Which legendary martyr's attack on British officers in 1857, is considered the first major incident of the Sepoy Mutiny?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
Mangal Pandey:
The incident that occurred on March 29, 1857, at the Barrackpore Cantonment in Bengal is considered the first major military incident of the 1857 War of Independence.
Cause: The East India Company had introduced the Enfield Rifle into the army, whose cartridges were rumored to be coated with cow and pig fat. These cartridges had to be bitten before use, which hurt the religious sentiments of both Hindu and Muslim soldiers.
Rebellion: Mangal Pandey, a soldier of the 34th Bengal Native Infantry (34th BNI), refused to use these cartridges and, enraged, attacked his British officers (Major Hughes and Lieutenant Baugh).
Sacrifice: This rebellion led to the arrest of Mangal Pandey and his execution on April 8, 1857.
Rebellion: