Mangal Pandey was an Indian soldier. He was a sepoy (foot soldier) in the 34th Bengal Native Infantry (BNI) Regiment of the British East India Company. He played an important role in the events immediately preceding the outbreak of the Indian Rebellion of 1857. In India, Pandey is remembered as a freedom fighter against British rule.
Mangal Pandey Biography
Mangal Pandey was born on 18 July 1827. Mangal Pandey was born in Ballia district of Uttar Pradesh. He was born in Nagwa village of Ballia district of Uttar Pradesh. His father’s name was Diwakar Pandey. He was born in a Hindu Brahmin family due to which his roots were deeply rooted in traditions. He played an important role in the events immediately preceding the outbreak of the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
In fact, while serving with the British East India Company, he had protested against the issue of greased cartridges being issued to soldiers. Before the year 1856, Indian soldiers of the British Army used a gun named Brown Breeze. But in 1856, Enfield P-53 was brought by the British for the use of the then Indian Army.
To load this gun, the cartridge had to be bitten first. At the same time, the news spread among the Indian soldiers that cow and pig fat had been used in the cartridges used in this rifle. Due to this, the religious sentiments of Hindu and Muslim soldiers were being hurt a lot. The soldiers called it a well-planned conspiracy by the British rule to corrupt the Hindu and Muslim religions.
On March 29, 1857, Pandey planned a rebellion against British rule and threatened to kill any British officer.
There are various accounts of the events of March 29, 1857. However, the general consensus is that Pandey attempted to incite his fellow sepoys against the British officers, attacked two of the officers, attempted to shoot himself after being restrained, and Mangal Pandey was eventually overpowered. And was arrested. Later, on 8 April, Mangal Pandey was hanged.
