Ballia: Mangal Pandey born on July 19, 1827 in the village Nagwa, of Ballia district in Uttar Pradesh of India to Bhumihar Brahmin family was a sepoy in the 34th Bengal Native Infantry (BNI) regiment of the English East India Company. His name stikes one’s mind when we think of being free and raising voice to what is wrong, today on the birthday of this beloved martyr of the country we throw light on his life and his role in the first war of India’s Independence.
Ballia: Mangal Pandey born on July 19, 1827 in the village Nagwa, of Ballia district in Uttar Pradesh of India to Bhumihar Brahmin family was a sepoy in the 34th Bengal Native Infantry (BNI) regiment of the English East India Company. His name stikes one’s mind when we think of being free and raising voice to what is wrong, today on the birthday of this beloved martyr of the country we throw light on his life and his role in the first war of India’s Independence.
Mangal Pandey joined the East India Company’s forces in 1849 at the age of 22, on the afternoon of March 29, 1857, Lieutenant Baugh, Adjutant of the 34th Bengal Native Infantry (BNI), was made aware that the sepoys are on the verge of mutiny and Mangal Pandey was named as the one who was aramet with a loaded Musket targeting Europeans, Baugh took his sword and loaded pistols and rushed to the spot, there was a short battle between the two and Bough was brought to ground by Pandey.
The report of the incident reached commanding officer General Hearsey, who then galloped to the ground with his two sons. Taking in the scene, he rode up to the guard, drew his pistol and ordered them to do their duty by seizing Mangal Pandey. The General threatened to shoot the first man who disobeyed. The men of the guard fell in and followed Hearsey towards Pandey. Pandey then put the muzzle of the musket to his breast and discharged it by pressing the trigger with his foot. He collapsed bleeding and with his regimental jacket on fire but not mortally wounded. Pandey recovered soon and was brought to trail where he was sentenced to death. Mangal Pandey’s execution was scheduled for April 18, but was carried out ten days before that date on April 8, 1857.
The prime reason for the act by Mangal Pandey is seen as the Introduction of Engfield Rifels where the cartridge have to be bitten before they can be loaded, it was alleged that the cartridges had a coating of pork and beef which was against the sentiments of both Hindu and Muslim Sepoy’s.
The act as well as the execution of Pandey is widely seen as the opening scene of what came to be known as the Indian Rebellion of 1857. He is referred as Shaheed (Martyr) Mangal Pandey. Today on his birthday team Pardaphash pays sincere tribute to this great martyr of the Nation.