The First Step

We are part of a yearlong celebration to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the First War of Indian Independence, the 1857 uprising.

For those, who don't know the history behind this, I would like to share the result of my search.

The British introduced new rifle cartridges rumored to be greased with oil made from the fat of animals. The Hindus considered Cows as holy animal and Muslim feel the same for Pigs.

The violence started on May 10, 1857 in Meerut, when Mangal Pandey, a soldier in the Army shot his commander for forcing the Indian troops to use the controversial rifles. Indians constituted 96% of the 300,000 British Army and the violence against British quickly spread. Not just this religious belief, but also the agony of Indian's against the British rule due to 'Torture Commission', 'Mahalwari system of taxation' and many forced them to respond violently. The Sepoy's were guided by the aging Bahadur Shah.

The arrival of more British reinforcements finally led to the defeat of the repels. The repels were forced to surrender due to lack of good leaders.

Though it might have been a failed attempt but definitely encouraged the freedom movement.