By 1857, India - in whole or in part - had been under the rule of the
British East India Company (on behalf of the Crown) for nearly a century. The
assumption of British rule over this vast, diverse territory was not without
the bloodshed and anguish that marked the era of imperialism.
The simmering anger at British rule is symbolized best by the rebellion
of 1857. On 10 May of that year, sepoys in the town of Meerut mutinied against
the Company. This was swiftly followed by other rebellions and uprisings across
the country, but mainly in northern and central India. The rebellion against
the British was not a unanimous uprising: many Indians fought for the British,
and wholesale destruction laid waste to cities like Delhi and Lucknow.
Cruelty was widespread on both sides, and British reprisals after the
fact confirmed the original grievances of many that had taken part. After the
rebels were defeated, in 1858, the East India Company was disestablished and
direct rule was formed, leading to the creation of the British Raj.
