Set 1: Image of Bahadur Shah Zafar being captured by the British
Description:
A historical painting or photograph showing the last Mughal emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar, being arrested by the British
in 1857. His face is marked with sorrow, symbolizing the end of Mughal sovereignty and the last significant resistance
to British rule.
Question:
1. (3 marks) Based on the image of Bahadur Shah Zafar’s capture, explain the political implications of the British
abolishing the Mughal Empire.
2. (3 marks) How did the capture of Bahadur Shah Zafar symbolize the collapse of both political and socio-
religious structures that existed before British rule?
3. (4 marks) Analyze how the consequences of Bahadur Shah Zafar’s defeat and exile impacted the Indian
independence movement, especially with regard to future rebellions against British rule.
Set 2: Image of Sepoys Loading Rifles with New Cartridges
Description:
An image or painting showing Indian sepoys loading rifles with cartridges greased with cow and pig fat, symbolizing
one of the immediate triggers of the revolt.
Question:
1. (3 marks) Referring to the image of sepoys handling the controversial rifle cartridges, explain how this military
issue became one of the major causes of the 1857 rebellion.
2. (3 marks) How did this incident escalate religious discontent among Hindu and Muslim soldiers, leading to
widespread military and civilian unrest?
3. (4 marks) Discuss the broader military consequences of this revolt, and how the events surrounding the
cartridges affected British control over the Indian army in the aftermath.
Set 3: Political Cartoon Depicting British Officers and Indian Rebels
Description:
A political cartoon showing British officers standing tall with weapons, overlooking Indian rebels who are being
suppressed. The cartoon might exaggerate British power and depict Indian rebels as disorganized.
Question:
1. (3 marks) Referring to the political cartoon, discuss the British portrayal of the Indian rebels during the 1857
revolt. How did British media shape public perception of the rebellion?
2. (3 marks) Analyze how British attitudes toward Indian culture and society, as depicted in the cartoon,
contributed to the socio-religious causes of the revolt.
3. (4 marks) Evaluate the consequences of this British portrayal on post-1857 policies and reforms. Did it lead to
stricter control, or did it trigger reforms aimed at preventing future revolts?
Set 4: Image of a Battle Scene During the Siege of Lucknow
Description:
An image or painting of the Siege of Lucknow, with British soldiers defending against the Indian rebels in a fierce
battle. Smoke, explosions, and chaotic fighting dominate the scene.
Question:
1. (3 marks) Based on the image of the Siege of Lucknow, explain how military confrontations like this one shaped
the course of the 1857 revolt.
2. (3 marks) How did the siege reflect the complex political alliances and discontent among different sections of
Indian society, including peasants, sepoys, and local rulers?
3. (4 marks) Assess the consequences of the Siege of Lucknow on the British strategy for suppressing the revolt
and their approach to governing India in its aftermath.
Set 5: Photograph of the Execution of Indian Rebels
Description:
A photograph or artistic representation showing Indian rebels being executed by the British, often in a public and brutal
manner (such as being blown from cannons), to serve as a warning to others.
Question:
1. (3 marks) Referring to the image of the public execution of Indian rebels, explain how British military justice
during the revolt affected the morale of Indian rebels and civilians.
2. (3 marks) How did such acts of brutality contribute to the socio-religious and political outrage among Indians,
and fuel the desire for independence?
3. (4 marks) Analyze the long-term consequences of the British use of force and public execution during the 1857
revolt. Did it succeed in quelling the rebellion, or did it leave a legacy of resistance?
