective – Divide and Rule policy

✅ Swadeshi Movement

• ✔ Boycott of foreign goods
• ✔ Promotion of indigenous products
• ✔ National education movement

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🔹 Formation of Muslim League – 1906

• ✔ Established at Dhaka
• ✔ Aga Khan was an important leader
• ✔ Focused on protecting Muslim interests

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🔹 Important Prelims Points

•  Revolt of 1857 started at Meerut
• Government of India Act – 1858
•  INC Formation – 1885
•  Partition of Bengal – 1905
•  Muslim League Formation – 1906

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🔹 Quick Revision Table

Event	Year
Revolt of 1857	1857
Government of India Act	1858
INC Formation	1885
Partition of Bengal	1905

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🔹 Motivational Quote

“Freedom movements are built on sacrifice and courage.” 🇮🇳

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UPSC • Modern India • History Synopsis • Prelims Special