Mangal Pandey, a revolutionary who raise voice against the British rule. He joined the Army of British East India company. He was first to protest against the use of greased cartridge in the rifle. Mangal Pandey was arrested by the Britishers and got hanged on April 8, 1857. The contribution of this revolutionary did not go in Vain as it initiated the spark of revolt against the British rule.

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Mangal Pandey was born on January 30, 1831, in Nagwa village of Ballia district in UP in a Brahmin family. In 1849, Mangal Pandey joined the British East India Company in 1849 at the age of 22 years.

When he was in the army, Enfield rifle was introduced into the army. There were rumours that cartridge is greased with the fat of animal primarily cows and pigs. The soldiers would have to bite off the ends of cartridges to load the riffles. Mangal Pandey refused to use rifles as it was against the teachings of his caste and religion. He revolted against British officers on March 29, 1857, and incited his fellow soldiers to join him in revolution against the European. He killed British officer Husan and Leftenant Bob.  He hanged on April 8, 1857.

Several movies have been made on the life story of him, including  Amir Khan Starer movie ‘Mangal Pandey: The Rising’.On his birth anniversary, we remember his significant contribution to Freedom of India.