The correct answer is: b) Likely influenced by the anti-British fervor.
Manipuri soldiers serving in British units outside Manipur during 1857 were likely influenced by the anti-British fervor that was sweeping through India at the time. The Sepoy Mutiny, also known as the Indian Rebellion of 1857, was a major uprising against British rule in India. The mutiny began on May 10, 1857, when Indian soldiers in the British East India Company’s army refused to use new cartridges that they believed were greased with cow or pig fat, which was offensive to both Hindus and Muslims. The mutiny quickly spread to other parts of India, and by the end of 1857, the British had lost control of much of the country.
The Manipuri soldiers who were serving in British units outside Manipur were likely aware of the Sepoy Mutiny, and they may have been sympathetic to the rebels’ cause. The Manipuri people had a long history of resisting British rule, and they may have seen the Sepoy Mutiny as an opportunity to overthrow the British.
However, there is no evidence that Manipuri soldiers actually participated in the Sepoy Mutiny. In fact, the British government rewarded several Manipuri soldiers for their loyalty during the rebellion. Nevertheless, it is likely that the Manipuri soldiers were influenced by the anti-British fervor that was sweeping through India at the time.
The other options are incorrect for the following reasons:
- Option a) is incorrect because there is evidence that Manipuri soldiers were aware of the Sepoy Mutiny and may have been sympathetic to the rebels’ cause.
- Option c) is incorrect because there is no evidence that Manipuri soldiers returned to Manipur as heroes. In fact, the British government rewarded several Manipuri soldiers for their loyalty during the rebellion.
- Option d) is incorrect because there is no evidence that Manipuri soldiers were executed for potential mutiny.