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Who was Mangal Pandey?

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Mangal Pandey

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• Cultural India - Biography of Mangal Pandey
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Mangal Pandey was an Indian sepoy in the service of the British East India Company . He was a Hindu of the aristocratic Brahman caste, which had been especially dispossessed under British paramountcy. Pandey inspired the Indian Mutiny (also called the Indian Rebellion of 1857, among other names) after rumours circulated that cow lard was used to grease rifle cartridges, which was repugnant to Hindus.

What is Mangal Pandey’s legacy?

Mangal Pandey’s actions in 1857 sparked the Indian Mutiny , also often called India’s First War of Independence. The rebellion led to the abolition of the British East India Company in favour of direct British rule. This initiated a period when heightened Indian nationalism steered India toward independence.

How did Mangal Pandey die?

Mangal Pandey was arrested and sentenced to death after he attacked British officers in Barrackpore on March 29, 1857. Anticipating a revolt, British authorities moved up his initial execution date from April 18 to April 8, when he was hanged.

Mangal Pandey (born July 19, 1827, Akbarpur, India—died April 8, 1857, Barrackpore) was an Indian soldier whose attack on British officers on March 29, 1857, was the first major incident of what came to be known as the Indian, or Sepoy, Mutiny (in India the uprising is often called the First War of Independence or other similar names).

Pandey was born in a town near Faizabad in what is now eastern Uttar Pradesh state in northern India, although some give his birth place as a small village near Lalitpur (in present-day southwestern Uttar Pradesh). He was from a high-caste Brahman landowning family that professed strong Hindu beliefs. Pandey joined the army of the British East India Company in 1849, some accounts suggesting that he was recruited by a brigade that marched past him. He was made a soldier (sepoy) in the 6th Company of the 34th Bengal Native Infantry, which included a large number of Brahmans. Pandey was ambitious and viewed his profession as a sepoy as a stepping-stone to future success.

Pandey’s career ambitions, however, came into conflict with his religious beliefs. While he was posted at the garrison in Barrackpore in the mid-1850s, a new Enfield rifle was introduced into India that required a soldier to bite off the ends of greased cartridges in order to load the weapon. A rumour spread that the lubricant used was either cow or pig lard , which was repugnant to Hindus or Muslims, respectively. The belief arose among the sepoys that the British had deliberately used the lard on the cartridges.

There have been various accounts of the events of March 29, 1857. However, the general agreement is that Pandey attempted to incite his fellow sepoys to rise up against their British officers, attacked two of those officers, attempted to shoot himself after having been restrained, and eventually was overpowered and arrested. Some contemporary reports suggested that he was under the influence of drugs—possibly cannabis or opium —and was not fully aware of his actions. Pandey was soon tried and sentenced to death. His execution (by hanging) was set for April 18, but British authorities, fearing the outbreak of a large-scale revolt if they waited until then, moved the date up to April 8. Resistance to the use of Enfield cartridges later that month in Meerut led to the outbreak of a revolt there in May and the start of the larger insurrection .

In India, Pandey has been remembered as a freedom fighter against British rule. A commemorative postage stamp with his image on it was issued by the Indian government in 1984. In addition, a movie and stage play that depicted his life both appeared in 2005.

Mangal Pandey Biography, History and Role in Revolt of 1857

Mangal Pandey was one of the greatest freedom fighter of India who helped in Revolt of 1857. Check here Mangal Pandey Biography and his Role in Revolt of 1857.

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Mangal Pandey, a name synonymous with bravery and rebellion, played a pivotal role in the Indian Rebellion of 1857. Often referred to as the “Sepoy Mutiny” or “India’s First War of Independence,” this uprising marked the beginning of a significant resistance against British colonial rule in India.

Biography of Mangal Pandey

Mangal Pandey was born on July 19, 1827, in the village of Nagwa, located in the Ballia district of what is now Uttar Pradesh, India. He hailed from a prosperous, high-caste Brahmin family with strong Hindu beliefs. His birth anniversary, known as his Jayanti, is celebrated annually on July 19.

Mangal Pandey Military Career

In 1849, Mangal Pandey joined the Bengal Army, the military force of the Bengal Presidency, one of the three major British presidencies in India. By March 1857, he was serving as a private soldier in the 5th Company of the 34th Bengal Native Infantry (BNI) regiment of the British East India Company. This regiment included many Brahmin soldiers, who were particularly aggrieved by the British policies.

Joining the Bengal Army

In 1849, Mangal Pandey joined the Bengal Army, a segment of the British East India Company’s military forces. By March 1857, he was serving as a private soldier (sepoy) in the 5th Company of the 34th Bengal Native Infantry. His regiment was stationed at Barrackpore, where growing discontent among the Indian soldiers was palpable.

The Spark of Rebellion

On the afternoon of March 29, 1857, Lieutenant Baugh, the adjutant of the 34th Bengal Native Infantry, was informed of the unrest among his soldiers. He learned that Mangal Pandey was inciting his fellow sepoys to revolt and threatening to shoot the first European he encountered. Pandey, armed and pacing in front of the regiment’s guardroom near the parade area, was visibly agitated.

According to testimony from a subsequent inquiry, Pandey’s discontent was fueled by his opposition to the new Enfield rifle cartridges, rumored to be greased with cow and pig fat. These rumors deeply offended both Hindu and Muslim soldiers. As British soldiers disembarked from a ship near the cantonment, Pandey seized his weapons and headed to the quarter-guard building, further inciting his comrades.

Role in Revolt of 1857

The introduction of the Enfield rifle in the 1850s, with its cartridges that had to be bitten off at the ends, sparked widespread anger among Indian soldiers. Hindus revered cows, and Muslims considered pigs unclean, making the use of these cartridges unacceptable. Mangal Pandey, a devout Hindu Brahmin, was particularly incensed and decided to take a stand.

On March 29, 1857, as Lieutenant Baugh learned of the brewing mutiny, he discovered that Pandey was leading the charge. Pandey’s threats and actions aimed to inspire his fellow sepoys to rebel against their British officers. He even went so far as to threaten to shoot the first European he saw.

The Confrontation

General Hearsey, the commanding officer, quickly became aware of the situation and rode to the scene with his two sons. To restore order, Hearsey drew his revolver and commanded the sepoys to return to their duties, threatening to shoot anyone who disobeyed. As the sepoys hesitated, Pandey attempted to take his own life. He placed the musket’s muzzle to his chest and pulled the trigger with his toe, but the wound was not fatal. He was subsequently arrested, marking the beginning of his transformation into a martyr for India’s fight for independence.

Death of Mangal Pandey

Mangal Pandey was executed by hanging on April 8, 1857, after inciting a rebellion against British authorities. His defiance was sparked by the introduction of the Enfield rifle cartridges, rumored to be greased with cow and pig fat, which offended Indian soldiers’ religious beliefs. On March 29, 1857, Pandey openly encouraged his fellow sepoys to rise against their British officers, leading to his arrest after a failed suicide attempt.

Court-martialed and found guilty of mutiny, Pandey’s execution became a catalyst for the Indian Rebellion of 1857. His actions symbolized resistance against British rule and inspired widespread defiance. Today, he is celebrated as a national hero, remembered for his bravery and sacrifice. Pandey’s legacy continues to inspire generations, immortalized in literature, films, and songs as a significant figure in India’s struggle for independence.

Legacy of Mangal Pandey

Mangal Pandey’s legacy is profound, symbolizing resistance against British rule. His defiance in 1857 sparked the Indian Rebellion, inspiring widespread revolt. Pandey is celebrated as a national hero for his bravery and sacrifice, epitomizing the fight for India’s independence. His actions influenced later freedom fighters and movements, embedding his name in India’s historical narrative. Pandey’s legacy endures in popular culture, including literature, films, and songs, ensuring he remains an inspirational figure. His story continues to motivate generations, highlighting the enduring spirit of resistance and the relentless pursuit of justice in India’s struggle for freedom.

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Mangal Pandey Biography

What is mangal pandey famous for.

In Indian history, Mangal Pandey is renowned as a freedom fighter who dedicated his life to rid the nation of the British raj. He was instrumental in the 1857 uprising, sometimes referred as as the Sepoy Mutiny. He is well-known in India for being one of the country's first freedom fighters.

Who did Mangal Pandey shot?

The first pistol fired on an Englishman during the Revolt of 1857 was when Pandey shot at the Sergeant-adjutant Major's Lieutenant Henry Baugh as he approached on a horse.

Is Mangal Pandey a true story?

A 2005 Indian historical biographical drama film titled Mangal Pandey: The Rising is based on the life of the soldier Mangal Pandey, who is credited with helping to ignite the Indian uprising of 1857 and is also known internationally as The Rising: Ballad of Mangal Pandey (also known as The First War of Indian Independence).

Who was the hero of 1857 war?

The 1857 beginning of India's first freedom movement has come to be largely associated with individuals like Mangal Pandey, Nana Saheb, Tatya Tope, Rani Laxmibai, and Veer Kunwar Singh.

Who started first freedom fight in India?

One of the earliest instances of army protest occurred in Barrackpur, a town close to Kolkata. The British-designated "Native Sepoys"—Indian soldiers of the East India Company—revolted shortly after in the month of May 1857. They marched to Delhi on March 10 and recognized Moghul King Bahadurshah II as the Emperor.

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Unveiling Mangal Pandey: The Flame of India’s First War of Independence

The First War of Independence from the year 1857 to 1858 was the first general extensive uprising against the rule of the British East India Company . The Doctrine of Lapse, the issue of cartridges greased with animal fat to Indian soldiers, the foreword of the British education system and several social reforms had exasperated a very wide section of the Indian people, who rose in rebellion at several places all over India. The East India Company was brought under the straight rule of the British Crown as a result of this revolution.

Mangal Pandey was an Indian soldier who played a main part in events right away before the outbreak of the Indian Rebellion of 1857. Mangal Pandey was a sepoy in the 34th Bengal Native Infantry (BNI) division of the British East India Company. While existing British opinion considered him a conspirator and rebel. Pandey is extensively regarded as a hero in modern India. In 1984, the Indian government issued a postage stamp to honor him. His life and actions have also been portrayed in numerous cinematic productions.

Mangal Pandey was born on 19 July 1827 in a Brahmin family in Nagwa.It was a village in the upper Ballia district in Uttar Pradesh. He joined the East India Company’s army in the year of 1849. Pandey was a soldier in the 6th Company of the 34th Bengal Native Infantry and was mainly known for his participation in an attack on several of the regiment’s officers. This thing marked an opening phase in the Indian rebellion of the year 1857. This cemented the way for his death. Pandey was very ambitious and viewed his vocation as a sepoy as a springboard to future success.

Pandey’s career ambitions, although, conflicted with his religious beliefs. While he was posted at the barracks in Barrackpore in the mid-1850s, a new Enfield ransack was introduced into India, requiring a soldier to nibble off the ends of greased cartridges to load the missile. A gossip spread that the oil used was cow or pig lard, respectively repugnant to Hindus or Muslims. The sepoys believed that the British had intentionally used the lard on the cartridges.

Some of the sepoys of the quarter-guard then advanced and struck at the two prone officers. They threatened Shaikh Paltu and ordered him to release Pandey, whom he had tried vainly to hold back. However, Paltu continued to hold Pandey until Baugh and the sergeant-major could get up. Himself wounded by now, Paltu was obliged to loosen his grip. He backed away in one direction and Baugh and Hewson in another while being struck with the butt ends of the guards’ muskets.

In the meantime, a report of the incident had been carried to the commanding officer General Hearsey, who then galloped to the ground with his two officer 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 quarter-guard fell in and followed Hearsey towards Pandey. Pandey then put the muzzle of the musket to his chest 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 improved and was brought to trial less than a week later. When asked whether he had been under the influence of any substances, he stated loyally that he had mutinied on his concurrence and that no other person had played any part in cheering him. He was sentenced to death by hanging alongside Jemadar Ishwari Prasad after three Sikh members of the quarter-guard testified that the latter had ordered them not to arrest Pandey.

The personal inspiration behind Mangal Pandey’s behavior remains confused. During the incident itself, Pandey shouted to other sepoys: “Come out – the Europeans are here”; “From sharp these cartridges we shall become infidels” and “You sent me out here, why don’t you follow me”. There was a wide range of factors causing anxiety and distrust in the Bengal Army immediately before the Barrackpore event. There have been different financial records of March 29, 1857.

Though, the general agreement is that Pandey attempted to provoke his fellow sepoys to rise against their British officers, attacked two of them, and attempted to shoot himself after being reserved and finally was beaten and arrested. Some existing reports suggested that he was under the pressure of drugs, possibly cannabis or opium, and was not completely conscious of his actions. His carrying out was set for April 18, but British authorities feared the outbreak of a large-scale rebellion if they waited until then. So it moved the date up to April 8.

Confrontation to the use of Enfield cartridges later that month in Meerut led to the outbreak of a rebellion there in May and the start of the larger revolution.

Indian Posts & Telegraphs Department is advantaged to issue four memorial stamps in memory of these great Freedom Fighters. A park in Barrachpore is named ‘Shaheed Mangal Pandey Maha Udyan’ in memory of Mangal Pandey, who attacked British officers and was hanged. It was in Barrackpore sub-divisional town in North 24 Parganas district. Pandey has been remembered as a great freedom fighter against British rule in India.

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Mangal Pandey: The Spark of India’s First War of Independence

• | July 19, 2024

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Mangal Pandey, synonymous with bravery and the spirit of rebellion, played a pivotal role in igniting the flames of India’s First War of Independence in 1857. Born on July 19, 1827, in Nagwa, a small village in the Ballia district of Uttar Pradesh, Pandey’s legacy is one of defiance against colonial oppression and a quest for freedom.

Early Life and Military Career

Mangal Pandey was born into a Brahmin family and joined the British East India Company’s army in 1849 at 22. During his early years in the military, Pandey was known for his discipline and dedication. However, the simmering discontent among the Indian soldiers (sepoys) against the British rule was growing, and Pandey’s regiment was not immune to this.

The Spark of Rebellion

The introduction of the new Enfield rifle was the direct cause of the uprising. The cartridges for this rifle were rumored to be greased with cow and pig fat, which had to be bitten off before use. This was deeply offensive to both Hindu and Muslim soldiers, as cows are sacred in Hinduism, and pigs are considered unclean in Islam. The issue of these cartridges was the last straw in a series of grievances that had been building up due to the discriminatory policies and practices of the British.

Mangal Pandey’s Defiant Stand

In a show of extraordinary bravery, Mangal Pandey challenged his British officers on March 29, 1857, and tried to inspire his fellow sepoys to rebel against their colonial overlords. He attacked British officers, including his sergeant-major, and attempted to rally the other soldiers. Although his immediate efforts were unsuccessful, and he was eventually subdued and arrested, his actions lit the fuse for what would become a nationwide uprising.

Martyrdom and Legacy

Mangal Pandey was court-martialed and sentenced to death. On April 8, 1857, he was hanged, becoming one of the first martyrs of the Indian freedom struggle. His execution, however, did not quell the rebellion; rather, it fanned the flames of discontent. Within weeks, sepoys in Meerut mutinied, and the uprising spread rapidly across northern and central India.

Symbol of a Nation’s Aspirations

Pandey’s legacy is not just that of a single soldier’s defiance but as a symbol of the collective aspirations of a nation yearning for freedom. His bravery inspired countless others to join the struggle against British rule, leading to the eventual rise of a more organized and widespread resistance movement.

The First War of Independence

The revolt of 1857, also known as the Sepoy Mutiny, the Indian Rebellion of 1857, or the First War of Independence, marked a significant turning point in Indian history. Though it was eventually suppressed, it set the stage for the later, more organized struggle for independence led by figures such as Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Subhas Chandra Bose.

Remembering Mangal Pandey

Today, Mangal Pandey is remembered as a hero and a patriot. His life and sacrifice are commemorated in various ways, including through films, books, and memorials. In 1984, the Indian government issued a postage stamp in his honor, and his story continues to inspire generations.

Birsa Munda: क्यों आदिवासियों के भगवान क्यों कहे जाते हैं धरती-आबा’?

Positive Takeaway

Mangal Pandey’s courageous stand against the British Empire serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up against oppression and fighting for justice. His legacy is a testament to the enduring spirit of resistance and the unyielding quest for freedom that eventually led to India’s independence in 1947.

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World History Edu

• Mangal Pandey

Mangal Pandey – the Indian Infantryman who fired the first shot of the Indian Rebellion of 1857

by World History Edu · January 17, 2023

Mangal Pandey served in the 34th Regiment of the Bengal Native Infantry. Image: A 1984 Indian stamp depicting Mangal Pandey, the first Indian soldier to aim his loaded weapon at a British officer in 1856

In the years after the horrific Indian Revolt of 1857, the British came out with the derogatory name “Pandee” or “Pandey” to describe a mutinous sepoy (i.e. an Indian infantryman). But to mutinous sepoys during the Rebellion, Indian infantryman Mangal Pandey was seen as a hero: the first sepoy to fire a loaded gun at a British officer in the lead up to the Indian Revolt. But what motivated Pandey to take such a drastic move, and just how did he feel about that action later during his court martial?

Below, everything you ever wanted to know about the 29-year-old infantryman and his famed action of March 29, 1857.

The 34th Regiment of the Bengal Native Infantry

Typical of many sepoys of the Bengal Army, Pandey hailed from a Hindu Brahmin family. He is said to have joined the Bengal Army in 1849. He served in the 5th Company of the 34th Regiment of the Bengal Native Infantry (BNI).

The Bengal Native Infantry was part of the larger Bengal Army, which in turn was one of three armies of the British East India Company (BEIC). Beginning around 1757, the behemoth of trading company had began ruling the Indian subcontinent and other parts of Southeast Asia. Known as the army of the Bengal Presidency, the Bengal Army was undoubtedly the largest of the three armies of the BEIC. The army could boast of having more than 70 regiments as at 1857. The other two were the Bombay Army and Madras Army, which had 24 and 52 regiments, respectively.

the British East India Company (EIC), a gargantuan trade company that began ruling large parts of the Indian subcontinent in the mid-18th century. At some point in time, the company accounted for about half of the world’s trade. Image: Flag of the British East India Company

March 29, 1857: “come out – the Europeans are here”

On the day of the incident, March 29, Pandey stormed out of his room in a very erratic manner, almost like someone who was in a religious frenzy. He appeared very out of control and started dishing out threats to British officers of the Bengal Army, accusing them of trying to defile his religion and culture. The young Indian infantryman was obviously referring to the animal fat smeared cartridges of the weapon that the BEIC had recently introduced.

Pandey called out his colleagues to join him and resist the British officers, stating, “come out – the Europeans are here”. After issuing out a number of threats, he then proceeded to stalk a British officer by the name of Lieutenant Baugh, an Adjutant of the 34 th Bengal Native Infantry. Luckily for Baugh, Pandey missed his shot as the bullet struck Baugh’s horse. Baugh picked himself up and returned fire, but he too missed. Pandey then charged at Baugh with a heavy Indian sword called talwar. The assailant struck the British officer with such ferocity, delivering heavy slices on the shoulder and neck.

Pandey later stated that he was high on a narcotic substance called bhang on March 29. The Indian soldier was incensed by the British East Indian Company’s decision to use animal fat that contained pig fat and cow fat in the manufacture of cartridges of the soldiers’ rifles.

Just as Pandey was about to deliver what could most likely have been the lethal strike, one of his colleagues, Shaikh Paltu, intervened and restrained the irate Indian soldier. Other sepoys simply stood there and watched the event unfold; some of them even threatened to shoot Paltu if he did not let go of Pandey.

As the ruckus got even louder, British Sergeant-Major Hewson arrived on the scene. Hewson quickly ordered a quarter guard by the name of Jemadar Ishwari Prasad to arrest Pandey. Prasad refused to comply with Hewson’s orders. It was only when General John Hearsey, the commanding officer, arrived on the scene that calm finally prevailed. Hearsey ordered the men to stand down and arrest Pandey. The general threatened to shoot anyone who refused to comply with his orders. It was in that moment that Pandey directed his weapon at himself and fired. It appeared Pandey was trying to commit suicide. He was only mortally wounded.

The Enfield rifle proved to be very unpopular among Indian troops as the cartridges had pig and cow fat on them. Image: Pattern 1853 Enfield rifled musket.

Court Martial and Death Sentence

After recovering about a week later, Pandey was court-martialled, found guilty, and slapped with a death sentence. During his trial, he maintained that no one else was in on his mutinous action. He also told the panel that on the day of the incident he had taking copious amounts of the narcotic substance bhang.

Pandey’s death sentence was carried out on April 6. He was hanged.

And as for the Prasad – the officer who refused to arrest Pandey – the court found him guilty of mutiny. Prasad was executed on April 21.

Paltu, the only officer that tried to restrain Pandey, was rewarded with a promotion to sergeant (havildar). Fuming over the disbandment of their regiment, some sepoys saw Paltu as a traitor. Less than a week later, Paltu was killed by his former colleagues.

The 34th Regiment gets disbanded

Following the incident and subsequent investigations, the BIEC disbanded the 34 th regiment “with disgrace” on 6 th May. The reasons for collective punishment of the regiment was that the officers on the scene failed to restrain a mutinous soldier. The regiment was therefore seen as unreliable.

The last straw that broke the camel’s back

Many sepoys at the time considered the punishment meted out to the 34th Regiment too harsh. This explains why the event in many ways served as the catalyst for the nationwide rebellion (i.e. the Indian Rebellion of 1857) that broke out a few months later.

The 1857 Indian Rebellion

Other interesting facts

The Mangal Pandey cenotaph at Barrackpore Cantonment, West Bengal.

• During his court martial, Pandey claimed that he was high on bhang (a narcotic substance) and opium. He said that he was not conscious of his actions on March 29.
• It is said that many members of the later Indian Nationalist Movement took some bit of inspiration from Pandey’s mutinous action.
• On October 5, 1984, the Indian government issued a postage stamp, which was designed by Indian artist C.R. Pakrashi, to commemorate Mangal Pandey and his action on that faithful day.
• Park at the Barrakpore Cantonment in West Bengal was built to honor Pandey. It’s said that the location of the park is where Pandey mutinied.

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Cultural India

Mangal pandey.

Date of Birth: July 19, 1827

Place of Birth: Nagwa, Ballia district, Ceded and Conquered Provinces, British India

Death: April 8, 1857

Place of Death: Barrackpore, Calcutta, Bengal Province, British India

Occupation: Soldier in 34th Bengal Native Infantry (B.N.I.) regiment of the British East India Company

Famous For: Revolt of 1857

Mangal Pandey was an Indian soldier who played an important role in incidents prior to the uprising of 1857, known by different names like the ‘Indian Rebellion of 1857,’ the ‘Sepoy Mutiny’ and ‘India’s First War of Independence.’ His name has become synonymous with the revolt of 1857. A staunch Brahmin by faith, Pandey served the British East India Company as a sepoy (soldier) in its 34th Bengal Native Infantry (BNI) regiment. He refused to bite off ends of greased cartridges of a newly introduced Enfield rifle after the rumours of use of cow and pig fat as a lubricant in the cartridges. The infuriated man thereafter incited his comrades to rebel against the British officers, and attacked them, when he was restrained from shooting himself, but was overpowered, arrested, and court-martialled. He is regarded as a hero in India. The government of India issued a postage stamp in his honour in 1984. His life has been portrayed in several film and television productions.

Image Credit : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiTaGf7Txls

Mangal Pandey was born on July 19, 1827, in Nagwa village of upper Ballia district, in Ceded and Conquered Provinces (presently in Uttar Pradesh) in British India. He hailed from a high-caste Brahman landowning family with strong Hindu beliefs. In 1849, he joined the Bengal Army. It was the army of one of the 3 presidencies of British India, the Bengal Presidency. According to some sources, Pandey was inducted by a brigade that marched past him. He became a private soldier in the 5th Company of the 34th Bengal Native Infantry (B.N.I.) regiment of the British East India Company in March 1857. The regiment included several Brahmins.

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Mangal Pandey and The Revolt of 1857

The British introduced a new Enfield rifle in India in the mid-1850s, and its greasy cartridges were loaded to the weapon only after biting off their ends. Rumours started doing the rounds that the lubricant used in the cartridges was either cow or pig lard. While cows are deeply respected by the Hindus, pork is forbidden for Muslims, thus a sense of indignation started brewing up among the Indian sepoys. Pandey was posted at the garrison in Barrackpore during that time. A staunch Hindu Brahmin by faith, Pandey too became furious after knowing about the matter and resolved to show his disapproval to the British.

It is generally believed that Pandey attempted to incite the other soldiers of his regiment to revolt against the British officers and planned a rebellion against the British rule. Lieutenant Baugh, Adjutant of the 34th Bengal Native Infantry, posted at Barrackpore came to know on March 29, 1857, that some of the sepoys of his regiment are in an agitated state and that one Mangal Pandey armed with a loaded musket was inciting his fellow soldiers to rebel. Pandey threatened to shoot the first European he would see. According to a testimony given at a subsequent enquiry, the furious Pandey seized weapons and rushed to the quarter-guard building after knowing that a British soldiers’ detachment has arrived on a steamer and were disembarking close to the cantonment.

Image Credit : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6YVh60JNJk

Sergeant-Major Hewson arrived on the parade ground and ordered the Indian officer in command of the quarter-guard, Jemadar Ishwari Prasad, to arrest Pandey. Prasad, however, said that he cannot catch Pandey alone as his NCOs had gone for help. Meanwhile learning about the revolt, Lieutenant Baugh armed himself and headed towards the lines on his horse. Seeing him coming, Pandey took position behind the station gun in front of the quarter-guard of the 34th and fired at Baugh. The bullet struck Baugh’s horse and brought him down to the ground. Baugh then fired at Pandey but missed him and while he was about to draw his sword, the gallant Pandey wounded him with a heavy Indian sword. Another sepoy Shaikh Paltu tried to restrain Pandey from causing more harm to the adjutant. Hewson then confronted Pandey but was hit by the latter’s musket and fell on the ground. Other sepoys of the barracks rushed in hearing the gun fire but refused to go against Pandey to help Paltu in defending the two Englishmen. Some of the sepoys threw stones and shoes at Paltu and threatened to shoot him if he does not release Pandey. Paltu somehow clung on to Pandey till the time the two Englishmen could rise and escape.

A report of the incident reached the commanding officer General Hearsey who then rode to the scene with his two officer sons and took the situation under control. The general took out his gun ordered the sepoys to do their duty and warned to shoot anyone who defies his orders. The sepoys now obeyed his orders and as Pandey sensed that he would be arrested, the brave fighter tried to take his own life by putting the muzzle of the musket to his chest and shooting himself pulling the trigger with his toe, which, however, did not proved fatal.

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Consequences of the Revolt

Following his recovery, Pandey was court martialled on April 6, 1857. He was asked if he had been under the influence of any substance. To this he replied that he revolted on his own and no one had any hand in influencing him. He was given death sentence. Jemadar Ishwari Prasad was also tried and given death sentence after testimony of three Sikh members of the quarter-guard revealed that Prasad had given orders not to arrest Pandey. Although the execution of Pandey was set for April 18, 1857, the British authorities fearing an outburst of a bigger revolt hanged him to death on April 8, 1857. Prasad was also hanged to death on April 21.

An enquiry by the British government was conducted on the 34th B.N.I. Regiment. It was concluded that the regiment failed in performing their duty in restraining a rebellious sepoy. While petitions for leniency started pouring in, a collective punishment was imposed on the regiment by disbanding it “with disgrace” on May 6, 1857. Meanwhile, a day after Pandey’s execution, Shaikh Paltu was promoted to Havaldar (native sergeant) and was recommended for a decoration by General Hearsey. A few days prior to the disbandment of the 34th B.N.I. Regiment, Paltu was lured to an isolated area of the Barrackpore cantonment and murdered by many of his former colleagues.

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On October 5, 1984, a postage stamp with his image on it was issued by the Government of India in his honour. A park was constructed at Barrackpore to commemorate the place where the courageous man rebelled against the British officers and attacked them. It was named as the Shaheed Mangal Pandey Maha Udyan. A cenotaph of the gallant soldier was also built at the Barrackpore Cantonment on Surendranath Banerjee road in West Bengal.

Mangal Pandey in Popular Culture

Several films and television productions have been made on the life of Mangal Pandey. A biographical drama film ‘Mangal Pandey: The Rising’ based on the life of Pandey was released on August 12, 2005. Directed by Ketan Mehta, the critically and commercially acclaimed film features prominent actor Aamir Khan in the role of Mangal Pandey.

Pandey’s life was also portrayed in a play titled ‘The Roti Rebellion.’ It was written and directed by Supriya Karunakaran and produced at ‘The Moving Theatre’ at Andhra Saraswat Parishad, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, in June 2005.

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• Mangal Pandey Biography

About Mangal Pandey

Mangal Pandey (born July 19, 1827, in Akbarpur, India – died April 8, 1857, in Barrackpore) was an Indian soldier whose March 29, 1857 attack on British officers was the first major incident of the Indian, or Sepoy Mutiny (this uprising is often referred as the First War of Independence or other similar names in India). In this article, we are going to study about Mangal Pandey in detail.

Who was Mangal Pandey?

From here, we’ll study who was Mangal Pandey and what he did. Pandey was born in a town near Faizabad which is now the state of eastern Uttar Pradesh in northern India, though some sources say he was born in a small village near Lalitpur (in present-day southwestern Uttar Pradesh). He came from a landowning high-caste Brahman family with deep Hindu beliefs. Pandey joined the British East India Company's army in 1849, according to some sources, after being recruited by a brigade that marched past him. He joined the 6th Company of the 34th Bengal Native Infantry, which included a large number of Brahmans, as a soldier (sepoy). Pandey was ambitious, and he saw his work as a sepoy as a stepping stone to greater things.

Pandey's professional aspirations, however, clashed with his religious convictions. In the mid-1850s, when he was stationed at the Barrackpore garrison, a new Enfield rifle was introduced into India, which allowed a soldier to load the weapon by biting off the ends of greased cartridges. A rumour circulated that the lubricant used was either cow or pig lard, which Hindus and Muslims, respectively, disliked. The sepoys came to believe that the British had put lard on the cartridges on purpose.

The events of March 29, 1857, have been defined in a variety of ways. Pandey tried to provoke his fellow sepoys to rise up against their British officers, assaulted two of them, attempted to shoot himself after being restrained, and was ultimately overwhelmed and arrested, according to the popular agreement. Mangal Pandey was hanged on 8th April 1857 as he was soon tried and sentenced to death. His execution (by hanging) was originally scheduled for April 18, but British authorities pushed it up to April 8 because they feared a large-scale uprising if they waited until then. Later that month, in Meerut, opposition to the use of Enfield cartridges sparked an uprising, which led to the start of the larger insurgency in May.

Pandey is remembered in India as a freedom fighter against British rule. In 1984, the Indian government issued a commemorative postage stamp featuring his portrait. In addition, a film and a stage play about his life were released in 2005.

Beginning of Mangal Pandey and His Attacks

In 1849, Mangal Pandey enlisted in the Bengal Army. He joined the 5th Company of the 34th Bengal Native Infantry as a private soldier (sepoy) in March 1857. Lieutenant Baugh, Adjutant of the 34th Bengal Native Infantry, then stationed at Barrackpore, was told on the afternoon of March 29, 1857, that many men in his regiment were in an agitated state. Furthermore, he was informed that one of them, Mangal Pandey, was pacing in front of the regiment's guardroom near the parade ground, armed with a loaded musket, urging the men to revolt and threatening to shoot the first European he saw. Pandey had confiscated his guns and ran to the quarter-guard building upon discovering that a detachment of British soldiers was disembarking from a steamer near the cantonment, according to testimony provided at a subsequent inquiry. Pandey had been unsettled by discontent among the sepoys and intoxicated by the narcotic bhang.

Baugh quickly armed himself and galloped to the lines on his horse. Pandey took up position behind the station gun in front of the 34th's quarter-guard, aimed at Baugh, and fired. While he missed Baugh, the bullet hit his horse in the flank, killing both the horse and the rider. Baugh easily disentangled himself, snatched one of his pistols, and charged Pandey, firing. He didn't make it. Pandey struck Baugh with a talwar (a heavy Indian sword) before the adjutant could draw his sword, stabbed Baugh on the shoulder and leg, and knocked him to the ground. Shaikh Paltu, another sepoy, intervened and attempted to restrain Pandey as he attempted to reload his musket.

Before Baugh, a British Sergeant-Major named Hewson had been called to the parade ground by a native general. He had ordered Pandey to be arrested by Jemadar Ishwari Prasad, the Indian officer in charge of the quarter-guard. The jemadar responded by saying that his NCOs had gone for assistance and that he couldn't take Pandey on his own. Hewson retaliated by ordering Ishwari Prasad to enter the guard with loaded weapons. Meanwhile, Baugh had arrived on the scene, crying, 'Where is he?' 'Where has he gone?' 'Ride to the right, sir, for your life,' Hewson replied to Baugh. 'The sepoy will open fire!' Pandey then opened fire.

While battling with Lieutenant Baugh, Hewson charged towards Pandey. A blow from Pandey's musket knocked Hewson to the ground from behind when questioning him. Other sepoys had been called from the barracks by the sound of gunfire, but they remained silent spectators. At this point, Shaikh Paltu, who was attempting to defend the two Englishmen, demanded assistance from the other sepoys. Shaikh Paltu, who was being attacked by sepoys who threw stones and shoes at his back, asked the guard for assistance in holding Pandey, but they threatened to shoot him if he did not let go of the mutineer.

The quarter-guard's sepoys then charged forward and attacked the two prostrate officers. They then threatened Shaikh Paltu and demanded that he release Pandey, whom he had been attempting in vain to keep in custody. Paltu, on the other hand, kept Pandey until Baugh and the sergeant-major were able to rise. Paltu had no choice but to relax his hold now that he was wounded. While being hit with the butt ends of the guards' muskets, he backed away in one direction and Baugh and Hewson in the other.

Meanwhile, the commanding officer, General Hearsey, had received a warning of the incident and galloped to the field with his two officer sons. After taking in the scene, he approached the guards, drew his gun, and ordered them to do their job by apprehending Mangal Pandey. The General threatened to kill the first man who refused to follow orders. The men of the quarter-guard rushed in behind Hearsey and pursued him to Pandey. Pandey then placed the muzzle of the musket against his chest and pulled the trigger with his foot to discharge it. He was bleeding profusely and his regimental jacket was on fire, but he was not mortally wounded.

Pandey made a full recovery and was placed on trial less than a week later. When asked whether he had been under the influence of any drugs, he claimed categorically that he had mutinied on his own initiative and that no one had encouraged him. After three Sikh members of the quarter-guard testified that the latter had instructed them not to arrest Pandey, he and Jemadar Ishwari Prasad were sentenced to death by hanging.

After a government inquiry, the 34th B.N.I. The regiment was disbanded "with shame" on 6 May as a collective punishment for failing to fulfil their duty in restraining a mutinous soldier and his officer. This came after a six-week cycle in which pleas for leniency in Calcutta were considered. On March 29, Sepoy Shaikh Paltu was promoted to havildar (sergeant) for his actions, but he was assassinated in a remote area of the Barrackpore cantonment shortly before the regiment was disbanded.

The 34th B.N.I. had a strong recent record, according to Indian historian Surendra Nath Sen, and the Court of Enquiry had found no proof of a connection with unrest at Berhampore concerning the 19th B.N.I. four weeks ago (see below). However, Mangal Pandey's conduct, as well as the reluctance of the quarter-armed guards and on-duty sepoys to act, persuaded British military authorities that the regiment as a whole was untrustworthy. Pandey appears to have acted without first gaining the confidence of other sepoys, but the regiment's antipathy against its British officers had led most of those present to behave as spectators rather than follow orders.

Motivation and Story of a New Form of Bullet Cartridge in Detail

Mangal Pandey's personal motive for his actions remains a mystery. "Come out – the Europeans are here," he yelled to other sepoys during the incident, "from biting these cartridges we shall become infidels," and "you sent me out here, why don't you join me." He argued at his court-martial that he had been using bhang and opium and was unaware of his actions on March 29.

A number of factors led to the Bengal Army's anxiety and distrust in the months leading up to the Barrackpore incident. The reference to cartridges made by Pandey is generally attributed to a new form of bullet cartridge used in the Enfield P-53 rifle, which was to be introduced in the Bengal Army that year. The cartridge was thought to be greased with animal fat, mainly from cows and pigs, which Hindus and Muslims, respectively, could not eat (the former a holy animal of the Hindus and the latter being abhorrent to Muslims). Before use, the cartridges had to be bitten at one end. Some Indian troops in some regiments believed it was a deliberate act by the British to defile their religions.

Colonel S. Wheeler of the 34th B.N.I. was a devout Christian who preached with zeal. The Bible was printed in Urdu and Hindi and circulated among the sepoys by the wife of Captain William Halliday of the 56th B.N.I., creating doubts among them that the British were trying to convert them to Christianity.

During the annexation of Oudh in 1856, the 19th and 34th Bengal Native Infantry were posted at Lucknow due to suspected misgovernment by the Nawab. The annexation had detrimental consequences for the Bengal Army's sepoys (a significant portion of whom came from that princely state). These sepoys had the right to petition the British Resident at Lucknow for justice prior to the annexation, which was a major privilege in the sense of native courts. They lost their unique status as a result of the East India Company's acts since Oudh no longer existed as a nominally independent political body.

The 19th B.N.I. is significant because, on February 26, 1857, it was the regiment tasked with testing the new cartridges. However, new rifles had not been given to them prior to the mutiny, and the cartridges in the regiment's magazine were as grease-free as they had been for the previous half-century. The cartridges were wrapped in a different colour paper, which raised suspicions. On February 26, the regiment's non-commissioned officers declined to consider the cartridges. Colonel William Mitchell, the commanding officer, was informed of this information and took it upon himself to persuade the sepoys that the cartridges were identical to those they were used to and that they did not need to bite it. He ended his speech by pleading with the native officers to preserve the regiment's honour and threatening to court-martial any sepoys who refused to accept the cartridge. The regiment's sepoys, on the other hand, confiscated their bell of arms the next morning (weapons store). Mitchell's subsequent accommodative behaviour persuaded the sepoys to return to their barracks.

Court of Enquiry

A Court of Enquiry was convened, and after a nearly month-long review, the 19th B.N.I. was recommended to be disbanded. On March 31, the same procedure was followed. The 19th B.N.I. were permitted to keep their uniforms and were given allowances by the government to return to their homes. Colonel Mitchell of the 19th B.N.I. and Colonel Wheeler of Pandey's 34th B.N.I. were both deemed unfit to command any new regiments raised to replace the disbanded units after the incident on March 29.

Consequences

Pandey's assault and punishment were generally regarded as the start of what became known as the Indian Rebellion of 1857. His actions were well known among his fellow sepoys, and it is thought that this was one of the reasons that sparked the general series of mutinies that erupted over the next few months. Mangal Pandey influenced later figures in the Indian Nationalist Movement, such as V.D. Savarkar, who saw his motivation as one of the earliest manifestations of Indian Nationalism. While a recently published study of events immediately preceding the outbreak suggests that "there is no historical evidence to back up any of these revisionist interpretations," modern Indian nationalists depict Pandey as the mastermind behind a plot to revolt against the British. Pandee or Pandey became a derogatory word used by British soldiers and civilians when referring to a mutinous sepoy during the uprising that followed. This was a direct derivation of Mangal Pandey's name.

On the afternoon of March 29, 1857, Pandey was pacing agitatedly in front of the regiment's guard room. He appeared ecstatic and was shouting to his fellow sepoys. With a loaded musket, he threatened to shoot the first European he saw that day. “Come out, the Europeans are here,” he yelled to the other soldiers, and “by biting these cartridges, we shall become infidels.” Sergeant-Major James Hewson arrived on the scene after being informed of Pandey's actions. When he ordered Indian officer Jemadar Ishwari Prasad to arrest Pandey, Prasad refused, arguing that he couldn't do it alone. Lieutenant Henry Baugh, the Sergeant-Major's adjutant, appeared on a horse and was shot at by Pandey – this is known as the first gunshot at an Englishman during the Revolt of 1857. Pandey missed the lieutenant and instead struck his horse. Pandey was battling Baugh after this when Hewson approached him. He was knocked unconscious. Throughout the ordeal, no soldiers stepped forward to assist the officers. Just one soldier, Shaikh Paltu, attempted to help the English. Other sepoys assaulted Paltu with stones and shoes for attempting to assist the Englishmen. When the other soldiers threatened to shoot him if he didn't let go of the mutinous sepoy, Paltu grabbed him. 

Meanwhile, General Hearsey, the commanding officer, arrived on the scene with two officers. Pandey attempted to kill himself with his musket after failing to invite all the men to open revolt. However, he just hurt himself and was arrested as a result. Mangal Pandey was put on trial and sentenced to death by hanging in less than a week. During his trial, he said that he mutinied of his own free will and that no other sepoy encouraged him. Since he had told the other soldiers not to arrest Pandey, Jemadar Ishwari Prasad was also sentenced to death by hanging. Pandey was executed on April 8, 1857, and Prasad on April 21, 1857, according to the verdict. The BNI's entire 34th Regiment was disbanded "with disgrace" on May 6th. This was done after an inquiry found that the soldiers had failed to restrain a mutinous soldier. Sepoy Paltu was promoted to Havildar before the regiment was disbanded, but he was murdered within the cantonment. One of the main preceding events before the 1857 revolution was Mangal Pandey's act of rebellion.

A Gesture of Tribute:

Every year, July 19 is celebrated as Mangal Pandey Jayanthi and many politicians pay tribute for his contribution towards Indian freedom.

In 1984, the Government of India released a postage stamp in his memory, and in 2005, a play and a movie were released to pass on his contributions to Indian Independence to future generations. 

Interesting Facts about Mangal Pandey

Here are some interesting facts about the martyr:.

He was a devout Hindu who was born into a Brahmin family. Brahmins made up the majority of his 34th Bengal Native Infantry.

When a new Enfield rifle was introduced in India in the mid-1850s, he had a big disagreement with the company. The rifle's cartridges were said to be greased with animal fat, especially cow and pig fat. A soldier had to bite the bullets in order to load them into the rifle. Hindus consider cow fat to be sacrilegious, though Muslims consider pig fat to be sacrilegious. As a result of the cartridges' use, the Indian soldiers revolted against the company, arguing that it violated their religious beliefs.

Pandey and his fellow sepoys rose up in revolt against the British officers on March 29, 1857, and even tried to shoot them.

After being arrested, Mangal Pandey was hanged on April 18. The British authorities, fearing a rebellion from other sepoys, had him hanged 10 days earlier, on April 8.

In 1984, the Indian government issued a postage stamp with his portrait to honour the brave soldier.

Aamir Khan starred in a film about Mangal Pandey's life and journey, which was released in 2005.

In a country with 130 crore inhabitants, everyone has the right to enjoy their rights to the fullest. However, as they read their history books, they find that this was not the case just 73 years ago. India's journey to independence had not been simple. On August 15, 1947, we got freedom as thousands of freedom fighters made the ultimate sacrifice. Although there was a strong desire to be free of colonial rule, only a few people in early British India were willing to publicly oppose White supremacy. In such a situation, it was Mangal Pandey, the man who is often referred to as India's first freedom fighter, who dared to revolt against the British. He was a key figure in the 1857 Indian Independence War, which ignited the spark that led to India's independence 90 years after the Sepoy Mutiny.

FAQs on Mangal Pandey Biography

1. Who was Mangal Pandey?

Pandey was born in a town near Faizabad which is now the state of eastern Uttar Pradesh in northern India, though some sources say he was born in a small village near Lalitpur (in present-day southwestern U.P). He came from a landowning high-caste Brahman family with deep Hindu beliefs. He is often referred to as India's first freedom fighter, who dared to revolt against the British. He is claimed to be the first Indian revolutionary soldier. He enrolled in the East India Company’s army as a sepoy in the Bengal regiment. He was a sepoy of the 34th Bengal Native infantry, he was infuriated when he got to know that the new rifles introduced by the Britishers have cartridges that are made up of animal fats especially, pig and cow fat. This was considered to be a willing action to suppress the religious beliefs of Hindus and Muslims as the cow was considered to be pious for the Hindus and the pig was hated by the Muslims. He then alerted all his battalion members who were mostly Brahmins like him. 

2. Mangal Pandey’s birthday was on?

Mangal Pandey was born on July 19, 1827, in Akbarpur, a town near Faizabad to a landowning high-caste brahmin family.  Some sources say he was born in a small village near Lalitpur (in present-day southwestern Uttar Pradesh).

3. Why was Mangal Pandey hanged?

Mangal Pandey is considered to be the first Indian revolutionary leader to attack the Britishers. He enrolled as a sepoy in the 34th Bengal Native Infantry battalion. He was very ambitious and he claimed descent from an orthodox Hindu family. He carried all those beliefs with him and he was infuriated when he found out that the new rifles introduced by the Britishers used cartridges that were made of animal fat, especially cow and pig. The cow was considered to be pious for the Hindus and the pig was hated by the Muslims, this made them feel that the act was a voluntary act by the Britishers to suppress the religious beliefs. So, he along with some of the members of the battalion revolted against the Britishers. He was caught by the Britishers and was hanged for his act of revolt and failure of fulfilling his duty.  He appeared ecstatic and was shouting to his fellow sepoys. With a loaded musket, he threatened to shoot the first European he saw that day. “Come out, the Europeans are here,” he yelled to the other soldiers, and “by biting these cartridges, we shall become infidels.” Due to his attack on two British soldiers, Mangal Pandey was hanged to death on April 8, 1857, at the age of 29.

 4. What was the role played by Mangal Pandey in Indian History?

Mangal Pandey is claimed to be the first revolutionary Indian freedom fighter who sparked the flame of independence and the thirst to throw off British rule. He revolted against the Britishers for introducing cartridges that were claimed to be coated with animal fat especially, cow and pig fat which was hated by Hindus and Muslims that were a major part of the Indian population. He motivated other members of his battalion to revolt against the Britishers as they wanted to do this act to criticize their religious choices. Mangal Pandey claims to be from an orthodox Hindu family and so does the majority of the sepoys from his battalion. This news of using animal fat in cartridges spread like a wildfire before the Britishers could take proper action to counter the rumour. Many such regiments in various parts of the country also revolted knowing the situation. Many causes led to the 1857 revolt but usage of animal fat in cartridges was the instant reason that sparked the fire. 

5. How did Mangal Pandey influence others and lead to the 1857 revolt?

Mangal Pandey claimed to be from an orthodox Hindu family and when he got to know that the Britishers wanted to use animal fat especially cow and pig fat to coat the cartridges, he was infuriated. He asked other battalion members to revolt against this atrocity and announced that he would kill the very first European that he saw. This news spread like a wildfire to other military regiments of the East India Company in other parts of the country. Soldiers in those regiments also revolted against the Britishers. As the sepoys started the movement, the 1847 revolt is also known as “Sepoy Mutiny”. It would only be a misjudgement if we think it was only sepoys who participated in this revolt, many other reasons came together to fight the British oppression. Some of these reasons include vigorous and dominant policies like the subsidiary alliance, the doctrine of lapse upset the ruling class, feeling that India is being governed by a foreign power, harsh administrative policies, suspension of pensions to royal families, excluding Indians from reaching higher positions in the administration, ruining the mercantile class, Indian manufacturers and their markets, etc. which have combinedly resulted in the 1857 revolt. But, the instant reason that sparked the fire is the usage of animal fat especially that of cow and pig fat to coat the cartridges.

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Mangal pandey: a revolutionary icon of indian independence, why in the news.

It was on April 8 th 167 years ago in 1857, Mangal Pandey was hanged.

Who was Mangal Pandey?

• Mangal Pandey, born on July 19, 1827 , in Nagwa village of the Ballia district in present-day Uttar Pradesh.
• He belonged to the kingdom of Awadh , which had been treacherously annexed by the British in 1856.
• At the age of 22, he enlisted as a soldier in the British East India Company’s army, joining the 34th Bengal Native Infantry.

Recap of his revolutionary activities

• Annexation of Awadh
• The Begums of Awadh had an understanding with the British, and had been abiding by the terms of the agreement.
• In spite of this, Awadh was annexed , in February 1856, which was greatly resented by the people.
• Awadh was a region that supplied large numbers of soldiers of war to the Company’s army.
• There were 75,000 soldiers from Awadh , and almost every agricultural family in the kingdom had a representative in the army.
• Whatever happened in Awadh was of immediate concern to the Sepoy.
• Rise of Resentment
• The deposition of the Nawab and the confiscation of the villages of taluqdars during the land revenue settlement of 1856 caused outrage.
• Some 14,000 petitions were received from the Sepoys about the hardships they faced on account of the revenue system.
• Mangal Pandey represented the discontent that the misery of British rule had brought upon peasant families.
• Flashpoint and the mutiny
• Mangal Pandey was stationed at Barrackpore , near Calcutta (now Kolkata), where he became involved in a significant event that would later be known as the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857.
• He refused to use the newly introduced Enfield rifle , the cartridges of which had a covering that was believed to be made of animal fat (beef and pork) , and which had to be bit open before the cartridges could be used.
• This was viewed by the soldiers as a direct assault on their religious beliefs by the British who intended to bring an end to their religion and propagate Christianity.
• On March 29, 1857, Pandey mutinied and fired at his Senior Sergeant Major.
• He was overpowered and hanged on April 8, 1857 , by the order of a Court Martial at Lal Bagan in Barrackpore.
• His regiment was disbanded , like the 19th infantry at Behrampore, for showing resentment.

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Mangal Pandey | Biography | History & Early Life | Indian Solider

February 16, 2018 by Study Mentor Leave a Comment

In the history of Indian freedom struggle , we come across numerous names that have inked their mark on the history of India. Their deeds were dedicated to the same goal, to get the nation free from the clutches of slavery and for the restoration of its prosperity.

Mangal Pandey is the name of one such valiant amongst men, who roared just once to carve an immortal niche in history. He was a brave soldier, who gave the first skirmish in the 1857 revolution .

Table of Contents

Early Life of Mangal Pandey

Mangal Pandey was born on 19 th July 1827 in a Brahmin family in Nagwa, a village of Ballia district in Uttar Pradesh. Not much is known about his parents except the fact that he was an upper caste Brahmin. Poverty had struck his family and there were mounting debts on his family became burdensome.

Mangal sought to remove the shackles of poverty that surrounded his family. He was aware of his hot temperament and wanted a job that suited him. Probably his education was average but he possessed a very sharp wisdom. He was also brave and courageous.

His family professed strong Hindu beliefs. As a result, Mangal vowed to follow and maintain Kshatriya Dharma for the rest of his life, enrolled himself as a Sepoy under the British government. By the year 1857, the roots of the reign of the British Government that had been long established, had penetrated deep.

All the Kings were reduced to mere dummies, running their government in proxy while the upper-hand was being maintained by the East India Company.

British Dominance and the Growing Resentment

For this the Britishers adopted every possible trick of deceit, treachery and scheming.

While doing this, they not only gave up all the human considerations, but also behaved very brutally with Indians treating them all no less than an animal.

Before the arrival of Britishers, India was a prosperous nation. Villages form the heart of India. Each village was self-sufficient and self-reliant. There had been no necessity to export any goods from the outside.

All were organised based on the cooperation and good behaviour that villagers had for each other. A class or group existed for each profession. The farmers used to work in agricultural fields and only a part of the produce went out of the village in the form of state-tax.

There were carpenters and iron-smiths that made agricultural equipment and other tools. The Brahmins performed priestly and other education related duties. Weavers wove clothes, masons made houses, barbers, washer men; goldsmiths all performed their duties well.

Every village had a well-knit community. Britishers observed and took into account the fact that it won’t be easy to establish supremacy in India. The system was strong enough to meet the requirements of everyone.

Mutual unity and cooperation were the strengths of Indians which tied them in spite of difference of castes and religions. Therefore, the Britishers began to put in place, a number of repressive policies on the pretext of modern reforms so as to achieve their nasty motive.

Because of the British interference, the strength and income of the Indian kings and Nawabs got highly diminished. They lost their earlier influence and were reduced to mere symbolic kings.

The farmers were refrained from using good seeds, fertilizers and organic techniques. They couldn’t manage their own farms in accordance with their wishes. Land revenue was enhanced manifold and instead of grains, hard cash was demanded as land revenue.

Hence, farmers were forced to grow crops that could easily be sold in the market instead of crops that they really needed. The farmers who couldn’t pay the revenue were forcibly deprived of their plough, bullocks, land, seeds and grains. The providers and perpetrators of food grains ironically, were deprived of their own food.

Great atrocities were laid down on weavers too. The weavers were vehemently forced to weave type of cloth that British wanted and also to sell it to the British traders only. They were annulled to sell it to any other trader and if one secretly tried to do so, his spinning wheel and cloth was burnt down to ashes by the Sepoy’s.

There was a time when Indian cloth was in high demand in the international market but following such forcible vigilance and no due reward of their labour, many weavers had cut off their own thumbs to save themselves of such dire tyranny of the British.

There was considerable hatred brewing up among the peaceful Indians who regularly used to complaint against the policies and rights to implement administration over them by an alien rule. But none was voicing their opinions. The extent of the barbarity was crossed when the Britishers sought to hurt the religious sentiments of its own sepoys by whose power it used to curb the common men of India by their own fellow brethren.

The Britishers introduced greased cartridges. The grease was made from fat of cow and pig meat. The cartridges had to be bitten off to remove the cover, an act which was detested by both Hindus and Muslims because for Hindus, cow was sacred while for Muslims, even the touch of pig meat was haram .

The First Upsurge from the Regiment

The first notable issue of a revolt came from inside the British’s very own Bengal Presidency Army. The 34 th native infantry regiment of the Army was the most anxious to start the rebellion. The regiment was stationed at Barrackpore, Wazir Ali Khan who stayed near Calcutta had bound the whole regiment by Oaths in favour of the uprising. Some sepoys of the 34 th regiment had brought the whole 19 th regiment under their influence of the revolt against greased cartridges.

The British hardly had any idea of this and decided to issue the greased cartridges first to the 19 th regiment on an experiment basis. But this regiment boldly refused the use of new cartridges to preserve the pride of their religious merit. They made it clear to the British of their intention of drawing their weapons out, if necessary. The British had to quietly swallow their insult as there were hardly any white troops available in the province of Bengal to suppress the sepoys.

Consequently, white troops were moved from Burma and other places to Calcutta and orders were issued for the disbandment of the 19 th regiment at Barakpore for 28 th March 1857’s Parade. But the 34 th regiment was in mood to see the 19 th regiment being disbanded on the parade ground. For this, they patiently waited for a month and fixed a date for their upsurge against their foreign bosses.

But ferocious Mangal Pandey’s sword couldn’t keep waiting in the sheath for long. The love for his religion and country had entered his very blood and electrified him. He was immensely disturbed by the fact that his own fellow brethren would be insulted before him on the Parade ground.

On the very fateful day, he consumed cannabis( bhang ) and opium and under the influence of intoxication, the young and valiant soldier’s spirit became uncontrollable.  He seized the opportunity and loaded his musket and began pacing on the parade ground, shouting “Rise brethren Rise! Why do you hold back? Come, Rise and bind yourselves with the oath of your religion”.

With such words, he began calling upon his fellow soldiers to follow him. English Major Sergeant reached the ground and ordered Jemadar Ishwari Prasad, the Indian officer in command of the quarter-guard to arrest Pandey. Ishwari Prasad denied stating ferociously, “No sepoy shall even touch Pandey”.

Sergeant Major Hughson was taken aback since none of the sepoys even moved to arrest Pandey at his order. A single shot from Pandey’s weapon killed Hughson. Furious at Pandey’s nuisance on the parade ground, General Baugh buckled himself and came in riding a horse with a sword and a pistol.

Pandey, seeing Baugh riding towards him, shot from his musket, the bullet missed Baugh but it struck the prancing horse. Both Baugh and his horse fell on the ground, Baugh immediately disentangled himself, all this while, Pandey was busy in reloading his musket to fire another shot. Immediately Baugh fired at him from his pistol but the bullet missed Pandey.

Both now drew their respective swords and marched towards each other. Meanwhile, a white soldier came pacing towards Pandey in order to attack but an Indian sepoy smashed his head. A shout rose among the sepoys, “Don’t touch Mangal Pandey”.

Colonel Wheeler was then summoned to the scene. He too ordered an arrest of Pandey to the guards. Another shout rose in chorus from among the sepoys, “We will not touch the hair of this Brahmin”. Colonel Wheeler helpless at the sight of blood of a white man and being a witness of the sepoys’ mood immediately paced towards General Hearsay’s residence.

A vivid illustration of a mutiny, breaking on the parade ground reached the ears of the then, commanding officer, General Hearsay who galloped to the ground along with his two officer sons. Pandey continued waving his hands and was shouting, “Rise brethren, Rise”.

General Hearsay at this juncture hurriedly collected white soldiers and officers and rode hastily towards Pandey. General began to threaten the guards on the Parade ground.

He took out his pistol and aimed it on one of the guards saying, ‘Arrest Pandey’ while warning to kill any guard who disobeyed him. The guards gave in to Hearsay’s commands and began marching with the British soldiers towards him.

Pandey on seeing he falling into the clutches of the white men, put the muzzle of the musket on his chest preferring death over being imprisoned by the whites. He got badly wounded, got overpowered and was taken to a nearby hospital. After he was treated, and started recuperating, a date for his trial was set, 18 th of April.

Aftermath and Martyrdom

 The 34 th regiment of Bengal Presidency Army was disbanded on the context of Mangal Pandey’s mutiny and the failure of Sepoy and quarter-guard to follow orders.

It appeared that Pandey acted without considering other men of his regiment because none was participating as actively as was he alone but the Britishers realized that there must be a growing antipathy in the regiment for the Sepoy turned into mere spectators and none cared to arrest Pandey when commanded to do so.

Pandey was tried at the court of law and was condemned to be hanged. During the enquiry, he utterly refused to reveal the name of conspirators while even denying the consumption of alcohol, opium or cannabis.

While he made it clear to the court that all he did was to safeguard his religious merits and that he had no ill-will towards the officers that he had killed. His sword came out of his sheath to defend his religion and for the honour of his country.

On the morning of fated, 8 th April 1857, Mangal Pandey was brought to the scaffold and given an ultimatum to tell the name of conspirators else face hanging.

He retorted them by denying them the names, the moose dropped and the great valiant rebellion was hanged till death. What a plight would have been drawn upon those who loved him dearly and followed him with all his heart!

Consequences

This was the first skirmish that led to the Revolt of 1857. Mangal Pandey was gone but his undaunted spirit spread throughout the ranks of Bengal Presidency Army, Barrackpore to Ambala, Multan and Peshawar. He gave up not only his life but also left his name for the rebellion.

According to Lord Roberts, “Pandey’s name was the origin of sepoys who joined the First War of Independence in 1857, calling themselves, ‘Pandeys’”. What happened on 29 th March was followed by an upsurge in the regiments stationed at Meerut on 10 th May. Pandey’s rising against the torture act as a catalyst that inspired the ones sharing the feelings of hatred towards the British for their atrocities.

Film, stage, literature and commemoration

A film based on Mangal Pandey’s life, starring Amir Khan was released in 2005, entitled ‘Mangal Pandey: An Uprising’. However, the sequences of the mutiny were all based on true incidences, the film portrayed Mangal’s character in a negative light, by displaying him of having an affair and being alcoholic.

It was an utter disgrace on the director’s part to infiltrate the life of a heroic figure. Veer Savarkar remarked on Mangal Pandey, “Mangal Pandey was pure in private life and undaunted on the battlefield”.

Besides a movie, Mangal Pandey’s life was carved into a stage play entitled, “A Roti Rebellion” that received accolades from all over the fraternity. Also, had been published a novel entitle, “White Teeth” portraying Mangal’s life and character and the influence he had over the author.

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Remembering Mangal Pandey, Hero Of First Independence War Who Inspired Revolt Of 1857 'Sepoy Mutiny'

Writer: Ronit Kumar Singh

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A confident and reliable journalist who always desires to toss the unheard voices. I cover politics and governance extensively through stories.

India,  19 July 2022 6:33 AM GMT  | Updated 19 July 2022 9:12 AM GMT check update history

Editor : snehadri sarkar  | .

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While he is a massive sports fanatic, his interest also lies in mainstream news and nitpicking trending and less talked about everyday issues.

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The first war of Independence by Mangal Pandey, also known as the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857, sprouted the dream of Independence among Indians. The courageous soldier was sentenced to death by hanging after he attacked British officers in Kolkata.

Mangal Pandey, synonymous with determination and courage, was born on July 19, 1837, in the Ballia district of Uttar Pradesh. A brave sepoy and a revolutionary soldier, Pandey played a crucial role in India's first rebellion against British rule in 1857. He is considered a hero of the first war of Independence, also known as the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857, that sprouted a dream of Independence among Indians.

He was a sepoy in the 34th Bengal Native Infantry (BNI) regiment of the East India Company. He is known for his revolutionary movements against the British Empire. During the 1850s, the British administration introduced cartridges allegedly laced with pig and cow fat which is considered offensive to Muslim and Hindu religious groups.

Revolt of 1857 'Sepoy Mutiny'

The Britishers, upon asking, denied the claim of using animal fat in the cartridges, but Pandey's observation and doubts started becoming stronger, which led to the mutiny. The revolutionary freedom fighter instigated his fellow sepoy mates against the British administration for their atrocities.

On March 29, 1857, he attached two British officers in the Barrackpore district of Kolkata, after which he was imprisoned. During the trial, Mangal Pandey said to the court that his actions and revolt against the British rule were his intention and not influenced by any others. On April 8, 1857, he was sentenced to death by hanging in the province of Bengal.

His revolutionary movement and dedication inspired many Indians to participate in the Indian freedom struggle to eliminate British rule. The revolt he started soon reached many parts of the country, and Indians started coming forward against the British government.

Commemoration To Pandey

In October 1984, recognising his efforts, the government of India commemorated Mangal Pandey by issuing a postage stamp of his image. A Delhi-based artist, C.R. Pakrashi, designed the stamp in the memory of a courageous freedom fighter, Wikipedia reported.

Barrackpore, where he attacked the British officers and was subsequently sentenced to death by hanging, still remembers him through various tributes. A park called Shaheed Mangal Pandey Maha Udyan has been set up to recognise his contribution to the Indian freedom struggle.

Also Read: Drones Developed For Food Delivery Aggregator Now Helping Flood Victims In Andhra, Gujarat

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Remembering Mangal Pandey, the man who's fire sparked the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857

Read on to know how mangal pandey acted as the flame which sparked the indian freedom struggle..

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Mangal Pandey's name has been etched in history as the man behind the events that led to the Indian rebellion of 1857. He was a sepoy in the Bengal Native Infantry, a regiment of the East India Company.

The rebellion of 1857, starting with the Sepoy Mutiny, is considered as the first blow that came to shatter the British rule in India, and the man behind it was none other than Mangal Pandey.

He was born on July 19 in the year 1827, and was executed on April 8, 1857.

Here is a brief timeline of the events which sparked the freedom struggle:

• Born in the year 1827, Pandey joined the East India Company army in 1849
• At the age of 18, he witnessed a column of sepoy infantry on march, which propelled him to join the company
• Majority of people in the army were Muslims and Hindus
• In August 1856, greased cartridge production was initiated in Kolkata, following a British design
• By January 1857, rumours had been taking rounds that the English cartridges were greased with animal fat
• This further sparked during a fight, when a low-caste sepoy taunted a high-caste sepoy for 'losing his caste' after biting the cartridge as they were greased with the fat of pigs and cows

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• Indian History /

Mangal Pandey: A Heroic Sepoy’s Journey

• Updated on  
• Oct 9, 2023

Mangal Pandey, a name etched in the annals of Indian history , was an Indian soldier whose pivotal role marked the prelude to the Revolt Of 1857 . During the 1857 First War of Independence, he ignited the rebellion by protesting against the use of greased cartridges rumored to contain cow or pig lard, a violation of his Hindu beliefs. This blog explores his life, the mutiny he initiated, and its far-reaching consequences.

Table of Contents

• 1 Early Life
• 2 Revolt of 1857
• 3 Motivation and Context 
• 4 Commemoration 
• 5 Quiz Time
• 6.1 #1. What was the primary cause of Mangal Pandey's revolt in 1857?
• 6.2 #2. Mangal Pandey was a member of which Indian infantry unit during his rebellion?
• 6.3 #3. What was the ultimate fate of Mangal Pandey after his arrest and trial?

Mangal Pandey, born in Nagwa, a village in the upper Ballia district of the Ceded and Conquered Provinces (now Uttar Pradesh), hailed from a Hindu Brahmin family. He enlisted in the Bengal Army in 1849 and served as a private soldier (sepoy) in the 5th Company of the 34th Bengal Native Infantry by March 1857. His defiance against British authorities played a significant role in the lead-up to the Indian Rebellion of 1857.

Must Read: Revolutions in India You Must Know About

Revolt of 1857

The fateful afternoon of March 29, 1857, witnessed the spark that would ignite a rebellion. Mangal Pandey, a sepoy in the 34th Bengal Native Infantry, stood armed with a loaded musket, urging fellow sepoys to rebel. He aimed at Lieutenant Baugh, setting off a chain of events that would alter history.

He fired at British officer Lieutenant Baugh but missing. Pandey then attacked with a talwar, injuring Baugh. He attempted suicide but failed. After a trial, Pandey was sentenced to death by hanging. Jemadar Ishwari Prasad, accused of not arresting Pandey, met the same fate. Mangal Pandey’s defiance and sacrifice marked a significant catalyst in the Indian struggle for independence against British rule.

Motivation and Context 

Pandey’s motivations remain unclear. Some attribute it to the controversial Enfield rifle cartridges, while others suggest religious tensions and British efforts at conversion contributed to sepoys’ unrest. But no one can deny the fact that Pandey’s actions marked the beginning of the Indian Rebellion of 1857, influencing later Indian nationalists. His name even became a derogatory term among British soldiers.

Must Read: Indian Freedom Fighters

Commemoration 

The Indian government honored Pandey with a postage stamp in 1984. A park, Shaheed Mangal Pandey Maha Udyan, stands at the site of his historic attack. Mangal Pandey’s actions, motivations, and legacy remain subjects of historical debate, but his pivotal role in igniting a rebellion that challenged British rule in India is undeniable. His story serves as a testament to the courage and sacrifices made by countless individuals during this tumultuous period in Indian history.

Mangal Pandey’s story inspired a film, “Mangal Pandey: The Rising,” a stage play titled “The Roti Rebellion,” and found a place in literature, like Zadie Smith’s “White Teeth.”

#1. What was the primary cause of Mangal Pandey's revolt in 1857?

#2. mangal pandey was a member of which indian infantry unit during his rebellion, #3. what was the ultimate fate of mangal pandey after his arrest and trial.

For more such interesting and informative topics on History and more, stay tuned to our General Knowledge section. If you want to know more about studying abroad, reach out to our experts on Leverage Edu !

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Mangal Pandey

• 12 Apr 2024

Why in News?

Remembering legendary freedom fighter Mangal Pandey on his death anniversary.

• He is considered the pioneer of the ‘ Indian Rebellion of 1857’.
• He was born on 19 th July, 1827, in a town near Faizabad , what is now eastern Uttar Pradesh.
• He revolted against the East India Company for introducing cartridges that were greased with animal fat as it hurt the religious sentiments of the soldiers.
• Eventually, this movement of rebels reached other parts of India and which led to a mass revolt against the government.
• The movement of protest and rebellion came to be known as the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 , also known as the First War of Independence.
• On 29 th March, 1857 , Pandey and his fellow sepoys rose up in rebellion against the British officers and even attempted to shoot them. As a result of this, he was executed on 8 th April, 1857, in Barrackpore.
• In October 1984 , as a tribute to his efforts, the Government of India issued a postage stamp with his image.

Mangal Pandey Biography and History

Mangal Pandey: Get full imfomation about who is Mangal Pandey, his History, Biography, How did he Die, his Family, and Role of Mangal Pandey in the Revolt of 1857.

Table of Contents

Mangal Pandey:  Mangal Pandey was an Indian soldier who played a pivotal role in the Indian Rebellion of 1857. As a sepoy in the British East India Company’s 34th Bengal Native Infantry regiment, he protested against the use of rifle cartridges greased with animal fat, which violated religious beliefs. His act of rebellion ignited a wider uprising against British rule across India. Mangal Pandey’s courage and sacrifice have immortalized him as a national hero, symbolizing the early resistance against British imperialism in India.

Who is Mangal Pandey?

Mangal Pandey was an Indian soldier who rebelled against British officers in 1857. His protest against the use of rifle cartridges greased with animal fat ignited the Indian Rebellion of 1857. This uprising, also known as the First War of Independence, spread across India and marked a turning point in the fight against British rule. Mangal Pandey’s bravery and sacrifice have made him a revered national hero in India, symbolizing the early stages of the country’s struggle for independence.

Mangal Pandey Biography

Mangal Pandey, born on July 19, 1827, in Nagwa, Uttar Pradesh, India, was an Indian soldier who played a significant role in the Indian independence movement. He joined the British East India Company’s 34th Bengal Native Infantry regiment as a sepoy. Mangal Pandey’s name became etched in history due to his involvement in the Indian Rebellion of 1857. On March 29, 1857, he rebelled against his British officers at the Barrackpore military garrison near Kolkata. The immediate cause of his revolt was the introduction of new rifle cartridges greased with animal fat, which had to be bitten open by soldiers. This violated the religious beliefs of Hindu and Muslim soldiers, as the cartridges were rumored to be greased with cow and pig fat, respectively.

Pandey’s act of defiance and his subsequent arrest sparked widespread unrest among Indian soldiers, eventually leading to a larger uprising against British rule. The rebellion, which spread across northern and central India, marked a significant turning point in the struggle for Indian independence and is often considered the beginning of the end of British colonial rule. However, the rebellion was eventually suppressed by the British, and Mangal Pandey was captured. He was tried and sentenced to death. On April 8, 1857, he was executed by hanging in the presence of his fellow soldiers.

Mangal Pandey’s sacrifice and bravery have made him a revered figure in Indian history. He is hailed as a national hero and a symbol of resistance against British imperialism. His actions inspired future generations of freedom fighters and played a crucial role in the ultimate attainment of Indian independence in 1947. Mangal Pandey’s legacy continues to inspire and remind people of the courage and determination it takes to fight for freedom and justice.

Mangal Pandey History

Mangal Pandey, born in 1827, was an Indian soldier who played a key role in the Indian Rebellion of 1857. He rebelled against British officers on March 29, 1857, protesting the use of rifle cartridges greased with animal fat, which violated religious beliefs. His act inspired others to join the rebellion, leading to widespread unrest across northern and central India. Though the rebellion was eventually suppressed, it marked a turning point in India’s struggle for freedom. Mangal Pandey’s bravery and sacrifice made him a revered national hero and symbol of resistance against British rule.

Mangal Pandey Family

Information about Mangal Pandey’s family is not extensively documented or widely available. Due to the historical context of the time and limited records, specific details about his family background, such as his parents, siblings, or marital status, are not well-documented or easily accessible. However, it is known that Mangal Pandey was born in Nagwa, a village in Uttar Pradesh, India. His family likely belonged to the agricultural or peasant community, which was common in rural areas during that period.

While specific information about his family members may not be widely known, Mangal Pandey’s actions and sacrifice have made him an iconic figure in Indian history and the struggle for independence. He is remembered and revered for his bravery and contribution to the Indian Rebellion of 1857, which played a significant role in India’s fight for freedom from British colonial rule.

Role of Mangal Pandey in the Revolt of 1857

Mangal Pandey played a significant role in the Revolt of 1857, also known as the Indian Rebellion of 1857 or the Sepoy Mutiny. His actions and defiance against the British East India Company were instrumental in sparking the larger uprising against British rule. Mangal Pandey’s rebellion took place on March 29, 1857, at the Barrackpore military garrison near Kolkata. He protested against the use of new rifle cartridges that were greased with animal fat, which offended the religious beliefs of both Hindu and Muslim soldiers. This act of defiance by Pandey, a sepoy in the 34th Bengal Native Infantry regiment, symbolized the growing discontent among Indian soldiers toward the British.

Mangal Pandey’s actions inspired widespread rebellion, uniting sepoys, soldiers, civilians, and princely states across northern and central India against British rule in the Revolt of 1857. His courage became synonymous with the early stages of the uprising, igniting a larger movement for independence. Though the rebellion was eventually suppressed, it marked a significant turning point in India’s struggle for freedom, paving the way for future leaders and movements in the fight against colonial rule.

How did Mangal Pandey Die?

Mangal Pandey was executed by hanging on April 8, 1857. After his rebellion against British officers at the Barrackpore military garrison, he was captured and subsequently put on trial. He was found guilty of mutiny and sentenced to death. On the day of his execution, Pandey was hanged in the presence of his fellow soldiers. His sacrifice and death further fueled the flames of resistance and became a symbol of defiance against British rule during the Revolt of 1857.

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Who was the hero of 1857 war?

The 1857 beginning of India's first freedom movement has come to be largely associated with individuals like Mangal Pandey, Nana Saheb, Tatya Tope, Rani Laxmibai, and Veer Kunwar Singh.

Who did Mangal Pandey shot?

The first pistol fired on an Englishman during the Revolt of 1857 was when Pandey shot at the Sergeant-adjutant Major's Lieutenant Henry Baugh as he approached on a horse.

What is Mangal Pandey famous for?

In Indian history, Mangal Pandey is renowned as a freedom fighter who dedicated his life to rid the nation of the British raj. He was instrumental in the 1857 uprising, sometimes referred as as the Sepoy Mutiny. He is well-known in India for being one of the country's first freedom fighters.

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