{ "book_metadata": { "book_name": "History of Christianity in India: Source Materials", "book_author": "M. K. Kuriakose", "publisher": "Indian Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge", "published_on": "2011" }, "chunks": [ { "chunk_index": 1, "chapter_name": "1857. Burnell on the Uprising of 1857, June", "page_numbers": [ 166 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00190-e54b2810b37add110b99.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Burnell Reports the Uprising", "chunk_data": "107. BURNELL ON THE UPRISING OF 1857, JUNE\n(1857 A.D.)\nIn his letter to the Editors of the Gazette & Courier, written while the Uprising is still in progress, the South Indian missionary, T. S. Burnell, reveals a fairly typical reaction to that event. British rule is defended, Christian responsibility is discussed, and concern for the effect upon Christian missions is expressed. His quotations from various sources, indicating the reaction of Europeans, particularly in the south, is of special interest. He writes from Malur, Madura.\nGazette & Courier, 15 June 1857.", "time": { "start_year": 1857, "start_month": 6, "start_date": 15, "end_year": 1857, "end_month": 6, "end_date": 15, "time_display": "15 June 1857" }, "meta": { "people": [ "T. S. Burnell" ], "places": [ "Malur", "Madura" ], "event": "T. S. Burnell reports on the ongoing Uprising of 1857 and its implications for British rule and Christian missions.", "tags": [ "Uprising", "Christianity", "British Rule" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 2, "chapter_name": "1857. Burnell on the Uprising of 1857, June", "page_numbers": [ 166, 167 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00190-e54b2810b37add110b99.webp", "raw\\pages\\00191-6f40f6794e57c0854907.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Prayer for India and China", "chunk_data": "Messrs. Editors: God in His providence, has by striking events occurring in China of late, turned the attention of the world to that great nation; and now, again, by recent occurrences of great interest in India, the gaze of mankind will, for the time at least, be turned toward this land, with its myriads of idolators. Every Christian heart will desire and pray that by these commotions and turmoils the setting up of the Redeemer's kingdom in these two vast realms may be hastened.", "time": { "start_year": 1857, "start_month": 6, "start_date": null, "end_year": 1857, "end_month": 6, "end_date": null, "time_display": "June 1857" }, "meta": { "people": [], "places": [ "China", "India" ], "event": "Burnell interprets the upheavals in China and India as an opportunity for the spread of Christianity.", "tags": [ "Christianity", "Uprising", "Missions" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 3, "chapter_name": "1857. Burnell on the Uprising of 1857, June", "page_numbers": [ 167 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00191-6f40f6794e57c0854907.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Sepoy Mutiny Spreads", "chunk_data": "During the month of May, great excitement has been produced throughout India by the mutiny of several of the Sepoy (native soldiers) in the north of India. Nearly a dozen regiments, located at Meerut, Ferozepore, Mian Mir, and Delhi, rose in open revolt, the cause being, as is said, the introduction of new cartridges, the paper of which was really, or was imagined to be, prepared with the fat of beef or pork. Thus caste prejudices were offended, and the Sepoys, in their ignorance and superstition, imagined that the English Government was attempting to overthrow their religion, and interfere with caste observance, of which they are so very tenacious.", "time": { "start_year": 1857, "start_month": 5, "start_date": null, "end_year": 1857, "end_month": 5, "end_date": null, "time_display": "May 1857" }, "meta": { "people": [ "Sepoys" ], "places": [ "India", "Meerut", "Ferozepore", "Mian Mir", "Delhi" ], "event": "Sepoy regiments in northern India mutiny over cartridges believed to contain beef or pork fat.", "tags": [ "Uprising", "Military", "Religion" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 4, "chapter_name": "1857. Burnell on the Uprising of 1857, June", "page_numbers": [ 167, 168 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00191-6f40f6794e57c0854907.webp", "raw\\pages\\00192-c8f5c70cb6a1f3346cf9.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Delhi Falls to Mutineers", "chunk_data": "At Meerut, ten or fifteen European officers, and three or four of their wives and children, were barbarously murdered. After committing great ravages, the mutineers took possession of the ancient and fortified city of Delhi; and what is remarkable, have held the place for a month. Concerning this surprising state of things, the Madras Christian Herald of June 10th, now before me, says, 'The long delay that has occurred in the application of a remedy to the great mutiny in Bengal, tends more to shake public confidence in the stability of the British power in India, than anything that has happened within the memory of the present generation. That the Bengal Sepoys should break out into mutiny is not very surprising—they have been ripe for it for many years—they have never been under thorough military control; and with their arms always at their command, and a knowledge of their own power, it is rather to be wondered at that their rebellious spirit has not blazed forth at an earlier and more critical period. Neither is it a matter of surprise that the authorities should not have been prepared for so sudden an outbreak. English authorities, from prime ministers down to constables, are never prepared for any emergency. Whether sitting upon an open barrel of gunpowder at Cabul, or deliberately commencing a war with Russia, or governing an empire 12,000 miles from home with an army of mercenaries, no Englishman is ever ready to meet a contretemps. But that a whole month should have elapsed since this disastrous event occurred; that three native regiments, having massacred all the Europeans within their reach, and having marched off unmolested to the next large station, and having there been joined by several more regiments, should occupy the fortified city of Delhi for a month, without a shot being fired at them, this is the most alarming aspect of the case, and one which suggests considerations of the utmost moment.'", "time": { "start_year": 1857, "start_month": 5, "start_date": null, "end_year": 1857, "end_month": 6, "end_date": 10, "time_display": "May–10 June 1857" }, "meta": { "people": [ "Sepoys", "European officers" ], "places": [ "Meerut", "Delhi", "Bengal", "Cabul", "Russia", "India" ], "event": "Mutineers massacre Europeans at Meerut, seize Delhi, and remain there for a month while British authorities fail to respond.", "tags": [ "Uprising", "War", "British Rule" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 5, "chapter_name": "1857. Burnell on the Uprising of 1857, June", "page_numbers": [ 168 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00192-c8f5c70cb6a1f3346cf9.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Government Weakness Exposed", "chunk_data": "It shows a degree of weakness in the Indian Government for which we confess we were not at all prepared!", "time": { "start_year": 1857, "start_month": 6, "start_date": 10, "end_year": 1857, "end_month": 6, "end_date": 10, "time_display": "10 June 1857" }, "meta": { "people": [], "places": [ "India" ], "event": "The delayed response to the mutiny is presented as evidence of weakness in the Indian Government.", "tags": [ "Uprising", "Politics", "British Rule" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 6, "chapter_name": "1857. Burnell on the Uprising of 1857, June", "page_numbers": [ 168 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00192-c8f5c70cb6a1f3346cf9.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Brahmin Influence in the Mutiny", "chunk_data": "Beside the matter of the cartridges, as the cause of all this widespread and serious difficulty, the influence of Brahmins—many of whom are in the native army—is thought to be a very efficient instrument in the increase of the spirit of mutiny. As showing the number of Brahmins in some of the regiments, and indicating also the unhappy and excited state of the European community, I give an extract from a letter written at Lucknow, the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Oude, of which much has been heard of late in connection with its annexation by the British power. The letter is dated May 21st, and the writer says: 'We are, I must say, in a very dangerous position, although everything that foresight and untiring energy can accomplish has been done by our noble Chief Commissioner. The native troops have shown that they can never be trusted. One regiment here is most insolently inclined, and as it has nearly six hundred Brahmins in its ranks, no dependence can be placed upon it. The Sepoys all, to a man, (even Sikhs,) declare that no power on earth will induce them to touch the new cartridges; that they do not want to mutiny, we are to beware how we exasperate them. Is not this a nice state of affairs? Everyone is on the alert, and never wanting in caution and preparation. Both the Chief Commissioner's residences are full of ladies, ayahs, children and European women. The prevalent feeling here has lately been displayed in an unmistakable manner. Two days ago a proclamation in Hindoo was pasted on one of the huts near the cavalry lines, in which all Hindoos and Mohammedans were called upon to join in murdering the Feringhees. Yesterday a similar document was placarded in the city in the Persian character. The city people, I hear, await the signal for them to rise en masse on the mutiny of the native troops. A portion of these are to all appearance, loyal and staunch, but recent events have shown that they are easily led away. Everyone is prepared, and whatever the number of the insurgents, you may be sure that the residents of Lucknow, civil and military, will not be found wanting in the day of trial.'", "time": { "start_year": 1857, "start_month": 5, "start_date": 21, "end_year": 1857, "end_month": 5, "end_date": 21, "time_display": "21 May 1857" }, "meta": { "people": [ "Brahmins", "Sepoys", "Chief Commissioner" ], "places": [ "Lucknow", "Oude" ], "event": "A letter from Lucknow describes Brahmin influence in the army, opposition to the cartridges, and preparations for violence against Europeans.", "tags": [ "Uprising", "Military", "Religion" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 7, "chapter_name": "1857. Burnell on the Uprising of 1857, June", "page_numbers": [ 168, 169 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00192-c8f5c70cb6a1f3346cf9.webp", "raw\\pages\\00193-e404b4af9ce6ade6984b.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Christianity as Imperial Bond", "chunk_data": "The writer first quoted makes the following good remarks upon this revolt—a remark the truthfulness of which it is devoutly to be wished the whole British nation felt: 'How earnestly should we desire and pray for the spread of Christianity in this country. The one only bond of union which is ever likely to bind India to England is common Christianity. Our religion is now the source of disunion; but when the truth shall have set the native mind free and when he who was a murderer from the beginning shall have lost his hold upon the millions of India, then England, if permitted to be the honoured instrument of God's grace, will reign in the affections of an emancipated and happy people. He also alludes to his hopes as to what is needed to be done and the results of this mutiny, in these words: 'We hope that the rebellion will soon be put down, and present peace be restored, but confidence cannot possibly return, nor will there exist any security, until the constitution of the Bengal native army has been thoroughly remodelled. The Brahmins must be eliminated; the Sepoys must be brought into subjection. After all, the British Government will suffer more from loss of prestige throughout Asia, and especially in the eyes of our native subjects, than from any other cause. It will take many years to restore this under most favourable circumstances, and the progress of events does not lead us to suppose that circumstances will be very favourable to the re-establishment of \"British power and pride\".'", "time": { "start_year": 1857, "start_month": 6, "start_date": null, "end_year": 1857, "end_month": 6, "end_date": null, "time_display": "June 1857" }, "meta": { "people": [ "Brahmins", "Sepoys" ], "places": [ "India", "England", "Asia", "Bengal" ], "event": "The quoted writer presents Christianity as the potential bond between India and England and calls for the restructuring and subjugation of the Bengal native army.", "tags": [ "Christianity", "British Rule", "Military" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 8, "chapter_name": "1857. Burnell on the Uprising of 1857, June", "page_numbers": [ 169 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00193-e404b4af9ce6ade6984b.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Missions Threatened by Rebellion", "chunk_data": "These troubles will, for a while, operate disastrously upon the spread of truth and the prosperity of missions in the north of India. One pious officer, Col. Wheeler had instructed the Sepoys in the truths of the Bible, and this is now made a serious charge against him, and may cost him his place. This is much to be regretted as the influence of the great mass of military men is adverse to the spread of the Gospel; and such men as Col. W. are greatly needed. However wicked and licentious an officer may be his place is likely to be secure, but true piety and its legitimate fruits render place and favour uncertain. Beside the evil as above, injury must occur to the missions in the cities where the mutinies have happened. Particularly is this true of Delhi, where is or was, a prosperous mission, and where the mutineers have full possession; and which, perhaps, must be destroyed before they relinquish it.", "time": { "start_year": 1857, "start_month": 6, "start_date": null, "end_year": 1857, "end_month": 6, "end_date": null, "time_display": "June 1857" }, "meta": { "people": [ "Colonel Wheeler", "Sepoys" ], "places": [ "Northern India", "Delhi" ], "event": "The uprising threatens northern missions, and Colonel Wheeler faces punishment for instructing Sepoys in the Bible.", "tags": [ "Missions", "Uprising", "Christianity" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 9, "chapter_name": "1857. Burnell on the Uprising of 1857, June", "page_numbers": [ 169 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00193-e404b4af9ce6ade6984b.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Dealtry Visits Northern Stations", "chunk_data": "Bishop Thomas Dealtry, of this Presidency, (signing himself 'T. Madras,') has lately been upon a visitation in the north of India, to supply, as I suppose, 'the lack of service' of the venerable octogenarian Bishop Wilson of Calcutta. Bishop Dealtry travelled 6,000 miles, visiting forty-five stations, holding thirty-five confirmations, and receiving into full communion 1,370 persons. He, in general, gives a favourable account of all that passed under his eye. He visited missions of the Church Missionary Society at ten places and of the Propagation Society at Cawnpore and Delhi.", "time": { "start_year": 1857, "start_month": 6, "start_date": null, "end_year": 1857, "end_month": 6, "end_date": null, "time_display": "c. June 1857" }, "meta": { "people": [ "Bishop Thomas Dealtry", "Bishop Wilson" ], "places": [ "Northern India", "Calcutta", "Cawnpore", "Delhi" ], "event": "Bishop Thomas Dealtry completes a 6,000-mile visitation of northern India, conducting confirmations and receiving converts into full communion.", "tags": [ "Missions", "Church", "Christianity" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 10, "chapter_name": "1857. Burnell on the Uprising of 1857, June", "page_numbers": [ 169 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00193-e404b4af9ce6ade6984b.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Delhi Mission Praised", "chunk_data": "Of the mission at the last named place, and which I fear is now greatly injured, if not destroyed, he speaks in high terms as follows: The mission at Delhi is amongst the most hopeful and promising of our Indian mission fields. The intelligent and well-informed converts, holding as they do high and important positions independent of the mission, the superior nature of the school, with its 120 boys, amongst the best I have visited in India, and the first-rate character for attainments and devotedness of the missionaries and the school-masters are making an impression which is moving the", "time": { "start_year": 1857, "start_month": 6, "start_date": null, "end_year": 1857, "end_month": 6, "end_date": null, "time_display": "c. June 1857" }, "meta": { "people": [ "Bishop Thomas Dealtry", "Missionaries", "Schoolmasters" ], "places": [ "Delhi" ], "event": "Bishop Dealtry praises the promising Delhi mission, its converts, school, missionaries, and schoolmasters before the uprising damages it.", "tags": [ "Missions", "Education", "Christianity" ] } } ] }