- Indian soldiers formed seven-eighth of the total British troops in India. However, despite this their interests were seen as important and they struggled to maintain their values and traditions during their time in the Army.
- As victims of discrimination,the Indian sepoys were looked upon as inferior beings and treated with contempt by the British officers. Continued discriminatory measures included being paid much less as compared to their British counter-parts.
- All avenues of the promotion were closed to them as all the higher army posts were reserved for the British
- Their discontent was also influenced by the general fear that their religion was in danger.
- The Act of 1816 required the new recruits to travel overseas, if needed. The Hindu sepoys resented this as according to the popular Hindu belief, travel across the sea led to a loss of caste.
- The withdrawal of the Foreign Service allowance which the sepoys were getting for fighting outside the country also stirred their feelings of discontent.