General Service Enlistment Act was passed in which of the following years?

The correct answer is 1856 AD.

Key Points

• The General Service Enlistment Act was passed in 1856 AD by the British Government in India.
• This Act required Indian soldiers to serve anywhere within or outside India, as directed by the British rulers.
• The Act became one of the key factors for growing resentment among Indian soldiers, contributing to the outbreak of the Revolt of 1857.
• Indian sepoys saw this Act as a violation of their religious beliefs and practices, particularly concerning overseas travel.
• The Act was part of broader British efforts to consolidate their military control and ensure the loyalty of Indian troops in their imperial campaigns.

Additional Information

• Revolt of 1857:
  • The revolt, also called the First War of Independence, was triggered by various socio-political and military grievances against British rule.
  • The General Service Enlistment Act was one of the military causes of the uprising.
  • It marked a significant turning point in Indian history, showing widespread discontent against colonial policies.
• Religious Concerns of Indian Soldiers:
  • Many Hindu and Muslim soldiers believed that crossing the seas (Kala Pani) would lead to the loss of caste or religious purity.
  • This belief heightened their resentment towards the General Service Enlistment Act.
• Military Policies of the British:
  • British military policies often disregarded Indian soldiers' cultural and religious sensitivities.
  • The introduction of greased cartridges in 1857 further aggravated tensions, leading to the revolt.
• Legacy of the Act:
  • The General Service Enlistment Act exemplifies the British Empire's disregard for Indian traditions and beliefs.
  • It remains a significant historical event leading up to the Revolt of 1857.