Mangal Pandey’s Birth Anniversary: Five Things To Know About Him

In 1984, the Indian government issued a postage stamp to commemorate him. His life and actions have also been portrayed in several cinematic productions such as Amir Khan starrer Mangal Pandey: The Rising.

Image: @arunjaitley/ Twitter

NEW DELHI: India observes the 191^st birth anniversary of Mangal Pandey, an Indian soldier who played a crucial role in events preceding the historical Revolt of 1857. Here are five things to know about him.

• Mangal Pandey was born on July 19, 1827 in Uttar Pradesh’s Ballia district.
• He was a sepoy of the British East India Company in the 34th Bengal Native Infantry regiment.
• When a new rifle was introduced which required a soldier to bite off the ends of greased cartridges in order to load the weapon, a rumour spread that the lubricant used was either cow or pig lard. Doing so was revolting to Mangal Pandey.
• Pandey is said to be among the first freedom fighters who instigated the first Mutiny against the British regime in 1857.
• He attacked the British officers in North Kolkata’s Barrackpore on March 29, 1857. Due to this the British government termed him as a traitor and hanged him later.