Today is the anniversary of Vellore Rebellion. Let us look at the reasons behind this uprising which mark the first of its kind by the Indian ‘sepoys’ against the British.
During 1805, a dress code for sepoys was introduced by General John Craddock which prohibited Hindus from wearing religious marks on their foreheads like Vibhuthi & Thiruman while on duty & similar instructions were given to Muslims to shave their beards. Indian soldiers were also given a special hat which was made up of leather of cattle. This has angered Hindus. They thought all these are attempts to convert them.
Resentment grew among the Indian soldiers due to this and they started protesting. Few of the protesting soldiers were sent to Madras during May 1806 and they were given hundreds of lashes as punishment. Few of them were dismissed. This had complicated the matter further.
During 1805, a dress code for sepoys was introduced by General John Craddock which prohibited Hindus from wearing religious marks on their foreheads like Vibhuthi & Thiruman while on duty & similar instructions were given to Muslims to shave their beards. Indian soldiers were also given a special hat which was made up of leather of cattle. This has angered Hindus. They thought all these are attempts to convert them.
Resentment grew among the Indian soldiers due to this and they started protesting. Few of the protesting soldiers were sent to Madras during May 1806 and they were given hundreds of lashes as punishment. Few of them were dismissed. This had complicated the matter further.
Things went to a flashpoint during June 1806. The rebel soldiers waited for a suitable time to strike back. However one of the sepoys, Muhammad Beg, alerted the British camp that a mutiny is being planned. But this was dismissed as ‘drunkard’s blabber’.
Hearing that the plan was out, Indian soldiers advanced the day of rebellion. On the night of 9th July 1806, many of them slept inside the Vellore fort. During early hours of 10th July, they started attacking the British officers. Many from the British regiment were killed during the outbreak that includes Col. John Fancourt. The Indian soldiers took complete control of the fort by dawn.
Hearing that the plan was out, Indian soldiers advanced the day of rebellion. On the night of 9th July 1806, many of them slept inside the Vellore fort. During early hours of 10th July, they started attacking the British officers. Many from the British regiment were killed during the outbreak that includes Col. John Fancourt. The Indian soldiers took complete control of the fort by dawn.
However, an officer of British, Major Coopes was staying outside and hearing the commotion, he alerted the garrison at Arcot. Immediately, Major Robert Gillespie started with a contingent of army from Arcot. But he couldn’t go inside the Vellore fort as it was defended well by those inside. Finally he had to bring two galloper guns and blew open the gates of the fort.
His army killed 350 Indians in the battle that ensued. Many of them were brought and asked to stand with their back on the wall & shot. Those who are wounded & tried to escape were court marshalled. They were executed by blowing away by guns, shooting them down and also by hanging after the trial. They battalions involved in the rebellion were dismantled. The dress code was withdrawn and finally the governor of Madras, William Bentinck was transferred.
This was the first rebellion that sent shock waves among the British establishment.
His army killed 350 Indians in the battle that ensued. Many of them were brought and asked to stand with their back on the wall & shot. Those who are wounded & tried to escape were court marshalled. They were executed by blowing away by guns, shooting them down and also by hanging after the trial. They battalions involved in the rebellion were dismantled. The dress code was withdrawn and finally the governor of Madras, William Bentinck was transferred.
This was the first rebellion that sent shock waves among the British establishment.
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