Question

Explain how the sepoy mutiny took place?

Answer 1

Instructions:
The answer to this question can be given by writing about the incidents that took place at Meerut. The reasons for the discontent among the sepoys must also be explained. Important dates must be mentioned.

Solution:
The sepoy mutiny started after Mangal Pandey, a young sepoy of Bengal Native infantry, was hanged to death on 8 April 1857 on charges of attacking the senior officers of the English army in Barrackpore. Few days later, some sepoys of the Meerut regiment refused to use the new cartridges, which were believed to be coated with fats of cows and pigs. This was seen as an act of insubordination and as a result, 85 sepoys were dismissed from the service on 9th May 1857. They were sentenced to ten years of imprisonment for disobeying their officers. On the next day, that is on 10th of May, the Indian soldiers marched to the Meerut jail and freed the imprisoned sepoys. The British officers were killed and arms and ammunition were looted. The soldiers set fire to the buildings and the properties of the British and declared war on the firangis or the British.