Mangal Pandey

Mangal Pandey an Indian soldier in the British East India Company’s army.

He is best remembered for his role in sparking the Revolt of 1857, regarded as India’s first major uprising against British rule.

On 29 March 1857, Mangal Pandey, a sepoy in the 34th Bengal Native Infantry, attacked British officers at the Barrackpore parade ground near Kolkata in eastern India.

He fired at Lieutenant Henry Baugh, hitting his horse, and attacked Sergeant-Major James Hewson.

The attack was linked to anger over the new Enfield rifle cartridges, which were rumored to be greased with cow and pig fat, offending the religious beliefs of Hindu and Muslim soldiers.

He was executed on 8 April 1857 after the incident.

His actions and punishment increased anger among sepoys and are considered an important trigger of the Revolt of 1857.
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