The execution of Mangal Pandey resulted in revolts in Meerut, Delhi, Kanpur, Lucknow, etc. The rising of 1857 was never known before and was an unrivaled event. The main events of the revolt of 1857 took place in different places like Meerut, Kanpur, Lucknow, parts of central India, etc.

Main events of the revolt of 1857

The East India Company introduced Enfield rifles which were to be used with greased cartridges. Do you know why Hindus and Muslims refuse to use the greased cartridges?

The grease was made of the fat of cows and pigs due to which both Hindus and Muslims refused to use them. On 29th March 1857, Mangal Pandey was forced to use it. In a rage, he killed two English soldiers. He was then arrested and executed. This execution caused revolts in Meerut, Delhi, Kanpur, Jhansi, Lucknow, Awadh, Bareilly, Gwalior, and some places in north and central India.

Let's have a look at some events that took place in Kanpur, Lucknow, and Central India.

Kanpur

Do you know who led the revolt at Kanpur?

Nana Saheb, who was denied his pension by the British, led the revolt at Kanpur. Several British men, women, and children were mercilessly killed and the British surrendered in June 1857. This could be done in the presence of a great patriot who was skilled in guerilla warfare, Tantia Tope.

The British took revenge under General Havelock and murdered many Indians. Nana Saheb was defeated in December 1857 and he escaped to Nepal. His general, Tantia Tope also ran away to Kalpi.

Lucknow

The revolt at Lucknow started on 30th May 1857. It was led by the wife of the Nawab of Awadh, Begum Hazrat Mahal with the help of the soldiers of Awadh. She captured and killed Sir Henry Lawerence.

The other officials in the Residency were also captured. General Havelock and General Neil also came to help the English soldiers. General Neil was killed in the rising. At last, the city was recaptured by Sir Collin Campbell in March 1858. Begum Hazrat Mahal ran away and escaped to Nepal.

Central India

The rising in Central India was led by Rani Lakshmi Bai of Jhansi in June 1857. General Tantia Tope joined the brave and patriotic woman in the revolt. Sir Huge Rose besieged the fortress of Jhansi in March 1858 and was successful in capturing Jhansi with the help of traitors in the fortress. Rani Lakshmi Bai escaped to Kalpi on April 4, 1858, and joined Tantia Tope.

The Rani died in the battlefield on June 17, 1858, at Gwalior. Tantia Tope was betrayed by Man Singh, the Gwalior Chief. He was hanged on April 18, 1859. The Rising of 1857 ended with the death of Rani Lakshmi Bai and Tantia Tope.

Read More: Causes of Failure of Revolt of 1857: Lack Of Unity, Ideology and Leader