The effects of freedom struggle of 1857: 

Freedom struggle of 1857 created the feeling of nationalism among-st Indians and proved to be a milestone in the struggle for freedom in India. 

Main effects of freedom struggle of 1857 are given below:

1. Development of national integration:

Indian freedom struggle of 1857 proved to be a milestone in the struggle of freedom for Indian independence. Various rulers, soldiers and leaders came together for a single cause. The courage, pride and intensity for the demand of freedom arose among the Indian masses, and lifeline of national integrity developed among-st Indians and Hindu – Muslim unity was seen everywhere. This, later took the form of a huge movement.

2. End of the rule of East India Company:

After 1857, British government took away the power and governance from East India Company. The Board of control and Board of directors were removed. The post of Indian secretary was ended. The Indian administration was brought under the British empire directly. The post of Governor – General was re-titled as Viceroy.

3. Renouncement of the policy of territorial expansion:

By order from Queen Victoria, the policy of territorial expansion was discontinued, the local kings and princes were promised to get their pride, glory and rights again. It was also promised to end religious exploitation and discrimination in the public services.

4. Restructuring the Army:

It were soldiers who had taught a lesson to British government in the freedom struggle of 1857. According to Peel Commission Report of 1861, the number of European soldiers in the army was increased and the artillery was not kept with the Indian soldiers. It was also kept under consideration that the soldiers of same community could not live together in the same camps.

5. Divide and Rule Policy:

In the freedom struggle of 1857, Hindus and Muslims set an example of communal warmth and unity. It made the British governance reluctant and they sowed the seeds of distrust and enmity between Hindus and Muslims. The British followed the policy of divide and rule.

6. Partial Partnership of Indians in Administration: 

The British government had well understood that the revolution of 1857 had taken place due to lack of direct dialogue between government and public. In Indian Councils Act of 1861, three Indians were made the members of viceroy’s executive council.

7. The Policy of Economic Exploitation Started: 

By then, the British government was paying full attention towards colonization. After the revolution (first freedom struggle) of 1857, they abandoned the policy of colonization and started to grab Indian wealth. The burden of the expenditure on suppression of revolution of 1857, was put on Indians. The raw materials were exported to Britain at very cheap rates and the finished products were imported to India and these were sold at very high rates. In this way, the interests of debts and earned capital profits were sent to England while India was left to starve.