2016-05-10 Tue

Royal families, army men and common people in India came together and conspired against the British. On 10th May 1857, there began the rebellion to overthrow the power of East India Company.

Initially started as a sepoy mutiny, the uprising was joined by civilians, Royal families and many other making it a national event. The revolt was an outbreak of frustration generated due to several political, social and economic policies introduced by the Company which was not approved by the Indians.

The frustration exploded because of a petty reason. As the soldiers suspected that the bullet covers which they had to break with teeth were made from skins of either cows or pigs, they refused to use these newly introduced rifles, which ignited an uprising.

The outbreak of mutiny among Sepoys was also joined by common man whereas; farmers and artisans put further force behind the mutiny as well because directly or indirectly every section of the society suffered because of the policies introduced by the Company-Government.

Though the revolt was crushed, it put forward certain positive dimensions. The revolt reflects the unity of divisions of the society, joined against a common cause. The revolt also resulted in the awakening of national feelings of the Indians. The revolt ended the Company Rule in India and British government took the charge of the power.

The Government of India celebrated the year 2007 as the 150th anniversary of "India's First War of Independence". A set of two stamps were issued with the denominations ofINR5.00 and INR15.00 featuring the scenes from the revolt.

Special Commemorative coins with the value of Rs. 100 and Rs.5.00 were also issued which have portraits of the important personalities involved in the mutiny.