Causes of Mewati Revolt of 1857

Abstract

The Revolt of 1857 is the most written incident in the world and has been regarded as the most memorable episode in Indian history. After the suppression of the revolt, a series of research works were started by the British as well as the Indian intellectuals, describing its nature and causes. However, the causes of Mewati revolt were to some extent different to those of other regions of the country due to its unique socio-economic and geographical conditions. In 1803, most of the regions of North India, including Mewat came under the control of the British after defeating the mighty Maratha power. But the British rule of about half a century, from 1803-1857, produced a great deal of discontent and disaffection among every section of Northern India including Meos of the Mewat region. In the absence of the Native rulers, the agrarian and pastoral community of Mewat fought against the tyrant British rule due to their own grievances. The agrarian cause including the heavy taxation by the British Government, famine, poverty and courageous spirit played the most important role in mobilizing the Meo community against the British. The execution of Nawab Shamsuddin Khan of Ferozpur Jhirka and Karim Khan Meo was also may be considered as one of the causes of Meos’ hatred against the British Government.