The Martyrs

Before You Read

Here are some pictorial glimpses of the history of our country from 1757 to 1857. These pictures and ‘speech bubbles’ will help clarify your understanding of the conditions that led to the event known as the First War of Independence in 1857.

STORY – GLIMPSES OF THE PAST– S.D. SAWANT (Author).

1.  The Martyrs

The Company’s conquests (1757 - 1849)

2.  The Company’s conquests (1757-1849)

British Rule (1765-1836)

3. British Rule

Ram Mohan Roy (1772 - 1833)

4. Ram Mohan Roy (1772 - 1833)

Oppression ( 1765 - 1835 )

5. Oppression ( 1765 - 1835 )

Dissatisfaction ( 1835 - 56 )

6.  Dissatisfaction ( 1835 - 56 )

The Sparks (1855 - 57)

7. The Sparks (1855 - 57)

Revolt ( 1857 )

8. Revolt ( 1857 )

The Fight for Freedom (1857)

9. The Fight For Freedom ( 1857 )

Oral Comprehension Check

1.  Look at picture 1 and recall the opening lines of the original song in Hindi. Who is the singer? Who else do you see in this picture? 

2.  In picture 2 what do you understand by the Company’s “superior weapons”?

3.  Who is an artisan? Why do you think the artisans suffered? (picture 3)

4.  Which picture, according to you, reveals the first sparks of the fire of revolt?

Source: This topic is taken from NCERT TEXTBOOK