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

ABP News Bureau | 19 Jul 2018 10:43 AM (IST)

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.