The Indian soldier who tried to rebel against the British at Barrackpore and was arrested and hanged to death on 8th April 1857 was Mangal Pandey.

Mangal Pandey was a soldier in the British East India Company's army, serving in the 34th Bengal Native Infantry regiment. He is often considered as one of the early heroes of the Indian rebellion of 1857, also known as the First War of Independence.

Mangal Pandey's Rebellion:

- On 29th March 1857, Mangal Pandey attacked British officers at Barrackpore, near Kolkata, in an act of rebellion against the British rule.
- His main grievance was the introduction of the new Enfield rifle, which had greased cartridges that were rumored to be made of cow and pig fat. To load the rifle, soldiers had to bite off the paper cartridges, which offended both Hindu and Muslim soldiers.
- Mangal Pandey refused to use the rifle and incited his fellow soldiers to join him in rebellion against the British.
- However, his planned mutiny did not gain much support from other soldiers, and he was overpowered, arrested, and put under trial.

Trial and Execution:

- Mangal Pandey was court-martialed on 6th April 1857, just a week after his rebellion.
- He was charged with mutiny and attempted murder of British officers.
- Despite being defended by a British lawyer, he was found guilty and sentenced to death.
- On 8th April 1857, Mangal Pandey was publicly hanged in the presence of a large crowd of both British and Indian spectators.
- His execution further fueled the growing discontent among Indian soldiers and civilians, becoming a symbol of resistance against British oppression.

Legacy and Significance:

- Mangal Pandey's act of rebellion is often considered as the spark that ignited the wider rebellion of 1857.
- His sacrifice inspired other Indian soldiers and civilians to rise up against the British rule.
- The rebellion spread across northern and central India, leading to a widespread armed uprising against British authority.
- Mangal Pandey's bravery and sacrifice have made him a symbol of India's struggle for independence against colonial rule.
- He is remembered as a national hero in India and his story continues to inspire generations in their fight for justice and freedom.

Manga Pandey