Mangal Pandey (1827–1857)

July 23, 2025

Current Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Mangal Pandey marking his 198th birth anniversary, honouring him as a pivotal warrior of India’s First War of Independence .

About Mangal Pandey:

Born on 19 July 1827 in Nagwa, Ballia district, Uttar Pradesh.
Served as a sepoy in the 34th Bengal Native Infantry of the East India Company.
He fired at British officers on 29 March 1857 at Barrackpore, protesting the use of greased Enfield rifle cartridges offensive to Hindu and Muslim beliefs.
His defiance is widely considered the spark that ignited the 1857 Revolt (First War of Independence).
He was arrested and hanged on 8 April 1857.
He is viewed as a symbol of resistance and national pride; India issued a postage stamp in his honour in 1984, and a park in Barrackpore is named after him