UPSC Prelims 2006 Q134: Modern History – Advent Of Europeans & British Expansion
With reference to the revolt of the year 1857, who of the following was betrayed by a
friend; captured and put to death by the British?
- (a) Nana Sahib
- (b) Kunwar Singh
- (c) Khan Bahadur Khan
- (d) Tantia Tope
Answer: (d) Tantia Tope
Explanation
Rebel leader betrayed and executed after 1857
| Leader | Fate |
|---|---|
| Nana Sahib | Escaped to Nepal and was never captured |
| Kunwar Singh | Died of wounds in 1858 |
| Khan Bahadur Khan | Captured and hanged in Bareilly, 1860 |
| Tantia Tope | Betrayed by his friend Man Singh, captured and executed in 1859 |
Tantia Tope was betrayed by Raja Man Singh of Narwar, captured by the British and put to death in April 1859.
Answer: (d) Tantia Tope.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Nana Sahib escaped to Nepal and was not captured.
- (b) Incorrect. Kunwar Singh died of wounds in 1858 without being captured.
- (c) Incorrect. Khan Bahadur Khan was tried and hanged, but not after betrayal by a friend.
- (d) CORRECT. Tantia Tope was betrayed by Man Singh and executed in 1859.
Key point
Tantia Tope was betrayed by his friend Man Singh, captured and executed by the British in 1859.
Remember
Tantia Tope was betrayed by Man Singh and executed.
Common mistakes
- Choosing Nana Sahib, whose end remains uncertain.
- Confusing the betrayal with the end of Rani Lakshmibai, who fell in battle.
- Forgetting Man Singh's role as the betrayer.
Exam tip
Tantia Tope: betrayed by Man Singh of Narwar, executed 1859.
Sources
- NCERT Class VIII History — Our Pasts III Part 1 — When People Rebel: 1857 and After
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Tantia Tope