What was the Indian Mutiny?

The British Empire was seen as territorially, the largest empire in the world and was regarded as a global superpower in world history. At the peak of its power, Britain governed over a population of 400 million which were to be found in all regions of the world. A significant factor to their success was the Indian subcontinent which catered Britain with a huge trading port due to its geographical location at the centre of the world. This rapidly broadened Britain's trade and consequently help build on to their superpower status.  

     

Britain’s rule in India came into risk when both the Indian sepoys and public started to rebel against their British rulers. Many prominent historians today such as William Dalrymple and Niall Fergusson believe that religion was a primary influence into the outburst of the Mutiny. In addition to this, other historians believe it was the colonialism aspect pushing the boundaries of the Indian people which consequently led to the clash of two civilisations.

Whether this historical event should be referred to the Indian Mutiny or India’s First War of Independence, its name has been debated for decades – the majority of Indian historians claim it to be India’s First War of Independence while the British believe this event was the Indian Mutiny. This has only left us to determine how we want to refer this historical event as.    

This was a critical moment in history as The Indian Mutiny reshaped the attitudes and policies on imperialism which consequently impacted the definitive approach on the indigenous people in the colonies such as New Zealand. Ultimately, this historical event was very significant as the consequences lead to an adaptation of control and the principles of action proposed by the British Empire.