Consider: Statement-I (Assertion A): The First War of Independence in 1857 failed to secure freedom form the British Government. Statement-II (Reason R) : The leadership of Bahadur Shah Zafar did not have popular support most of the Indian rulers of important shied away from the struggle. Select the correct answer from the code given blow:

- Statement I (Assertion A) is true. The First War of Independence in 1857, while a significant uprising, ultimately failed to overthrow British rule and secure freedom for India at that time. The British managed to suppress the revolt by 1858. - Statement II (Reason R) is also true. Bahadur Shah Zafar, the nominal leader, lacked effective authority and widespread popular support across all segments and regions of India. Crucially, many powerful Indian rulers, such as the Nizam of Hyderabad, the Sindhia of Gwalior, the Holkar of Indore, and rulers of Punjab and Nepal, remained loyal to the British or did not participate, which severely weakened the rebellion's potential and resources. - The failure of strong, unified leadership and the lack of widespread support from key Indian rulers were indeed major factors contributing to the suppression of the revolt by the British. Therefore, (R) provides a valid explanation for why (A) is true.