For many Indians the British threatened their entire way of life. They tried to convert them into Christians, they outlawed many Hindu practices, and high taxes angered farmers. The people did not like being told what to do.
The Sepoy Rebellion
The Sepoy Rebellion broke out in 1857 near Delhi. The Sepoy's, Indians who fought for the British army, became very upset over many things. The first was that the weapons they used to fight had been greased with beef or pork fat.This upset them because to Hindus cows are sacred and Muslims aren't allowed to to touch pork. They were then more angered when they found out that a new law forced them to fight for Britain in foreign lands. They decided to fight the British, but after months of fighting the British stopped the uprise.
A British Colony This rebellion led to a number of political changes. In 1858 the British government took over India as a colonyThey sent the emporer into exile. In 1876 Queen Victoria of Britain became Empress of India. About a third of India was still in the hands of local rulers. Hindu and Muslim princes still ran their kingdoms but had to sign treaties giving Britain control of their foreign and military affairs. The british also controlled the court system. After the Sepoy Rebellion the British started using their own army. Indians still resented the efforts to change their culture.
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