The correct answer is: C) Local grievances.
Some historians argue that isolated incidents of rebellion in Kerala during the 1857 period were primarily driven by local grievances. These grievances included the high taxes imposed by the British, the forced recruitment of soldiers, and the loss of traditional rights and privileges. The rebellions were often led by local chiefs and landowners who were opposed to British rule.
Option A, nationalist sentiment, is incorrect because the Indian nationalist movement did not emerge until the late 19th century. Option B, religious extremism, is incorrect because the rebellions were not motivated by religious beliefs. Option D, foreign influence, is incorrect because the rebellions were not caused by foreign powers.
Here is a brief explanation of each option:
- Option A: Nationalist sentiment is a sense of national identity and pride. It is often accompanied by a desire for political independence. The Indian nationalist movement did not emerge until the late 19th century, so it is not a likely explanation for the rebellions in Kerala during the 1857 period.
- Option B: Religious extremism is a belief in the superiority of one’s own religion and a willingness to use violence to promote that belief. The rebellions in Kerala were not motivated by religious beliefs, so this is not a likely explanation for them.
- Option C: Local grievances are complaints about the way that a government or other authority is treating a particular group of people. The rebellions in Kerala were often led by local chiefs and landowners who were opposed to British rule. These people had specific grievances about the high taxes imposed by the British, the forced recruitment of soldiers, and the loss of traditional rights and privileges.
- Option D: Foreign influence is the impact that one country or culture has on another. The rebellions in Kerala were not caused by foreign powers. They were a response to the specific grievances of the people of Kerala under British rule.