Write a note on the following events of war of independence: Lucknow, Jhansi and Gwalior, and Bihar.
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Lucknow
The struggle for independence at Lucknow was led by Nawab, Wajid Ali Shah. The Chief Commissioner, Sir Henry Lawrence, sought refuge with 1000 English and 700 Indian soldiers inside the Residency. The Indians didn’t make any concession and killed most of the Englishmen, including Sir Henry Lawrence and the notorious English Gen. O’Neil. At last, the commander-in-Chief General Collin Campbell, marched towards Lucknow and captured it after a fierce battle in March 1858.
Jhansi and Gwalior
The leader of revolutionaries in Central India was Rani Luxmi Bai of Jhansi in March 1858 but the brave Luxmi Bai kept the British General unnerved for quite some time. She, with the help of Jantya Tope created problems for the troops. Both faught many successful battles against the British. A fierce battle was faught between the British and the revolutionaries under Rani Luxmi Bai and Tantya Tope from June 11 to June 18, 1858 A.D. But the personal velour of Rani and Tantya Tope couldn’t match the resources at the command of the British. Tantya Tope was betrayed by the Gwalior Chief Man Singh and fell into the hands of British. He was subsequently hanged on April 18, 1859.
Bihar
In Bihar, the revolt was led by Kunwar Singh, a Zamindar of Jagdeshpur. Though he was 80 years old, he played a prominent part in the revolt. He fought the British in Bihar and then joined Nana Sahib’s forces and took part in various encounters with the English in Oudh and Central India. He died on April 27, 1858, leaving behind a glorious record of valour and bravery.
Suppression of Revolt:
The revolt of 1857 lasted for more than a year. It was suppressed by the middle of 1858, in July 8, 1858, 14 months after the outbreak at Meerut, peace was finally proclaimed by fanning.
