Instruction :
What was the primary reason for the mutiny that occurred in 1857, in British India?

Response:
There were several reasons that can be attributed to the mutiny that occurred in 1857, but one of the major reasons was related to the Hindu religious beliefs. Most of the British army were comprised of Hindus who were extremely religious. The Britishers were insensitive to their religious beliefs, for e.g. they were asked to chew of the bullet before using it in their rifles that was made of animal fat. Most Hindus in the army were religiously vegetarian and were offended when asked to bite meat. This event started bringing together the Hindus in the army to plot a revolt against the Britishers. Mangal Panday, one of the Hindu soldiers has been credited with being the leader of this revolt and this revolt is often referred to as the first war of Indian independence.