The correct answer is: d) All of the above.
The Revolt of 1857, also known as the Indian Rebellion of 1857, the Sepoy Mutiny, or the First War of Indian Independence, was a major uprising in India against British rule. The revolt began on 10 May 1857 at the British Indian Army garrison in Meerut, and quickly spread to other parts of northern and central India. The rebels were motivated by a variety of factors, including religious and economic grievances, as well as resentment of British rule. The revolt was ultimately unsuccessful, but it had a significant impact on British policy in India.
One of the most important consequences of the Revolt of 1857 was the British decision to abolish the East India Company and assume direct control of India. The British government also made a number of changes to its policy towards the princely states, which were semi-independent kingdoms that had been allowed to remain under their own rulers under British suzerainty. The British government now sought to bring the princely states more firmly under its control, and it also began to take a more active role in the administration of the Himalayan frontier regions.
The Revolt of 1857 also had a significant impact on British relations with local rulers. The British government was now more wary of the potential for rebellion, and it sought to ensure the loyalty of local rulers by granting them greater powers and privileges. However, the Revolt also led to a growing sense of nationalism among Indians, and many local rulers began to see the British as a threat to their independence.
In conclusion, the Revolt of 1857 highlighted vulnerabilities in the British Empire, which may have influenced their long-term strategy towards Himalayan frontier regions like Sikkim, Princely states within India, and Relationships with local rulers.