Factors behind the Indian Mutiny (1857-1858) included the political expansion of the East India Company at the expense of 'native' rulers, harsh land policies of successive Governor-Generals, and the rapid introduction of European civilization. The trigger was discontent among Indigenous soldiers (both Hindu and Muslim), who revolted, capturing Delhi and proclaiming an emperor of India. The mutiny became a more general uprising against British rule, spreading through northern central India. Cawnpore (Kanpur) and Lucknow fell to Indian troops. With support from the Sikh Punjab, troops under generals Colin Campbell and Henry Havelock reconquered affected areas. The British government subsequently undertook reform, abolishing the East India Company and assuming direct rule by the Crown. Expropriation of land was discontinued, religious toleration decreed, and Indians were admitted to subordinate civil service positions. The proportion of British to 'native' troops was increased as a precaution against further uprisings.
Indian Rebellion of 1857: also known as the Indian Mutiny, or India's First War of Independence, the Rebellion began on 10 May 1857 when sepoys from the East India Company's army erupted in revolt in Meerut. Further civil rebellion spread, particularly across Northern and Central India. This resistance was mostly crushed by 1858, with Indian loyalties divided. The 1857 Rebellion had significant repercussions for Anglo-Indian relations for the next ninety years.[Source: Website by The Open University: 'Making Britain: How South Asians shaped the Nation, 1870-1950: http://www.open.ac.uk/researchprojects/makingbritain/content/indian-rebellion-1857]