Mangal Pandey

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About Mangal Pandey

Mangal Pandey played a crucial role in India’s first rebellion against British rule in 1857.
He is considered the hero of the first war of Independence, also known as the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857.
Early life
- He was born on July 19, 1827near Faizabad in Uttar Pradesh.
- In 1849, Pandey joined the army of the British East India Company and served as a sepoy in the 6th Company of the 34th Bengal Native Infantry in Barrackpore.
Rebellion against East India Company
- He revolted against the East India Company for introducing cartridges that were greased with animal fat as it hurt the religious sentiments of the soldiers..
- This movement of rebels reached other parts of India and led to a mass revolt against the colonial rulers. Common people too came out and opposed anti-India laws.
- On March 29, 1857, Pandey mutinied and fired at his Senior Sergeant Major. He was overpowered and hanged on April 8, 1857, by the order of a Court Martial at Lal Bagan in Barrackpore. His regiment was disbanded, like the 19th infantry at Behrampore, for showing resentment.

Q1: What is Doctrine of Lapse (1848)?

This was the policy initiated by Governor General Lord Dalhousie (1848-56) to acquire the Princely states. The doctrine declared that if an Indian ruler died without a natural heir, his kingdom would ‘lapse’, that is, become part of Company territory.

Source: Remembering Mangal Pandey, and the legacy of the revolt he inspired