What impact did Bahadur Shah Zafar's support to the rebellion have on the people and the ruling families?
Bahadur Shah Zafar’s decision to bless the rebellion changed the entire situation dramatically. The people could see an alternative possibility, they felt inspired and enthused. It gave them the courage, hope and confidence to act.
The eople of the towns and villages rose up in rebellion and rallied around local leaders, zamindars and chiefs.
(i)Nana Saheb, the adopted son of the late Peshwa Baji Rao, who lived near Kanpur, gathered armed forces and expelled the British garrison from the city. He proclaimed himself Peshwa. He declared that he was a Governor under emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar.
(ii)In Lucknow, Birjis Qadr, the son of the deposed Nawab Wajid Ali-Shah, was proclaimed the new Nawab. He too acknowledged the suzerainty of Bahadur Shah Zafar.
(iii)In Jhansi, Rani Lakshmibai joined the rebel sepoys and fought the British alongwith Tantia Tope, the general of Nana Saheb.
