NEWS: The Prime Minister paid tribute to Mangal Pandey on his birth anniversary (19 July), remembering his role in inspiring India's freedom struggle.

About Mangal Pandey

• Born on 19 July 1827 in Ballia district, Uttar Pradesh.
• Joined the 34th Bengal Native Infantry of the East India Company's army at the age of 22.
• Role in the Revolt of 1857
• Refused to use the Enfield Pattern 1853 rifle, as its cartridges were believed to be greased with cow and pig fat, offending Hindu and Muslim religious sentiments.
• On 29 March 1857, he revolted at Barrackpore and fired at a British Sergeant Major, becoming one of the earliest rebels against British rule.

Impact

• His actions became the spark for the Revolt of 1857, also known as the First War of Indian Independence.
• On 10 May 1857, sepoys at Meerut revolted, marched to Delhi, and proclaimed Bahadur Shah Zafar II as Shah-en-Shah-i-Hindustan, giving the revolt symbolic national leadership.
• Execution & Legacy
• Executed by hanging on 8 April 1857 at Barrackpore.
• His regiment, the 34th Bengal Native Infantry, was later disbanded.
• Remembered as a symbol of resistance against British colonial rule and one of the earliest heroes of India's freedom movement.