Mangal Pandey Biography I Who Was Mangal Pandey?

• He opposed the use of the new Enfield rifle cartridges.
• The cartridges were widely believed to be greased with cow and pig fat.
• This was deeply offensive to the religious beliefs of Hindu and Muslim soldiers.
• On 29 March 1857, He attacked Lieutenant Baugh and confronted Sergeant-Major James Hewson.
• He was arrested after the incident.

WHY IT MATTERED:
His action became an early and important episode in the growing unrest among Indian soldiers before the Revolt of 1857.

• Pandey was tried by a military court.
• He was found guilty and sentenced to death.
• His execution was originally scheduled for 18 April.
• The date was moved forward because British authorities feared further unrest.
• Mangal Pandey was hanged on 8 April 1857.

AGE:
Approximately 29 years

• His Barrackpore action became closely associated with the Revolt of 1857.
• The wider uprising began at Meerut on 10 May 1857.
• He is remembered as an early figure of resistance against East India Company rule.

WHY HE IS REMEMBERED
His actions became part of the history and memory of the 1857 uprising in India.