JCC: Cracks in the Jewel: Sepoy Mutiny of 1857

When Mildenhall first came to India, not even the King of England could imagine being the sovereign of Hindustan, yet, it happened. Now, the crown jewel of the Empire falls out of the grasp of London. For the East India Company, this rebellion might forever doom its existence if the situation causes the ire of the crown. Nonetheless, it still has the means to suppress the rebellion and exact revenge for all involved. For the mutineers and their supporting nobles, this might be the only opportunity to free themselves of the Subsidiary Alliance and expel the foreigners off of Indian soil. However, a non-British future remains uncertain as intrigue begins to once again dominate the great courts of India.

Topic A: Securing the Subcontinent

Whether it be a company official or a Nawab, the fundamental issue is still gaining dominance over India. For the company, its assets and taxation rights in the subcontinent are essential in maintaining its influence within Westminster, and whose loss can remove the last vestiges of its centuries long growth that its administrators had enjoyed. For the Sepoys, the subcontinent is their homeland, and its loss to the EIC would forever doom any movement for Independence in the future. Thus, delegates must be able to gain control of the subcontinent for the state they have sworn their allegiance to.

Topic B (EIC): Preserving Company Rule

Throughout the nineteenth century, the East India Company had gone from the greatest company known throughout the world to a shell of its former self. Worst amongst the consequences were the rescission of its trading monopolies within India and China, relegating most of its profits to be from the ever more excessive taxation within EIC controlled lands. With this rebellion, even a victory might not prevent the dissolution of the company, especially if Royal forces are to be used. However, this crisis provides an opportunity to rejuvenate the company, if and only if it can be properly exploited.

Topic B (Sepoys): Fight over the Imperial Throne

Even with Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar placed on the Imperial throne, there is a great debate amongst the various Indian lords on who should lead a new India. Some are still loyal to Calcutta, some follow the rule of Delhi, yet there are others that wish to put a new Chhatrapati on the throne. Even more so, some wish to be left alone and stay independent from the power struggles within the princes. As time marches on, an irresolute court leads to intrigue amongst the various Rajas and Nawabs, potentially ruining any hope for victory. 

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