Sepoy Rebellion

As the economic problems in India increased for the Indians their feeling of resentment towards the British and their feelings of nationalism also increased. In 1857 there was gossip being spread saying that the cartridges of their Enfield rifles were sealed using pork fat and beef. Since the only way to use the cartridges was to bite of the seal Hindus and Muslims were outraged by the news. The outbreak has been called the Sepoy Mutiny. Fierce fighting took place all over north India. It took the East India Company over a year to regain control over the country. Due to the week leadership and serious disagreements between Muslims and Hindus they were unable to unite against the British. The disagreements between the Hindus and Muslims ended up in the Hindus joining with the British because they preferred their rule compared to the rule of Muslims. The Sikhs became the mainstay of the British army in India. As a result of the mutiny the British government took direct control of India.  This was called the Raj or the area controlled by the British. India was split into 11 provinces and some 250 districts. The British also respected all treaties made by the East India Company.