What impact did Bahadur Shah Zafar’s support for the rebellion have on the people and the ruling families?
Aurangzeb was considered the last strong and powerful Mughal ruler of India. After his death, the Mughal rulers had only a symbolic presence. But Mughal rulers still had their influence over small chiefs and rulers across the country. The revolt of 1857 started only when Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last ruler of the Mughals, gave his permission. His support for the revolt made leaders from various places become confident about opposing the British. Zafar asked all the leaders to form a confederacy to fight against the British. Many small and large kingdoms, rulers and chieftains supported the revolt after Bahadur Shah Zafar extended his support to the revolt. Hence, his support for the rebellion had a widespread effect on the people and the ruling families.
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