Sepoy Mangal Pandey of the 34th Regiment, Bengal Native Infantry revolts against the East India Company's government in India in 1857, sparking the lengthy Indian Rebellion of 1857. It is often referred to as the "First War of Independence."
On March 29, 1857, at the Barrackpore parade field outside Calcutta, 29-year-old Mangal Pandey of the 34th BNI stated his intention to revolt against his superiors, incensed by the East India Company's previous acts. Sergeant-Major James Hewson went to investigate after being informed of Pandey's behaviour, only to be shot at by Pandey. Hewson had sounded the alarm. When Pandey's adjutant, Lt. Henry Baugh, arrived to investigate the commotion, he opened fire, but instead struck Baugh's horse.
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