NCERT Class 12 History — Chapter 2: Rebels and the Raj- 1857 Revolt and its Representations

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In the context of the events preceding the Revolt of 1857, the “Captain Wright Report” of January 1857 was related to which of the following?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AThe assessment of revenue potential in Awadh.
BThe weakness of the defenses at the Red Fort.
CThe discovery of a conspiracy between Nana Sahib and Russia.
DThe origin of the greased cartridge rumour involving a Khalasi and a Brahmin sepoy.

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Solution

The correct option is The origin of the greased cartridge rumour involving a Khalasi and a Brahmin sepoy..

Explanation

The immediate trigger for the Revolt of 1857 was the introduction of the Enfield Rifle and the suspicion among sepoys regarding the grease used in its cartridges. The "Captain Wright" report is the primary historical evidence documenting the origin of this rumour.

Historical Context and Analysis:

Origin of the Report: In January 1857, Captain Wright was an officer stationed at the Rifle Instruction Depot in Dum Dum, near Calcutta.
The Incident: Captain Wright reported an incident involving a high-caste Brahmin sepoy and a low-caste Khalasi (laborer) employed at the magazine. The Khalasi asked the sepoy for water from his lota (water pot). The sepoy refused, stating that his caste would be defiled by the touch of a lower caste.
The Retort: The Khalasi reportedly retorted that the sepoy’s caste pride would soon be irrelevant, as the British government was manufacturing cartridges greased with the fat of cows and pigs, which all sepoys would be required to bite.
Significance: Captain Wright officially conveyed this conversation to his superior, Major Bontein. This report is historically significant as it marks the first official record of the "greased cartridge" rumour, which subsequently spread to Barrackpore, Meerut, and Delhi, igniting the rebellion.

Key Takeaway: Captain Wright's report (January 1857) detailed the Khalasi-Brahmin altercation at the Dum Dum depot, serving as the first documented source of the rumour that Enfield cartridges were greased with cow and pig fat.

Your note

More from Chapter 2: Rebels and the Raj- 1857 Revolt and its Representations

With reference to the revolt in Awadh, who was Hanwant Singh?

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Consider the following statements regarding the planning and coordination of the Revolt of 1857: 1. There is clear documentary evidence proving that a central committee of Indian rulers planned the dates of the mutinies. 2. The 7th Awadh Irregular Cavalry refused to accept new cartridges and informed the 48th Native Infantry that they awaited their orders. 3. Charles Ball noted that panchayats were a nightly occurrence in the Kanpur sepoy lines. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to Shah Mal, a rebel leader in 1857, consider the following statements: 1. He destroyed the bungalow of an English officer rather than using it for administration. 2. He belonged to a clan of Jat cultivators related to the chaurasee des. 3. He survived the revolt and lived until 1860. Which of the statements given above are correct?

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Who among the following was popularly known as "Danka Shah" during the Revolt of 1857?

easy

"A cherry that will drop into our mouth one day." Which Governor General made this remark regarding the kingdom of Awadh?

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The correct option is The origin of the greased cartridge rumour involving a Khalasi and a Brahmin sepoy..

Explanation

Historical Context and Analysis:

Origin of the Report: In January 1857, Captain Wright was an officer stationed at the Rifle Instruction Depot in Dum Dum, near Calcutta.
The Incident: Captain Wright reported an incident involving a high-caste Brahmin sepoy and a low-caste Khalasi (laborer) employed at the magazine. The Khalasi asked the sepoy for water from his lota (water pot). The sepoy refused, stating that his caste would be defiled by the touch of a lower caste.
The Retort: The Khalasi reportedly retorted that the sepoy’s caste pride would soon be irrelevant, as the British government was manufacturing cartridges greased with the fat of cows and pigs, which all sepoys would be required to bite.
Significance: Captain Wright officially conveyed this conversation to his superior, Major Bontein. This report is historically significant as it marks the first official record of the "greased cartridge" rumour, which subsequently spread to Barrackpore, Meerut, and Delhi, igniting the rebellion.