What impact did Bahadur Shah Zafar’s support of the rebellion have on the people and the ruling families?

The decision by Bahadur Shah Zafar to support the rebellion had prominently changed the entire situation-

• Most of the small rulers and chieftains had been ruling over their territories on behalf of Mughal rulers. They hoped that if the Mughal ruler could once again resume power, they would also be able to rule their own territories once again.

• They became united to fight the British authority with great enthusiasm. Many local people also rose up in rebellion and rallied local leaders, zamindars, etc.

• Forex. Nana Sahib the adopted son of Peshwa declared that he was a Governor General under Bahadur Shah Zafar. Birjis Qadr, the son of deposed Nawabs Wajid Ali Shah proclaimed himself as Nawab and acknowledged the suzerainty of Bahadur Shah Zafar.