NCERT Class 12 History Themes in Indian History-III: Chapter 2 — THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY – PART III 258
Chapter 2 of NCERT's Class 12 History, 'Rebels and the Raj: The Revolt of 1857 and Its Representations,' details the outbreak and spread of the 1857 revolt. It begins with the sepoy mutiny in Meerut on May 10, 1857, which quickly spread to Delhi, involving ordinary people and leading to the capture of the Red Fort. The chapter explains how the revolt gained legitimacy under the Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah. It outlines the pattern of uprisings, starting with sepoys seizing arms and attacking government buildings, and how ordinary people joined, targeting moneylenders and the wealthy. The text defines terms like 'bell of arms' and 'firangi,' highlighting the general defiance of authority. This chapter is crucial for understanding the first major challenge to British rule in India and its representation.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 12 |
| Subject | History |
| Book | Themes in Indian History-III |
| Chapter | Chapter 2 — THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY – PART III 258 |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 4 minutes |
| Word count | 741 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the immediate causes and events of the 1857 revolt.
- Analyze the spread of the rebellion across different regions and social groups.
- Identify the key figures and symbols associated with the revolt.
- Examine the representations of the revolt in various forms.
- Grasp the significance of the revolt as a challenge to British rule.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Cantonment | An area where troops are stationed. |
| Mutiny | An act of rebellion against the established authority, especially by soldiers against their officers. |
| Plundered | Stolen goods, typically using force in a time of war or civil disorder. |
| Legitimacy | The quality of being accepted according to law or given authority. |
| Firangi | A term of Persian origin, often used in a derogatory sense to designate foreigners, especially Europeans. |
| Exterminate | Destroy completely; put an end to. |
| Hierarchy | A system or organization in which people or groups are ranked one above the other according to status or authority. |
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Practice questions
- When and where did the revolt of 1857 begin? Answer: The revolt began on 10 May 1857 in the cantonment of Meerut.
- What was the immediate cause for the sepoys' anger in Meerut? Answer: The sepoys were angered because they were asked to bite bullets coated with the fat of cows and pigs, which corrupted their faith.
- Which historical building did the sepoys reach on 11 May 1857? Answer: The sepoys reached the Red Fort in Delhi.
- Who was the Mughal emperor at the time, and what role did he play? Answer: Bahadur Shah was the Mughal emperor. The sepoys demanded his blessings, and he complied, giving the revolt a form of legitimacy.
- What does the term 'firangi' mean? Answer: 'Firangi' is a term of Persian origin, often used derogatorily to designate foreigners, especially Europeans.
Practice MCQs
Q1. In which city did the sepoy mutiny begin on 10 May 1857?
Explanation: The text explicitly states that the sepoys in the cantonment of Meerut broke out in mutiny on 10 May 1857.
Q2. What was the primary target of the sepoys and townspeople in Meerut initially?
Explanation: The text mentions that the sepoys proceeded to attack white people and to ransack and burn their bungalows and property.
Q3. Who was the Mughal emperor who gave his blessings to the revolt?
Explanation: The text identifies the old Mughal emperor as Bahadur Shah, who was surrounded by sepoys and compelled to give his blessings.
Q4. What does 'bell of arms' refer to?
Explanation: The glossary provided in the text defines 'bell of arms' as a storeroom in which weapons are kept.
Q5. Besides government buildings, who else became targets of rebel wrath in major towns like Lucknow and Kanpur?
Explanation: The text states that when ordinary people began joining the revolt, moneylenders and the rich also became the objects of rebel wrath.
Frequently asked questions
What was the Revolt of 1857?
The Revolt of 1857 was a major uprising against the British East India Company's rule in India, starting with a mutiny of sepoys.
When did the revolt officially begin?
The revolt began on 10 May 1857, when sepoys in Meerut broke out in mutiny.
Why did the sepoys revolt?
A key immediate cause was the introduction of new rifle cartridges greased with animal fat, which offended both Hindu and Muslim sepoys.
What was the significance of Bahadur Shah in the revolt?
The sepoys brought Bahadur Shah, the old Mughal emperor, to Delhi and demanded his blessings, which gave the revolt a symbolic legitimacy.
Did only sepoys participate in the revolt?
No, ordinary people from towns and surrounding villages, including peasants, joined the sepoys in the revolt.
What does the term 'firangi' mean in the context of the revolt?
'Firangi' is a term used for foreigners, particularly Europeans, and was often used in a derogatory sense by the rebels.
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NCERT Class 12 History — Themes in Indian History-III — Chapter 2 — THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY – PART III 258. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.