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Sepoys Refuse Rifle Practice
"The mutiny broke out in the Bengal army because it was only in the military sphere that Indians were organized. The pretext for revolt was the introduction of the new Enfield rifle. To load it, the sepoys had to bite off the ends of lubricated cartridges. A rumour spread among the sepoys that the grease used to lubricate the cartridges was a mixture of pigs’ and cows’ lard; thus, to have oral contact with it was an insult to both Muslims and Hindus."
- Britannica -
Execution of Mangal Pandey
"...the general agreement is that Pandey attempted to incite his fellow sepoys to rise up against their British officers, attacked two of those officers, attempted to shoot himself after having been restrained, and eventually was overpowered and arrested. Some contemporary reports suggested that he was under the influence of drugs—possibly cannabis or opium—and was not fully aware of his actions. Pandey was soon tried and sentenced to death."
- Britanicca -
Attack on Dehli
"The sepoys entered Delhi, massacred every Christian man, woman and child they could find and declared the 82-year-old emperor to be their leader. Before long the insurgency had snowballed into the largest and bloodiest anticolonial revolt against any European empire in the 19th century. Of the 139,000 sepoys of the Bengal army, all but 7,796 turned against the British. In many places the sepoys were supported by a widespread civilian rebellion."
- William Darlymple -
Rising of Bahadur Shah II
"What residual political authority he had was confined to the City of Delhi, where he lived on a British pension in the Red Fort. Somewhat derisively, the British referred to him as the "King of Delhi." As a result of reluctantly giving his name to the revolt of 1857, he was tried for treason by the British and exiled to Burma, where he died. How a sovereign could rebel against himself remains a puzzle."
- New World Encyclopedia -
Siege of Cawnpore
"The rebellion at Cawnpore began on the night of 5 June but there was no all-out assault on the compound. There was a brief exchange of small arms fire and the occasional artillery shell but it seemed as if no one knew who was shooting at whom and by the morning it appeared that most of the Sepoy Regiments had fled.Everyone breathed a sigh of relief as it appeared that the compound might be spared a prolonged siege, after all."
- "Prisoners of Eternity" Co. UK -
Clemency of Canning
"Appointed (1856) governor-general of India, he became known as "Clemency Canning" for his efforts to restrain revenge against the Indians during the Indian Mutiny. In 1858, when the power of government was transferred from the East India Company to the British crown, Canning became the first viceroy of India. He was created earl in 1859 and retired in 1862."
- Columbia Encyclopedia -
Siege of Lucknow
"Advancing on September 25, they took heavy losses in storming a bridge over the Charbagh Canal. Pushing through the city, Outram wished to pause for the night after reaching the Machchhi Bhawan. Desiring to reach the Residency, Havelock lobbied for continuing the attack. This request was granted and the British stormed the final distance to the Residency, taking heavy losses in the process."
- Military History About -
Tatya Tope is Defeated at Cawnpore
"He engaged the mutineer artillery in a deadly duel across the river as Tatya Tope's men attempted to destroy the bridge of boats in vain. A 30 hour duel reduced the mutineer artillery and convinced the mutineers to retreat to give fight another day. Before going though they did set light to much of the city as a departing gift. Only now, on December 6th 1857, did the city of Cawnpore finally become pacified."
- British Empire Company UK -
The Battle of Jhansi
"On the 25th of March; 1858; the guns of general Rose started bombarding the city from the East and the South. But the Rani’s gunners matched shot for shot. For five days, intense bombardment continued from both sides, but the British were able to make little headway. Even when the native guns were damaged, the women of Jhansi would repair them overnight."
- All Empires -
Death of Rani of Jhansi
"Lakshmibai dressed as a man in a Sowar’s uniform, completely armed on horseback, with her infant son tied to her back, began attacking the British troops. The British attacked back and Lakshmibai was grievously wounded. Since she did not want her body to be captured by the British she told a hermit to cremate her. Upon her death on June 18th 1858, her body was cremated as per her wishes. Three days after the death of Lakshmibai, the British captured the Fort of Gwalior."
- Maps of India -
Transfer of Administration from East India Co to British Crown
"As per Queen Victoria’s proclamation of November, 1 1858, all treaties and agreements made with the Indian native princes under the authority of the East India company did not cease to exist but were there to stay and accepted by the crown. The declaration expressed faith and the rights, dignity and status of the native princes. The Indian public was given an assurance that there would be no extension of the current territorial possessions."
- GK Today
