Sitting eloquently on the shelves of the libraries are books that reprimand the Indian history, the books that unearth ardent facts about some of the best in the history. In a bid to commemorate the greatness of the yesteryear’s past and to inform about them, we’re starting a series of the interesting facts. We’ll start with the ’10 Interesting Facts about Mangal Pandey’ down here.
Mangal Pandey is termed as a titular character in the Indian history. He was one of the very first to revolt against the British rule and ideology. He started the first rebellion against the British and commemorated the status quo of a martyr.
Here’s us presenting a fact file of the 10 interesting things about him and his life in a listicle. We hope you find this one informative enough. Shall we start, then?
10) Started as a Sepoy Mutiny
- Mangal Pandey began his career as the Indian soldier as a Sepoy. He was part of the 34th Bengal Native Infantry (BNI) which in itself was part of the British East India Company.
- He started out at a young age of 18 into the 6th Company of the Bengal Infantry.
9) Was Born in the Modern-Day Uttar Pradesh
- Mangal Pandey took birth into a Bhumihar Brahmin family on 19th of July, 1827.
- He was born in Nagwa, a village of Upper Balla district, part of the Ceded and Conquered Provinces. The village lies in the modern-day Uttar Pradesh.
8) Led the group of Rebels against the Use of Cartridge
- It was into his stint as a Sepoy in the British East India Company, that the use of new type of cartridge made way.
- The cartridge was apparently made up of cow’s and pig’s fat. Since the cartridge needed to be torn with own teeth, the issue deliberately made a huge continuum about it.
- The Hindus and the Muslims of Indian Soldiers skipped such acts as they were prohibited by religious reasons. Mangal Pandey led a group of revolt who refuted the use of such cartridges as part of army chores.
7) Understood the bipolar motive of British
- Adhering to his zeal and ideology, he understood the motive of British behind the division of the nation. He withstood the aristocracy of the British and revolted against the ideology.
- Many termed it as his act of rebellion as his portrayal of Dharma under the Bhumihar Brahmin, but it was his keen nature that allowed him the ideology against British.
6) Vouched to Kill Every English person He Sees
- After the revolt, he was much angry to the fray and vouched to kill every English person he sees. He even kept his promise by firing shots at the Lieutenant Baugh.
- Although he missed the shot, he overpowered Lieutenant Baugh with a sword.
5) Spread the Sepoy Mutiny throughout the nation
- His rebellious act against the British spread the zeal across the Sepoy troops in the nation.
- What started with a revolt at the Barrackpore, soon spread throughout to Meerut, Delhi, Cawnpore, and Lucknow.
4) Led the British contemplate their actions
- The revolt started against the use of cow’s and pig’s fat in the cartridge and slowly took form in against the British rule.
- Contemplating the actions thereafter and the consequences that it might bare upon, the British offered the soldiers to use another form of greasing (Ghee) in cartridges.
- The proposal was submitted by Major-General Hearsay and was sanctioned by Lord Canning.
3) Was imprisoned and tried at a military court
- Mangal Pandey was later arrested and imprisoned for his deeds in the revolt against the British rule.
- He was tried at the military courts whereupon he was interrogated on multiple fronts.
- He was asked to name the culprits who participated in the act, upon which he kept mum and took the patronage upon him.
- He was sentenced to death penalty upon the case ruling.
2) His rebellion led the rule of British East India Company to an end
- The rebellious act from Mangal Pandey led to the dismal of confidence on the ruling power of British East India Company in the nation.
- As a vote of no-confidence, the colonial rule shifted directly to the hands of Queen Victoria.
- In a way, it started the direct rule of Queen Victoria upon the nation.
1) Was one of the first Martyrs of India
- Mangal Pandey is attributed as one of the first Martyrs of India. He is referred as the Shahid Mangal Pandey from upon his death.
- The place he revolted against the British and was hanged upon later in his life is now regarded as the Shahid Mangal Pandey Maha Udyan.
- The Indian Government launched postage stamps bearing his name on 5th of October, 1984.
That’s all from us on the life of one of the greats India has ever witnessed. We hope you had a great time going through it. We shall be back with another piece the next time. Till then, we’re signing off, Adios.
Santosh Kumar is a Professional SEO and Blogger, With the help of this blog he is trying to share top 10 lists, facts, entertainment news from India and all around the world.