Explanation:

It was estimated that not more than one fourth of the total area and not more than one tenth of the total population was affected. South India remained quiet and Punjab and Bengal were only marginally affected.
Almost half the Indian soldiers were not only non participatory in Revolt but fought against their own countrymen. The revolt was poorly organized with no co-ordination or central leadership. Apart from some honourable exceptions like the Rani of Jhansi, Kunwar Singh and Maulvi Ahmadullah, the rebels were poorly served by their leaders. Most of them failed to realize the significance of the Revolt and simply did not do enough.
The rebels represented diverse elements with differing elements with differing grievances (not common). Apart from a commonly shared hatred for alien rule, the rebels had no political perspective or a definite vision of the future.