Answer:
Both the Assertion and Reason are partially correct, but they are not directly linked to each other.
The Assertion is correct that the revolt of 1857 was brutally suppressed by the British army. The British resorted to extreme violence to crush the rebellion and re-establish their authority. The British had superior military power and trained troops which were well-equipped to deal with the Indian rebels. They also used divide and rule policy and propaganda to weaken and demoralize the rebels.
The Reason is not entirely true. The rebellion was not due to the absence of central authority. It was a result of a combination of political, economic, religious and social factors that had been simmering for many years. There were deep-seated grievances among the Indian soldiers (sepoys) and the masses who were suffering from the exploitative policies of the British East India Company. The annexation of Indian states and the introduction of new land revenue policies had adversely affected the lives of common people. The Indian soldiers were also aggrieved because of the introduction of new Enfield rifles that used cartridges greased with animal fat, which was against their religious beliefs. This sparked off a mutiny in Meerut, which soon spread to other parts of India.
Thus, the Assertion is correct, but the Reason is not directly linked to it and is only partly true.
Step-by-step explanation:
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