A turning point in India’s fight against British colonial control, the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 is also known as the Indian Rebellion of 1857 and the First War of Independence. Indian sepoys (local soldiers) serving with the British East India Company army rebelled against their British leaders at the city of Meerut, marking the beginning of the turmoil. Both military and civilians were involved in this insurrection, which swiftly expanded across northern India.

Discontent on many fronts, including the economy, politics, and religion, contributed to the uprising. Both Hindus and Muslims find the use of animal fat on cartridges for new Enfield rifles repulsive, and this fact infuriated the sepoys. Discontent with British rule, the absorption of princely territories, and the weakening of conventional authority structures all played a role in sparking the uprising.

Even though the British were able to put an end to the mutiny, it was a watershed moment in India’s fight for freedom. It resulted in the East India Company’s formal dissolution and the establishment of Crown colonial rule over India by the British Empire. The Sepoy Mutiny is remembered as a watershed moment in India’s struggle for independence.