The Indian War of 1857

Above: Map showing the cities of India involved in the war

India has lost its independence to the British. British had money and technology to rule over India. What started as a mere colonies in the Indian subcontinent was now getting costly for the local Indians.

There were taxes levied on Indians. Where Indian weavers were considered one of the best in the world, the British had destroyed this industry and made Indians as mere cotton growers for their home industry. There was also anger about the general economics of the state which was in shambles. There was lootings of precious gems and other precious items from the kings and the rich in the country.

Above: Portrait of Rani Laxmibai heroine of the first war in India

There was another custom followed by the British in order to attach more states to their regime, all states which were not left with a male heir were annexed to the East India Company. This was another souring point, it especially came to attention when Rani Laxmibai’s husband died without leaving her a male heir, she decided to adopt one, which was allowed under Hindu religion but unknown to the British, however the British fought against her to get the throne.

Above: Indians engage in rebellion hanging to death

More than this there were constant attempts of converting Indians into Christians; this is what led to the revolt of 1857. It was required for the sepoys (soldiers) to use cartridges made out of cow fat and pig fat. Hindus considered the cow sacred and did not consider pig as an edible content, pig was a also a problem with the Muslims.

Above: A stamp of India portraying Mangal Pandey a freedom fighter

The soldiers after discovering that they might have to use such cartridges decided to revolt. One of the soldiers was Mangal Pandey who went ahead openly with the rebellion, this resulted into widespread belief among the British that this battalion did not respect its officers.

Above: Representation of war during Mutiny in India 1857

As after effects to this there was wide spread mutiny all over the country, which also involved leaders slowly from all over the country including Bahadur Shah Zafar, Marathas rulers as well as Awadhis. The mutiny rose and took shape of a battle at places like Kanpur, Delhi, Meerut, Jhansi, etc. There was widespread anger among the Indians against the British.

Above: Picture of British soldiers slaughtering soldiers and civilian in India

There were some highly shameful acts done by the British like open massacre of thousands of residents of Delhi. Where they went on the killing spree with their bayonets and killed common civilians who did not have anything to do against the British.

The British also sought three sons of Bahadur Shah Zafar and shot them, who were heirs to the Delhi throne. British also presented their father with their heads the next day to let him know about the murder.

Above: A stance of freedom for Indian people

However, all the atrocities of the East India Company came to an end with the Company requiring moving out and the British Empire taking its hold in the country again. However, this mutiny started against much powerful enemy by the Indians who were short of arms and ammunitions like guns, etc went on, silently and sometimes loudly for more than 90 years when finally on 15th of August 1948, India regained its freedom to become one of the largest democracies in the world.

Though there are diverse races and populations in the country, the country has managed to survive and to develop significantly.

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