The Capture of Delhi by the English

In 1857, India was under the rule of the British East India Company, which faced a rebellion known as the Indian Rebellion of 1857, or the First War of Indian Independence. One of the significant events during this rebellion was the capture of Delhi by the English.

Date of Capture

The English finally captured Delhi in September 1857.

Events Leading to the Capture

The rebellion began in May 1857, triggered by various factors such as religious and cultural resentments, economic exploitation, and political grievances. The rebellion quickly spread throughout northern India, including Delhi. The Indian sepoys, or soldiers, stationed in Delhi, joined the rebellion, and the Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar was declared as the leader of the rebellion.

The English forces, led by Major-General Sir Archdale Wilson, marched towards Delhi in June 1857. However, they faced fierce resistance from the sepoys and other rebel forces. The English forces were reinforced in August 1857 and launched a full-scale assault on Delhi, which lasted for four days.

Capture of Delhi

On September 14, 1857, the English forces finally captured Delhi after a bloody battle. The English forces then went on a rampage, killing and looting the city, which was seen as a symbol of Indian resistance. The Mughal Emperor was captured and exiled to Rangoon, and Delhi was placed under the direct rule of the British Crown.

Significance of the Capture

The capture of Delhi was a significant event during the Indian Rebellion of 1857. It marked the end of the rebellion in northern India and paved the way for the British to reassert their control over India. It also resulted in the decline of the Mughal Empire, which had been weakened by the British over the years. The rebellion and the capture of Delhi also led to significant changes in the British administration of India, including the transfer of power from the East India Company to the British Crown.