Mangal Pandey shook the British on this date, March 29, 1857. A bullet fired from Mangal Pandey’s rifle shook London. Following this upheaval, the British Raj took direct control of India’s administration. On March 29 itself, Mangal Pandey fired the first shot of the revolt. The result was a rush among the English soldiers. Let me explain what transpired on March 29, 1857, which forced the British Raj to alter its authority over India.

What occurred on March 29th, 1857

Sunday, March 29, 1857 occurred. Around 5:10 pm, Mangal Pandey caused a disturbance. According to a BBC report, the book ‘Dateline 1857 Rebellion Against the Raj’ by historian Rudranshu Mukherjee states that at the time Mangal Pandey wore the regimental coat but a dhoti instead of pants. He was barefoot and carrying a loaded firearm. He yelled to the soldiers, “Firangi has arrived; why are you not preparing?” By just consuming these bullets, we shall become unjust. For the sake of religion, take a stand. You provoked me to do all of this, but you are no longer my supporter.

Mangal Pandey fired a shot

Lieutenant BH Bo arrived on the parade ground during Mangal Pandey’s commotion. Mangal Pandey opened fire upon sighting this English officer. The bullet struck the horse’s leg, causing the animal to fall. Bo then shot upon Mangal Pandey. Nonetheless, he survived the gunshot. Sergeant Major Hewson accompanied Bow as well. This episode is recorded in PGO Taylor’s book “What Actually Happened During the Multitude.” According to him, when Bow and Sergeant observed the situation deteriorating, they both drew their swords. Meanwhile, Mangal Pandey used his sword to assault both of them. A big number of Indian troops had assembled during this time. The only person who assisted the Brits was Sheikh Paltu. Sheikh Paltu took Mangal Pandey by surprise from behind. Using this to their advantage, both British commanders were able to flee.

Mangal Pandey shot himself

By this time, Colonel SG Weller, the 34 Native Infantry’s commanding officer, had also arrived. Weller requested that Indian forces apprehend Mangal Pandey. Yet, the soldiers did not do so. According to the book by Rudranshu Mukherjee, Colonel SG Weller subsequently testified in court regarding this occurrence. According to his testimony, the Indian soldiers disobeyed instructions. Around the same moment, the division’s commanding general, major general Hearse, arrived with his two sons. Hearse brandished his weapon and commanded, “Listen to me, if any soldier fails to march on my command, I will shoot him.” There was no further breach of his injunction. As the troops approached Mangal Pandey, he turned the barrel of his rifle towards his breast and squeezed the gun’s horse with his toe. The gunshot struck Mangal Pandey in the chest, shoulder, and neck. Mangal Pandey went down. He was subsequently admitted to the hospital. Mangal Pandey acknowledged in court martial that he was alone in this matter.

Mangal Pandey was executed by hanging

Officer number 1446 Mangal Pandey was given the death penalty. Mangal Pandey was executed at 5:30 a.m. on April 8, 1857. During that period, there were also Indian soldiers present. The execution of Mangal Pandey was scheduled for April 18th. Yet, the Brits hung him for the first ten days out of terror.