Which of these was NOT a cause of popular resentment against British rule before 1857?

🧭 Explanation / व्याख्या

The question asks which factor was NOT a cause of popular resentment before 1857.

👉 The correct option is Religious tolerance (धार्मिक सहिष्णुता) because:

• The British East India Company officially maintained a policy of non-interference in religion in its early rule.
• Compared to economic and social grievances, religion was not a major direct cause of widespread dissatisfaction in that period.

❌ Causes of resentment / असंतोष के कारण

1. Low wages / कम वेतन
   • Indian artisans and laborers were paid very low wages.
   • Traditional industries declined due to British economic policies.
2. High taxes / उच्च कर
   • Heavy land revenue systems (e.g., Permanent Settlement) burdened peasants.
   • Farmers often fell into debt and poverty.
3. Racial discrimination / नस्लीय भेदभाव
   • Indians were treated as inferior to Europeans.
   • Social inequality and lack of equal opportunities caused anger.

📌 Extra Facts / अतिरिक्त तथ्य

• Economic exploitation was a major driving force behind discontent before 1857.
• The Revolt of 1857 was influenced by multiple factors including military grievances (like the use of greased cartridges), political annexations, and economic hardships.
• Early British policy of “non-interference” in religion helped avoid immediate large-scale religious backlash, though later events did create suspicion among Indians.