Chapter 5 – When People Rebel, 1857 and After – List of Important Figures -Class 8 – History

Mangal Pandey

Mangal Pandey was a young Indian soldier (sepoy) in the British East India Company’s army. He is remembered as one of the first people to rebel against the British in 1857.

Main Contribution:

• Initiation of the Revolt at Barrackpore: On 29 March 1857, Mangal Pandey attacked British officers in Barrackpore, near Kolkata, protesting against the use of new rifle cartridges greased with cow and pig fat, which were offensive to Hindu and Muslim soldiers. His actions inspired other soldiers to rebel.
• Legacy: Although he was hanged on 8 April 1857 for his actions, Mangal Pandey’s bravery and resistance are considered one of the sparks that ignited the larger Indian Rebellion of 1857. He is often hailed as a hero and martyr in Indian history.

Bahadur Shah Zafar

Bahadur Shah Zafar was the last Mughal emperor of India. He was elderly and mostly a symbolic figure by the time of the 1857 revolt.

• Main Contribution:
  • Declared Leader of the Revolt: During the 1857 rebellion, the rebel sepoys from Meerut and other regions declared Bahadur Shah Zafar as their emperor, hoping to unite the country under his leadership. He reluctantly agreed, giving the revolt a unifying figure and a symbol of resistance against British rule.
  • End of the Mughal Dynasty: After the British recaptured Delhi in September 1857, Bahadur Shah Zafar was captured, tried, and exiled to Rangoon (now Yangon, Myanmar), where he lived his remaining days until his death in 1862. His exile marked the official end of the Mughal dynasty.

Also Check – Chapter 5 -When People Rebel : 1857 and After- Class 8 – History Notes

Nana Sahib

Nana Sahib was the adopted son of the last Peshwa, Baji Rao II. He was a prominent leader during the 1857 revolt, particularly known for his role in the Kanpur rebellion.

Main Contribution:

• Leader of the Kanpur Rebellion: Nana Sahib led the rebellion in Kanpur against the British. He gathered forces, expelled the British from the city, and declared himself as the Peshwa (leader), claiming authority under the Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar.
• Significance: His leadership made Kanpur a major centre of the 1857 revolt. The rebellion in Kanpur was marked by intense fighting and tragic events, which had a significant impact on the course of the uprising.

Rani Lakshmibai

Rani Lakshmibai was the queen of Jhansi, a princely state in North India. She is one of the most celebrated figures of the 1857 rebellion, known for her bravery and leadership.

Main Contribution:

• Fight Against the British: Rani Lakshmibai led her forces in defending Jhansi against British attempts to annex her kingdom under the Doctrine of Lapse. Despite her efforts, Jhansi fell to the British, but she escaped and continued to fight alongside other rebels like Tantia Tope.
• Legacy of Bravery: Rani Lakshmibai is remembered for her fearless resistance against the British. She fought valiantly in the battlefield, dressed as a warrior, and became a symbol of resistance and courage. She died in battle in June 1858, but her legacy lives on as an inspiration for generations.

Tantia Tope

Tantia Tope was a prominent leader and general during the Indian Rebellion of 1857. He was known for his military skills and was a close ally of Nana Sahib and Rani Lakshmibai.

Main Contribution:

• Support for Rani Lakshmibai: Tantia Tope played a significant role in supporting Rani Lakshmibai during the defence of Jhansi against the British. His military leadership was crucial in several battles during the rebellion.
• Guerrilla Warfare: After the fall of Jhansi, Tantia Tope continued to resist British forces by leading a guerrilla campaign across central India. His tactics involved quick, unexpected attacks and retreats, which kept the British forces engaged for many months.
• Capture and Execution: Despite his efforts, Tantia Tope was eventually captured by the British, tried, and executed in April 1859. He is remembered as one of the most determined and skilled leaders of the 1857 revolt.

Also Check – Chapter 5 -When People Rebel : 1857 and After- Class 8- History- Questions and Answers

Begum Hazrat Mahal

Begum Hazrat Mahal was the wife of Wajid Ali Shah, the deposed Nawab of Awadh. She was a key leader during the 1857 rebellion, particularly in the region of Lucknow.

Main Contribution:

• Leadership in Lucknow: After her husband’s exile, Begum Hazrat Mahal took charge of the rebellion in Lucknow. She played a significant role in organising the resistance against the British, rallying forces to defend the city.
• Proclamation of Birjis Qadr: She declared her son, Birjis Qadr, as the new Nawab of Awadh and worked to unite the people under his rule to fight against British control.
• Resistance and Legacy: Even after the fall of Lucknow in March 1858, Begum Hazrat Mahal continued to resist British rule. She eventually sought asylum in Nepal, where she lived in exile. She is remembered as a brave and determined leader who fought for her kingdom and people.

Kunwar Singh

Kunwar Singh was an elderly zamindar (landlord) from Bihar who played a significant role in the Indian Rebellion of 1857. Despite being over 80 years old, he became a key leader of the revolt in Bihar.

Main Contribution:

• Leadership in Bihar: Kunwar Singh joined the rebellion against the British and led the revolt in Bihar. He gathered local peasants and zamindars to fight against British forces, showing remarkable leadership and bravery.
• Battle Strategies: Despite his age, Kunwar Singh was known for his clever battle strategies. He successfully fought several battles against the British, including at places like Arrah and Jagdispur. His actions inspired many to join the rebellion.
• Legacy: Kunwar Singh’s resistance against the British continued until his death in 1858. He is remembered as a symbol of courage and determination in the fight for independence.

Bakht Khan

Bakht Khan was a soldier from Bareilly who became one of the key military leaders of the Indian Rebellion of 1857, particularly in Delhi.

Main Contribution:

• Military Leadership in Delhi: After the rebellion broke out, Bakht Khan took charge of the rebel forces in Delhi. He was appointed as the commander-in-chief by the rebel soldiers and played a crucial role in organising the defence of the city.
• Efforts to Defend Delhi: Bakht Khan tried to strengthen the rebel position in Delhi and led several attacks against British forces. He was known for his military skills and his efforts to coordinate the various groups involved in the rebellion.
• Legacy: Although Delhi eventually fell to the British, Bakht Khan’s leadership was a significant part of the rebellion. He is remembered as a courageous leader who fought to defend the Mughal capital and resist British control.

Rani Avantibai Lodhi

Rani Avantibai Lodhi was the queen of Ramgarh, a princely state in the Mandla district of present-day Madhya Pradesh. She is remembered for her brave resistance against British rule during the 1857 revolt.

Main Contribution:

• Fight Against the British: When the British tried to take over the administration of her state, Rani Avantibai Lodhi raised an army of around 4,000 soldiers to fight back. She became a key leader in the rebellion in the central India region.
• Legacy of Bravery: Despite being outnumbered and facing powerful British forces, Rani Avantibai continued to resist. She achieved initial victories but was eventually surrounded by British forces. Instead of surrendering, she chose to embrace death, becoming a symbol of courage and resistance. Her bravery is celebrated in Indian history as an example of unwavering determination against oppression.

Ahmadullah Shah

Ahmadullah Shah was a maulvi (Islamic scholar) from Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh, who became a significant leader during the 1857 rebellion. He was known for his ability to inspire and mobilise large numbers of people against British rule.

Main Contribution:

• Leader of Forces Against the British: Ahmadullah Shah was a charismatic leader who prophesied that the British rule would soon end. His speeches and actions inspired many people to join the fight against the British, particularly in the Awadh region.
• Role in the Rebellion: He played a crucial role in organising and leading forces in various battles against the British. His efforts to rally people and lead them in the rebellion made him a prominent figure in the struggle for independence.
• Legacy: Ahmadullah Shah is remembered as a fearless leader who used his influence and leadership to fight against colonial rule. His contribution to the 1857 revolt made him a respected figure among those who resisted British control.

Henry Lawrence

Henry Lawrence was the Chief Commissioner of Awadh (Oudh) during the time of the 1857 revolt. He was a senior British officer responsible for the administration and defence of the region.

Main Contribution:

• Defence of Lucknow: Henry Lawrence played a crucial role in organising the defence of the British Residency in Lucknow during the rebellion. The Residency became a key stronghold for the British as they faced a prolonged siege by rebel forces.
• Death During the Siege: The siege of the Lucknow Residency began in June 1857. A large number of British men, women, and children took refuge in the Residency compound. Henry Lawrence was mortally wounded by a shell during the bombardment and died on 4 July 1857. His leadership during the early days of the siege was significant in holding the British position until reinforcements arrived.
• Legacy: Henry Lawrence is remembered for his efforts to defend Lucknow during one of the most intense and dramatic episodes of the 1857 revolt. The Residency, where he died, remains a symbol of the British struggle during the uprising.

Colonel Neil

Colonel James George Smith Neil was a British army officer known for his role in suppressing the Indian Rebellion of 1857, particularly in the city of Kanpur.

Main Contribution:

• Role in Suppressing the Revolt: Colonel Neil was sent to India with reinforcements to help suppress the rebellion. He played a significant role in recapturing Kanpur from the rebels, a city that had become a centre of the revolt under the leadership of Nana Sahib.
• Harsh Measures: Neil is infamous for the brutal measures he employed in suppressing the revolt. After recapturing Kanpur, he ordered severe reprisals against the rebels and the local population, which included executions and widespread violence. His actions were intended to serve as a warning to other rebels.
• Legacy: While Neil’s methods were effective in reasserting British control over Kanpur, they also left a legacy of resentment and anger among the Indian population. He was killed later that year during the Siege of Lucknow.

General Havelock

General Henry Havelock was a British Army officer known for his role in the Indian Rebellion of 1857. He is particularly remembered for his efforts to relieve the siege of Lucknow.

Main Contribution:

• Relief of Lucknow: General Havelock led a force of British soldiers to relieve the British Residency in Lucknow, which was under siege by rebel forces. The Residency was a crucial British stronghold in Awadh, where many British soldiers, women, and children had taken refuge.
• Military Leadership: Havelock’s successful advance towards Lucknow and his victory in several battles along the way were critical in lifting the morale of the British forces. He managed to reach the Residency in September 1857, providing much-needed support to the besieged British residents.
• Legacy: Although Havelock died shortly after his success in Lucknow, he is remembered for his determination and leadership during one of the most challenging periods of the rebellion. His actions helped stabilise British control in the region during the uprising.

Chapter 5 – When People Rebel, 1857 and After – Events and Key incidents – Class 8 History

Lord Canning

Lord Charles Canning was the Governor-General of India during the 1857 revolt. He played a crucial role in managing and eventually restoring British control over India after the rebellion.

Main Contribution:

• Leadership During the Rebellion: Lord Canning’s administration was faced with the enormous challenge of suppressing the widespread rebellion. He made significant decisions to strengthen British forces and reassert control over the rebelling regions.
• Proclamation of the End of the East India Company: After the rebellion was suppressed, Lord Canning played a key role in transitioning power from the East India Company to the British Crown. The Government of India Act 1858 was passed, and India came under direct rule by the British government, marking the beginning of the British Raj.
• Policy Changes: Canning introduced several reforms to address some of the causes of the rebellion. He promised to respect the rights of Indian princes, landowners, and religious practices, aiming to prevent further unrest.
• Legacy: Lord Canning is remembered as the last Governor-General of India under the East India Company and the first Viceroy of India under the British Crown. His efforts to restore order and implement reforms had a lasting impact on British rule in India.