Question:

Two statements labelled as Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are given below. Read them carefully and choose the correct option :
Assertion (A) : The Sepoys proclaimed Bahadur Shah Zafar as their leader in the Revolt of 1857.
Reason (R) : Bahadur Shah Zafar’s acceptance gave legitimacy to the Revolt of 1857.

Show Hint

The symbolic leadership of Bahadur Shah Zafar unified diverse regional forces during 1857 under a single banner of traditional imperial authority.
Updated On: Jul 13, 2026
  • Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of the Assertion (A).
  • Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of the Assertion (A).
  • Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
  • Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.
Show Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Concept: The Revolt of 1857 was a major anti-colonial uprising against the British East India Company. For a localized mutiny to transform into a nationwide political rebellion, it required an overarching, universally recognized symbol of authority. Step 1: Evaluating Assertion (A) On May 11, 1857, the rebellious sepoys from Meerut marched to the Red Fort in Delhi. They requested the elderly Mughal Emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar, to take charge of the movement and proclaimed him \textit{Shahenshah-e-Hindustan}. Thus, Assertion (A) is true. Step 2: Evaluating Reason (R) The Mughal dynasty, despite losing its actual military power, still held massive symbolic prestige across India. For both Hindus and Muslims, the Mughal throne represented traditional political legitimacy. Once Bahadur Shah Zafar signed letters urging regional chieftains to fight the British, the uprising transformed from a mutiny into a legitimate national war of independence. Thus, Reason (R) is true. Step 3: Evaluating the logical connection The sepoys specifically pressured Bahadur Shah Zafar to lead them because they knew the revolt required institutional legitimacy to win wide public support. Therefore, Reason (R) correctly explains why Assertion (A) occurred.
Was this answer helpful?
0
0

Top CBSE CLASS XII The Great Revolt of 1857 Questions

View More Questions