Question

Two statements labelled as Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are given below. Read them carefully and choose the correct option :
Assertion (A) : In the 1850’s Awadh was called the ‘nursery of the Bengal Army’.
Reason (R) : Here a large number of sepoys were recruited from entire India.

• 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 annexation of Awadh in 1856 deeply hurt the sentiments of these sepoys, as it was their homeland.
• This regional commonality allowed the sepoys to communicate and organize effectively during the 1857 revolt.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept:

• The Bengal Army was one of the three main armies of the British East India Company.
• Its recruitment policy favored high-caste Hindus (Brahmins and Rajputs) from specific geographic regions.
• Awadh was a major region of focus for British recruitment throughout the early 19th century.

Step 1: Verifying the Assertion
By the 1850s, Awadh had become the primary source of manpower for the Bengal Army. It is estimated that nearly every agricultural household in Awadh had at least one member serving in the army.
Because of this overwhelming concentration of soldiers from one region, British officers frequently referred to Awadh as the "nursery of the Bengal Army." Thus, Assertion (A) is true.

Step 2: Evaluating the Reason
The Reason (R) states that sepoys were recruited from "entire India". This is factually incorrect regarding the Bengal Army.
The Bengal Army specifically avoided recruiting from South India or the lower castes. It predominantly recruited from Awadh and the North-Western Provinces (modern-day Uttar Pradesh and Bihar).
The nickname 'nursery' was given precisely because the recruitment was not from entire India, but specifically from Awadh. Since the reason contains a false historical claim, Reason (R) is false.
Therefore, Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.