"What was the most important factor leading to the Indian Mutiny of 1857?" Shariq Khan Word Count: Investigation Plan: This investigation is to determine what caused the Indian Mutiny of 1857. To determine its origin, the investigation will evaluate the various factors that have been proposed as to the reason for the Indian Mutiny. Factors that will be assessed include the expansionist economic policies of the British East India Company, cultural and religious clashes including British evangelism, and the relatively poor treatment of Indian Sepoys within the British Army. Interviews and modern analysis from British and South Asian sources on the topic will be assessed. An interview with Dr. Hassan and “Raj: the Making and Unmaking of British India”, a book by James Lawrence, will be assessed for their limitations and values ​​in relation to their origins and purposes. Finally, an analysis will be carried out to evaluate the most important cause of the rebellion. This investigation will not assess the relevance and importance of forces outside India (such as in Britain) to the mutiny. Summary of Evidence: There had been a history of minor mutinies by Indian soldiers against the British Army. There were at least 4 in the previous half century. Two of these rebellions were caused by Sepoys being asked to perform tasks they considered reserved for lower castes. Evangelism was practiced by the British East India Company in all their colonies, including India. The Indians believed that the English were trying to convert them to Christianity. The English banned child marriage and other religious practices#. Starting in 1856, many officers began to force Sepoys# to listen to Christian sermons. In 1857, the Sepoys we...... middle of paper ......lic Broadcasting Service. Network. February 26, 2011. .Inglis, Julia Selina. "The Siege of Lucknow: A Diary." Digital Library Server at Penn Libraries. University of Pennsylvania, 1892. Web. 11 January 2011. .James, Lawrence. “The Mutiny: 1857-59.” Raj: the making and unmaking of British India. New York: St. Martin's Griffin, 1997. 233-98. Print.Khan, Iqtidar Alam. "The Gwalior Contingent in 1857-58: A Study of Rebel Sepoy Organization and Ideology." Social Scientist 26.1/4 (1998): 53-75. JSTOR. Network. January 11, 2011. "Lucknow - Indian Mutiny (1857-1858)." 1st Association of Regimental Companions of the Queen's Dragoon Guards. 08 February 2003. Web. 11 January. 2011. .