Before you read
Here are some pictorial glimpses of the history of our country from 1757 to 1857. These pictures and ‘speech bubbles’ will help clarify your understanding of the conditions that led to the event known as the First War of Independence in 1857.
At a function in Delhi
Oh my countrymen!
Let your eyes fill with tears,
as you recall the sacrifices of
India’s martyrs.
With its superior weapons, the British
East India Company was extending its
power in 18th century India.
INDIA 1765
Indian Princes
British
Territory
Indian princes were short-sighted.
That upstart Rajah
Bah! Call the English
merchants. They will
help me to defeat him.
The people had no peace due to such constant fights.
The rivalries helped the East India Company
and it could easily subdue Indian princes
one by one.
A far-seeing ruler like the
brave Tipu of Mysore
fought the British till he
died fighting!
Thank God, there is peace
in the country now! No
more wars and no looting
by thugs !
It is God
who sent
the British!
Our destiny
is linked
with them!
How did Indians react to these conquests?
The white man has
killed or dethroned
our kings.
Some kings were not
good, but after all,
they were of this land.
Now we have
become slaves
of foreigners!