before 1858

Bentinck in 19th century - ban of Sati - promotion of English as official language - setup first university in India, open access of western knowledge to Indians

Dalhousie: - Doctrine of lapse - further abolish of local practices, widow remarriage act and suppression of female infanticide

proselysing and publicly convert locals to Christianity

• Religious leaders such as pandits and maulavis played a crucial role in spreading anti-British sentiment, particularly among rural communities.
• These leaders felt that their religious freedom and cultural identity were under threat due to British policies, such as Christian missionary activity.

Quote: “Religious preachers, pandits and maulavis, who felt that their entire future was threatened, were to play an important role in spreading hatred against the foreign rule.”

• Many conservative religious and social groups were disturbed by some British humanitarian measures. These reforms were perceived as intrusions into traditional Indian customs.
• Fears that the British were trying to undermine traditional social and religious structures contributed to widespread resentment.

Quote: “An important factor in turning the people against British rule was their fear that it endangered their religion.”