The correct answer is: b) Strained.
The Revolt of 1857, also known as the Indian Rebellion of 1857, was a major uprising against British rule in India. The revolt began in Meerut on 10 May 1857 and spread to other parts of India, including Sikkim. The British were eventually able to suppress the revolt, but it had a significant impact on the relationship between the British and the Chogyal of Sikkim.
Prior to the revolt, the British had a relatively hands-off approach to governing Sikkim. However, after the revolt, the British became more concerned with maintaining control over the region. This led to increased tensions between the British and the Chogyal, which eventually led to the British annexing Sikkim in 1890.
The following are brief explanations of each option:
- Strengthened: The relationship between the British and the Chogyal of Sikkim may have been strengthened after the Revolt of 1857. This is because the British were more concerned with maintaining control over the region after the revolt, and they may have seen the Chogyal as a potential ally in this effort. However, this is not the most likely outcome, as the revolt had a significant impact on the relationship between the two parties.
- Unchanged: The relationship between the British and the Chogyal of Sikkim may have remained unchanged after the Revolt of 1857. This is because the British were not directly involved in the revolt, and they may have seen no need to change their relationship with the Chogyal. However, this is also not the most likely outcome, as the revolt had a significant impact on the region.
- Severed: The relationship between the British and the Chogyal of Sikkim may have been severed after the Revolt of 1857. This is because the revolt led to increased tensions between the two parties, and the British may have seen the Chogyal as a potential threat to their rule. This is the most likely outcome, as the revolt had a significant impact on the relationship between the two parties.