The correct option is 1 and 3 only.
Explanation
The Azamgarh Proclamation (August 1857) is one of the most significant documents of the Revolt of 1857. Attributed to Firoz Shah, a grandson of Bahadur Shah Zafar, it outlines the political and economic manifesto of the rebels. The proclamation sought to unify various sections of Indian society-Zamindars, Merchants, Public Servants, Artisans, and Pundits/Fakirs-by articulating their specific grievances against British rule and promising reforms under a restored Badshahi government.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Correct: The section addressing Merchants explicitly criticized the British Government for monopolizing the trade of all fine and valuable merchandise, specifically citing indigo and cloth, as well as other shipping articles. It argued that the British left only the trade of "trifles" to native merchants.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: The proclamation did not intend to keep valuable trade as a state monopoly. Instead, it promised that under the new government, the fraudulent practices of the British would end, and the trade of every article, without exception, would be fully open to the native merchants of India.
- Statement 3 is Correct: To secure the support of the mercantile class, the proclamation promised that the government would take responsibility for the carriage of merchandise (using steam vessels and carriages) and would assist merchants with government capital to facilitate their business operations.
Key Takeaway:
The Azamgarh Proclamation highlights that the Revolt of 1857 was not merely a sepoy mutiny but had a coherent political agenda aimed at ending British economic monopolies and restoring the privileges of traditional Indian social classes.