The First War of Indian Independence was a widespread uprising that took place across India from 1857 to 1858. Some of the key events and leaders of the revolt are:
- Meerut Mutiny: On May 10, 1857, Indian soldiers (sepoys) in the British army in Meerut refused to use the new rifles with cartridges rumoured to be greased with beef and pork fat. This led to the first outbreak of the revolt.
- Bahadur Shah Zafar II: The last Mughal emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar II, became the symbolic leader of the revolt and was proclaimed as the emperor of India by the rebels.
- Delhi Siege: The British laid siege to Delhi and captured it in September 1857 after several months of intense fighting. Bahadur Shah Zafar was arrested and exiled to Rangoon (modern-day Yangon, Myanmar).
- Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi: The Rani of Jhansi, Rani Lakshmibai, emerged as one of the strongest leaders of the revolt. She rallied her forces and fought against the British, becoming a symbol of resistance and bravery.
- Kanpur Massacres: The British retaliation for the revolt was harsh, with the infamous Kanpur Massacres taking place in June 1857. The British troops killed hundreds of Indian civilians, including women and children, in retaliation for the revolt.
- Lucknow Siege: The siege of Lucknow in 1857 was a major event in the revolt, with the Indian rebels holding out against the British for several months. Eventually, the British were able to recapture Lucknow in March 1858.
- Tantia Tope: Tantia Tope was a close associate of Rani Lakshmibai and emerged as a key leader of the revolt. He led Indian forces in several battles against the British and was eventually captured and executed in 1859.
These events and leaders, among others, played a significant role in the First War of Indian Independence and continue to be remembered as symbols of resistance and bravery against foreign oppression.