Question

Two statements labelled as Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are given below. Read them carefully and select the correct option :
Assertion (A) : The British easily put down the Revolt of 1857.
Reason (R) : The British passed a series of laws to quell the insurgency.

• A. Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
• B. Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
• C. Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
• D. Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.

Hint:

The British used the strategy of 'divide and rule' to keep various princely states out of the conflict. The brutal repression that followed included public executions to instill terror among the population.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept:

• The suppression of the 1857 revolt was a multifaceted process involving military strength and legal measures.
• Success in quelling the revolt was not merely due to laws but primarily due to overwhelming military reinforcement.

Step 1: Analyzing the Assertion
The British eventually regained total control over India, effectively crushing the widespread uprising by 1858. Thus, the Assertion (A) is true.

Step 2: Analyzing the Reason
To suppress the rebellion, the British enacted special laws such as the Acts of May and June 1857, which declared martial law and gave officers the right to execute rebels summarily. Thus, the Reason (R) is also true.

Step 3: Determining the link
While the passing of laws (R) was a part of the suppression strategy, the primary reason the British "easily" (relatively speaking) put down the revolt was the arrival of massive military reinforcements from Britain and the lack of unity among rebel leaders.
Therefore, the Reason (R) is a factor, but not the *sufficient* explanation for the Assertion (A).