Discuss the extent to which religious beliefs shaped the events of 1857

There were several rumors which floated in the society regarding the religious beliefs of the religious beliefs of the people which helped in shaping the events of 1857. They are mentioned as follows:

• One rumour said that the British had mixed the bone dust of cows and pigs in the flour which was sold in the market. This created a huge oppression among the people because the Hindus considered eating of cows’ meat as a sin and the Muslims considered eating pigs as a sin.

• As a result of this the sepoys and the common men refused to even touch the wheat flour that was sold in the open market.

• There was also a rumour that the British would forcibly make the Indians to convert their religion into Christianity.