What was the character (or nature) of the Revolt of 1857 (India)?

Various opinions have been expressed as regards the character (nature) of the Revolt of 1857. In support of the opinion expressed by the modern historians it may be said that at various places in the northern and central India, the common people had revolted along with the sepoys.

In some places common people came forward to fight against the English with ordinary weapons even before the sepoys had raised the banner of rebellion.

The nearby English factories were the chief targets of their attack. In some areas of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar peasants and artisans rebelled against the English rulers as also the zamindars, a new class created by them.

The rebels even did not hesitate to swarm into the court and treasury. Indeed, the participation of the common people gave the Revolt its popular character.

That the Revolt of 1857 was a people’s revolt is also apparent from the manner in which the British rulers suppressed it.