What does this conversation suggest about the ways in which plans were communicated and discussed by the rebels?
The conversation reveals that the rebels had established well-organized lines of communication between sepoy lines of various cantonments. The 7th Awadh Irregular Cavalry wrote to the 48th Native Infantry, stating they had "acted for the faith" and awaited their orders, which shows systematic planning and coordination.
The rebels also used physical movement to communicate their plans. Sepoys and their emissaries travelled from one station to another, carrying messages and spreading information about the rebellion. This personal movement enabled direct discussion of plans.
This communication network explains why there was similarity in the pattern of the revolt across different places. Despite being mostly ordinary and illiterate people, the rebels actively planned, talked about, and coordinated their actions against the British.
Explanation
The textbook context in section 1.2 'Lines of Communication' explicitly discusses how the rebels communicated. The key evidence is the letter from the 7th Awadh Irregular Cavalry to the 48th Native Infantry, which shows written communication between units. The text also mentions that 'Sepoys or their emissaries moved from one station to another,' indicating physical movement as another method. The answer connects these methods to the broader point about 'similarity in the pattern of the revolt' being a result of such planning and coordination.
Solution Steps
Step 1: Identify the methods of communication mentioned - written letters between cantonments and physical movement of sepoys/emissaries
Step 2: Extract the specific example - the 7th Awadh Irregular Cavalry's letter to 48th Native Infantry
Step 3: Connect these methods to the outcome - similarity in revolt pattern due to planning and coordination