Explain the main causes of 1857 freedom struggle.

The Freedom struggle of 1857 had its roots in various systematic administrative, social and political causes triggered by the British.
a. Administrative causes:
Lord Dalhousie led an ambitious annexation of the Princely States of Jhansi, Nagpur, Satara and Awadh as a part of the British empire. He forcefully captured the lands of Indian zamindars. They also angered the Muslims by insulting Mughal king Bahadur Shah Zafar. Indians were not appointed to high posts in government services and were discriminated against unfairly by the judicial system established by the British.
b. Social Causes:
The British looked down upon Indian traditions and customs, thinking they were outdated and inferior to theirs. Indians were constantly prejudiced and segregated from the British, deprived of privileges and rankings. Discrimination based upon race and colour was prevalent. Restrictions on adoption, property were enforced by the British that were vehemently opposed by the British. Indians saw this as an invasion upon the Indian rituals and customs.
c. Religious Causes:
The East India Company allowed the Christian missionaries to work in its territories. They established laws which made conversion to Christianity easier and a more attractive option. Any person who had converted to Christianity could inherit his ancestral property and could get opportunities to government jobs and other facilities. People felt that their religion and social customs were in danger. Hindu traditions and customs were severely attacked with discrimination between races, need to salute Englishmen and invasion of culture by appropriation of railways, telegraph and post.
d. Military Cause:
Mainly military discontent spurred the revolt. Indian soldiers were discriminated on the issues of salary, posts, promotion, allowances. Newly introduced laws took a major hit at the religious sentiments of Indians. Underpaid and humiliated, this gave them an impetus to revolt against the British. During the Second Burma War, Indians were ordered to go across the oceans but religion forbade foreign travel. This further angered the Indian militia.

e. Economic Cause:
Britishers pursued a severe economic policy that focused upon exploiting Indian resources to satisfy the Britain interests. This led to a complete destruction of the rural economic system of India, causing the poor to become poorer and the rich richer. Their stringent policies did not exempt farmers and zamindars who had to pay fine and tax dues even during recurrent famines. They tortured and exploited them, increasing discontent among Indians.
f. Immediate Cause:
Indian soldiers were newly provided with Enfield Rifles, which involved breaking open the cartridge with their mouths. Suspecting the cartridges to contain pork and beef fat which is seen against religion, the soldiers stood against the decision. Mangal Pandey took a strong resolve and refused to open the cartridge, killing the British officer who ordered it on 29th March 1857. He was arrested and hanged. A month after his execution, soldiers in Meerut too refused to use the new cartridges. About 85 sepoys were arrested and sentenced to jail, sparking off the revolt. On 10th May 1857, other sepoys freed the imprisoned soldiers and killed British officers. They set fire to the buildings and property of the British and declared war. The revolt soon spread all across North India from Meerut to Delhi, Kanpur, Bihar, Rajasthan and South India.