Why is 1857 called the First War of Independence and not just a revolt?

Both names describe the same event, but they reflect different viewpoints. The British called it the 'Sepoy Mutiny' because it began with Indian soldiers (sepoys) refusing greased cartridges, framing it as a small military disturbance. Indian nationalists, especially V.D. Savarkar, called it the 'First War of Independence' because it was much larger: rulers like Rani Lakshmibai, Tatya Tope, Nana Saheb, Bahadur Shah Zafar and ordinary peasants joined to overthrow British rule across north and central India. For your exam, explain that the cause was multiple (political annexations, economic exploitation, the cartridge issue), so the term 'War of Independence' captures its broad, popular, anti-British character better than 'mutiny'.