The Hero of the First War of Independence
The sepoy whose defiance sparked the 1857 Revolt.
A Defiant Spark
Mangal Pandey was a sepoy in the 34th Bengal Native Infantry. His act of defiance against the use of new rifle cartridges greased with animal fat, which was believed to be an insult to both Hindu and Muslim religious sentiments, became the single event that ignited the great Revolt of 1857.
1857
Year of the
Great Revolt
34th
Bengal Native
Infantry
The Events of a Historic Day: A Timeline
March 29, 1857: The First Shot
On this fateful day at Barrackpore, Mangal Pandey revolted, urging his fellow sepoys to rise against the British. He attacked and injured two British officers, setting the stage for the rebellion.
A Call to Arms
His courage in the face of insurmountable odds was an inspiration. While many of his peers did not join him immediately, his actions lit the fuse of discontent that was simmering among the Indian soldiers.
April 8, 1857: Martyrdom
After a court-martial, Mangal Pandey was hanged to death. His execution did not quell the uprising; instead, it fueled the flames of rebellion, which soon spread across Northern India.
Legacy of a Rebel
His name became a symbol of resistance and patriotism. His actions are often regarded as the first act of the Sepoy Mutiny, which many historians consider the First War of Indian Independence.