India observes the 160th death anniversary of Mangal Pandey, an Indian soldier who played a crucial role in events preceding the historical Revolt of 1857. The man behind the famous 1857 revolt was a mere soldier in the Imperial Army, whom we know as Mangal Pandey. There’s still a historical amnesia about this legendary freedom fighter of India, so let’s learn something more about this phenomenal personality.
- It was Mangal Pandey who instigated the first Bharatiya War of Independence in 1857.
- During his service in the Bengal Infantry at Barrackpore, the British introduced a new type of cartridge which was made up of cow and pig fat. Both Muslims and Hindus were unable to use the cartridge for religious reasons. It was Mangal Pandey who was led the group of Indian soldiers to stop the use of the cartridge.
- It was believed that Mangal Pandey became so furious at this new move by British that he vouched to kill the very first Englishman he sees.
- He kept his vow and fired at Lieutenant Baugh, though he missed the shot. But he overpowered the Lieutenant with such a fury that he to run for his life from the site.
Sepoy Mutiny in 1857
- Mangal Pandey’s effort didn’t go vain. It started the Sepoy Mutiny from Barrackpore to Meerut, Delhi, Cawnpore and Lucknow.
- His genuine efforts forced the British to order the soldiers to use their own greasing over the cartridges.
- For this act of rebel, Mangal Pandey was imprisoned and sentenced to death.
- At the Military court trial, he was asked to name his partners in the crime. But like a true hero, he kept mum, which costed him his own life.
- He was scheduled to be hanged on April 18th, 1857. But his death was preponed to 10 days without a prior notice on 8th April 1857.
- The place where Mangal Pandey opened fire on the British Officers and where he was later hanged is known as ‘Shaheed Mangal Pandey Maha Udyan’ now.
