Weaknesses of People’s Uprisings

● These uprisings drew a large number of participants but were, in fact, localised and occurred at different times in different regions.

● They mostly arose out of local grievances.

● The leadership was semi-feudal in character, backward- looking, traditional in outlook and their resistance did not offer alternatives to the existing social set-up.

● If many of these revolts seemed similar to one another in wanting to oust the alien rule, it was not because of some ‘national’ impulse or common effort, but because they were protesting against conditions that were common to them.

● These rebellions were centuries-old in form and ideological / cultural content.

● Those who were not so uncooperative or obstinate were pacified through concessions by the authorities.

● The methods and arms used by the fighters in these uprisings were practically obsolete compared to the weapons and strategy—as well as deception and chicanery—employed by their opponents.