ABSTRACT
The Great Revolt transformed the whole atmosphere within which the caste question was discussed by underlining the centrality of the problem and the extreme urgency of finding the correct solution. Prior to 1857 Protestant missionaries had on the whole confined their assaults on caste within the confines of the churches. The incompatibility between caste and the continuance of the Raj was shown most convincingly, most missionaries believed, in the ranks of the native army. More moderate voices, too, were heard to question the wisdom of the policies of the East India Company before 1857. The opponents of a policy of neutrality again and again pointed to the role played during the Revolt by Christians, both native Christians, whose freedom from caste scruples cemented their loyalty, and evangelical civilians and military men, whose transparent sincerity was said to be a reason why they were so successful in maintaining order and putting down disaffection.
