5 Important Movements of India's Independence

Indian Mutiny 1857 Revolt

Indian Mutiny also known as Sepoy Mutiny was the first step towards the independence struggle. On 10^th May, 1857, the rebellion broke out against the British rule over the lards greased cartilages in Meerut. Later it spread across Bengal, Delhi, Kanpur, Agra and Lucknow. However, it was initiated on 29^th March 1857 at Barrackpore, West Bengal, when Sepoy Mangal Pandey, 34^th Bengal Native Infantry, attacked his officers when they forced the sepoys to bite open the greased cartilages and fire their rifles. He was hanged to death on 8^th April, 1858 and 85 members of the third Bengal Light Cavalry were imprisoned a day later. This military cause was a add on to the revolt, as expansion of British rule in India through the Doctrine of Lapse introduced by Lord Dalhousie has already ignited the fire among Indian rulers. In Jhansi, Rani Lakshmibai played a major role, and courageously fought against the British, and sacrificed her life on 18^th June, 1858 in Gwalior.

This was an unsuccessful revolt as it saw the end of the company rule and the British Crown took charge of the Indian administration. But religious tolerance was promised and customs and traditions of India were given importance. Offices were created to manage the administration of the country.