In late March 1857 a sepoy named Mangal Pandey attacked British officers at the military garrison in Barrackpore. He was arrested and then executed by the British in early April.

Background of the Revolt
The Revolt of 1857, also known as the First War of Indian Independence, was a significant uprising against British colonial rule. Barrackpore, a significant military station near Kolkata, was one of the early flashpoints of this revolt.
Key Events in Barrackpore
- Immediate Cause: The introduction of the Enfield rifle, which required soldiers to bite cartridges greased with animal fat, offended both Hindu and Muslim soldiers, leading to widespread discontent.
- Mutiny of the 34th Native Infantry: On February 26, 1857, soldiers of the 34th Native Infantry at Barrackpore refused to use the new cartridges. This act of defiance was a precursor to the larger revolt.
Prominent Leaders
- Mangal Pandey: A key figure in the Barrackpore mutiny, Mangal Pandey was a sepoy who played a crucial role in inciting his fellow soldiers against the British. He attacked British officers, which led to his arrest and eventual execution.
- Impact of Mangal Pandey's Actions: His actions inspired other sepoys across India to rise against British rule, marking him as a symbol of resistance.
Consequences
- Suppression of the Revolt: The British swiftly responded to the uprising in Barrackpore, executing Pandey and quelling the mutiny with force.
- Wider Uprising: The events in Barrackpore acted as a catalyst for the broader revolt that spread across northern and central India, leading to significant unrest.
Legacy
- Symbol of Resistance: Mangal Pandey and the Barrackpore rebellion are remembered as symbols of the struggle for independence, inspiring future generations in the fight against colonialism.
The Barrackpore rebellion was a crucial moment in the Revolt of 1857, highlighting the growing discontent among Indian soldiers and setting the stage for a larger movement against British imperialism.