Why did many Sikhs help the British during the Indian Rebellion of 1857

The most accurate reason among the options provided is:

**Previous Mughal rulers had persecuted Sikhs.**

During the period of Mughal rule, Sikhs faced significant persecution and oppression, notably under the rule of emperors like Aurangzeb. This historical context fostered a sense of animosity towards the Mughals, which influenced Sikh sentiments during the Indian Rebellion of 1857. Many Sikhs supported the British as they viewed them as a lesser threat compared to the possibility of a return to Mughal dominance, which they had suffered under in the past.

While the other options present interesting points, they do not accurately capture the primary motivations for Sikh support for the British during this period.