Mangal Pandey was a rebellious hero who started the Freedom Movement. You may wonder who was Mangal Pandey? It is said that his contributions have been considered one of the most important in Indian history, especially against British tyranny. Mangal Pandey Revolt of 1857 was a big turning point in Indian history. Through this article, we shall know why he is worthy of everyone’s appraisal. We will also take a look at why was Mangal Pandey famous, Mangal Pandey contribution to the freedom struggle, and learn some interesting facts about Mangal Pandey.
But, who was Mangal Pandey and why is he regarded as one of the most significant figures in Indian history? Let us find out in the next section. Let us look into the world of Mangal Pandey and how his efforts transformed the Indian fight against British rule.
Who Was Mangal Pandey?
Mangal Pandey, the rebellious hero who started the Freedom Movement, was born on 19th July 1827. He joined the British East India Company in 1849 as a sepoy in the 6th Company of the 34th Bengal Native Infantry.
As an Indian soldier, Mangal Pandey was instrumental in the events that took place just before the 1857 Indian uprising began. The Indian, or Sepoy Mutiny, which began with his attack on British officers on March 29th, 1857, was the first major instance of it. This uprising is regarded as the First War of Independence. Hence, Mangal Pandey was an integral part of India’s first, official effort against the British tyranny.
Why Was Mangal Pandey Famous?
You may ask, why was Mangal Pandey famous? He was one of India’s early freedom fighters. In Indian history, Mangal Pandey is renowned as a freedom fighter who dedicated his life to ridding the nation of the British Raj.
Many people think that Pandey’s assault and the punishment that followed signalled the start of the Indian Rebellion of 1857. His behaviour and courageous demeanour, which is believed to have been one of the factors influencing the entire series of mutinies that took place over the course of the following months, were well known to his fellow sepoys.
During the following uprising, British soldiers and civilians referred to a mutinous sepoy as a “Pandee” or “Pandey.” This was, in fact, obtained directly from the name Mangal Pandey. Hence, this is exactly why Mangal Pandey was famous.
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Mangal Pandey Contribution To The Freedom Struggle
Mangal Pandey contribution to the freedom struggle was quite influential at that time. He is credited with firing the opening salvo in what is known as the American Revolutionary War.
An account of what transpired on March 29th, 1857 claims that Pandey attempted to incite his fellow sepoys to revolt against their British commanders, attacked two of them, attempted suicide while being restrained, and was ultimately defeated and imprisoned.
His execution was originally set for April 18th, but the British officials moved it early to April 8th, out of fear that waiting until then might spark a large-scale uprising. Later on, in the same month, a larger uprising followed in Meerut. Hence, we can say that the contribution of Mangal Pandey to the freedom struggle was noteworthy.
Mangal Pandey Revolt of 1857
The great freedom fighter’s efforts in the 1857 revolt were met with considerable support. Here’s what happened to Mangal Pandey Revolt of 1857.
There were allegations that the cartridge in the new Enfield rifle that India acquired in 1857 was lubricated with animal fat, particularly from pigs and cows. To load the rifle, the soldiers had to bite off the ends of lubricated cartridges. Given that the pig is repulsive to Muslims and the cow is revered by Hindus, the Indian soldiers considered the use of fats from both animals to be problematic. Mangal Pandey, a devout Hindu Brahmin, mutinied against the British as a result of this.
On March 29th, 1857, Pandey—who had been assigned to a garrison in Barrackpore—attempted to inspire a coup against the British generals. Lieutenant Baugh was hurt during the subsequent conflict after he challenged the sepoy and made an effort to halt it.
The commanding officer, General Hearsey, reportedly tried to control the scene as Pandey fought the British forces. Pandey held his gun to his chest and pulled the trigger, finally outnumbered. He received an immediate transfer to the hospital. He recovered quickly enough to go to court within a week. The execution of Mangal Pandey took place on April 8th, 1857.
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Why was Mangal Pandey Hanged?
Outside of Kolkata, on March 29th, 1857, Pandey attacked his British sergeant and wounded both him and an adjutant. He was arrested and given a death sentence after the assault.
In preparation for an insurrection, British officials moved up his scheduled execution date from April 18th to April 8th. April 8th marked his hanging. This signified the rebellious fighter’s demise.
Interesting Facts About Mangal Pandey
Here are some of the most interesting facts about Mangal Pandey.
- In 1984, the Indian government issued a stamp in his honour.
- His life has also been portrayed in a variety of film projects.
- ‘Shaheed Mangal Pandey Maha Udyan’ is the name given to the location where Mangal Pandey fired on the British officers and was eventually hanged as retribution for his crimes.
- Mangal Pandey said throughout his court case that he rebelled of his own free will and without the help of any other soldiers.
- He also refused to name anyone who helped him during the uprising.
- He was born in Nagwa, a village in the Upper Balla district. The village is located in Uttar Pradesh at present.
- The nation lost faith in the British East India Company as the nation’s dominating force as a result of Mangal Pandey’s rebellious conduct. As a result of the no-confidence vote, Queen Victoria became the new colonial ruler.
These interesting facts about Mangal Pandey strike a source of inspiration for us all.
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Conclusion
Mangal Pandey is admired throughout the country as a liberation hero and a role model. Mangal Pandey contribution to the freedom struggle was one that propelled forward India’s revolt against British rule.
According to V.D. Savarkar, Mangal Pandey’s struggle against British East India Company rule was one of the first manifestations of Indian nationalism. Mangal Pandey Revolt of 1857 helped the country develop the sentiments of valour and nationalism. To the Indians and the whole world, he shall forever remain immortalized.
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