Why in News? Mangal Pandey, who was hanged to death by the Company 167 years ago on April 8, 1857, had no idea that his mutiny would spark the Revolt of 1857, a watershed moment in modern Indian history.

Who was Mangal Pandey and Why did he Mutinied? Mangal Pandey was a soldier of the 34th Bengal Native Infantry. He refused to use the newly introduced Enfield rifle, the cartridges (which had to be bit open before use) of which were believed to be made of animal fat (beef and pork). On March 29, 1857, Pandey fired at his Senior Sergeant Major. He was hanged on April 8, 1857, in Barrackpore and his regiment was disbanded.

What was the Linkage Between Mangal Pandey’s Mutiny and the Discontent of Awadh? The kingdom of Awadh had been treacherously annexed by the British in 1856. Almost every agricultural family in the Awadh kingdom had a representative in the army. The confiscation of the villages of taluqdars during the land revenue settlement of 1856 caused outrage. Mangal Pandey (who belonged to Awadh) reflected the dissatisfaction that British authority had caused among peasant families.

How did the 1857 Revolt Begun?  News of the Sepoys’ mutiny (first in Barrackpore and then in the 7th Awadh Regiment) had reached Meerut. On May 11, 1857, a band of Sepoys from Meerut marched to the Red fort and proclaimed the elderly Mughal emperor - Bahadur Shah II - the leader of the revolt (Shah-en-shah-i-Hindustan).

How the Revolt of 1857 Came to an End? Delhi fell on September 20, 1857, and Bahadur Shah was deported to Burma. The Rani of Jhansi died fighting on June 17, 1858. Nana Saheb escaped to Nepal in 1859.Tantiya Tope (carried out guerrilla warfare until April 1859) was captured and put to death by the British.

What was the Legacy of the Revolt of 1857? It changed the nature of British rule in India. Queen Victoria was declared the Sovereign of British India (by the Government of India Act 1858), transferring all powers of the Company to the Crown. The Queen’s Proclamation unveiled a new policy of perpetual support for the native Princes and non-intervention in matters of religious beliefs in India.