The revolt begins at Meerut

Sepoys at Meerut rose, freed their jailed comrades and marched on Delhi.

Key points for UPSC

• On 9 May, 85 sepoys of the 3rd Bengal Light Cavalry were court-martialled and jailed for refusing the new cartridges.
• The next evening, 10 May 1857, sepoys at Meerut rose, freed them and set off for Delhi that night.
• Meerut marks the start of the Revolt of 1857, also called India's First War of Independence.

Test yourself

1. 1. The sepoys jailed at Meerut on 9 May 1857 belonged to:

   • (a) 3rd Bengal Light Cavalry
   • (b) 34th Bengal Native Infantry
   • (c) Royal Indian Navy
   • (d) Madras Sappers
   Show answer

   (a) 3rd Bengal Light Cavalry. 85 troopers of the 3rd Bengal Light Cavalry were jailed for refusing the cartridges.

2. 2. After rising at Meerut, the sepoys marched to:

   • (a) Delhi
   • (b) Lucknow
   • (c) Kanpur
   • (d) Calcutta
   Show answer

   (a) Delhi. They rode to Delhi and reached it on 11 May 1857.

3. 3. The Revolt of 1857 broke out at Meerut on:

   • (a) 10 May 1857
   • (b) 29 March 1857
   • (c) 1 November 1858
   • (d) 20 September 1857
   Show answer

   (a) 10 May 1857. 10 May 1857 is taken as the start of the revolt.