Mangal Pandey: Starter of 'Indian Mutiny of 1857'

Introduction

Hindu Dharma has a glorious past of great Saints and Sages. Several Saints ascended to the state of Guru and showed the path of God realisation to many. They also taught spirituality to the society through their conduct and actions. Their mission was not just limited to spirituality but they also did substantial work for the defence of nation whenever it was in difficulties. Some of the Saints travelled all over the world and disseminated the spiritual knowledge of Bharat there without any personal expectations. Millions of people abroad are getting benefit of that. For last lakhs of years, the Sages took tremendous efforts to preserve the Vedic Knowledge which is the pride of Bharat. They also created many subjects connected with the human life and made it easy. The most important thing however is that the Saints of Bharat have donated the world the tradition of Guru-disciple.

The current scene however is different. The cricketers, movie heroes and heroines have become the ideals of Hindus. Also the two vices of selfishness and narrow mindedness have become dominant in Hindus which is causing lot of harm to Hindu society. Under such circumstances it has become essential to study and follow the life of Saints who have imparted the teaching of sacrifice, love. devotion to righteousness, devotion to nation, helping the society and kashtradharma (duty of a warrior). We are hereby publishing the matter related to them so that people should come to know about such great Saints. We pray at the feet of God that let Hindus get the inspiration to study and follow their biography and teachings.

Mangal Pandey (19th July 1827 - 8th April 1857)

Mangal Pandey was born in the village of Nagwa in district Ballia (Uttar Pradesh). Families in Nagwa village claim Mangal Pandey to be their first ancestor and trace their family lineage to him. He joined the East India Company's forces in 1849. Pandey was part of the 34th BNI regiment and is primarily known for attacking the officers of that regiment. He was a devout Hindu and he practiced his religion diligently.

The primary motivation behind Mangal Pandey's behaviour is attributed to a new type of bullet cartridge used in the Enfield P-53 rifle, which was to be introduced in the Bengal Army that year. The cartridge was rumoured to having been greased with animal fat (primarily pig fat and cow fat, which are animals not consumed by Muslims and Hindus respectively, the former being abhorrent to Muslims and the latter a Holy animal of the Hindus). The cartridges had to be bitten at one end prior to use. The mutineers were of the opinion that this was an intentional act of the British, with the aim of defiling their religions.

The attack by, and punishment of, Pandey is widely seen as the opening scene of what came to be known as the 'Indian Mutiny of 1857'. He is often referred to in Bharat as Shaheed (Martyr) Mangal Pandey.

We pay obeisance to this invaluable son of Bharat.