Remembering Mangal Pandey: The man who brought revolution

Mangal Pandey, the man who is credit to have started the famous sepoy mutiny in 1857, is widely regarded as a hero in modern India. More than a century later, the man and his heroics continue to fascinate and inspire Indians. On his birth anniversary, here's a look at some of the fascinating facts about the man who fought the mighty British. 

- Born to a traditional Brahmin family in 1827, Pandey hailed from Ballia district in Uttar Pradesh. 

- He was a private soldier of the 34th Bengal Native Infantry. It is here that he rebelled against the British Army on 29th March 1857 in an inebriated state. 

- During his trial, he had admitted that he was under the influence of opium and Bhang when he raised his voice and revolted against the British army. 

- Though historians feel that Pandey's outburst was motivated due to the introduction of a new type of cartridge that the British Army was using for war fare. The cartridges were greased with animal fat, primarily from cows and pigs, which could not be consumed by Hindus and Muslims respectively. The cartridges had to be bitten at one end before use. The Indian troops in some regiments were of the opinion that this was an intentional act of the British, with the aim of defiling their religions

- Pandey was declared a traitor by the British Army and was hanged on April 18 

- His act of revolt, subsequent arrest and hanging triggered nation-wide uproar and marked the beginning of the revolt of 1857. 

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- Pandey's act is considered as the one of the earliest manifestations of Indian nationalism, and inspired many associated to the freedom movemnet to fight against the tyrinical rile of the British.

- Pandey's act has insipred several literarry and film works including a film by Ketan Mehta- Mangal Pandey: The Rising- which featured Aamir Khan in the lead role.