After the defeat of Anglo Mysore war, Tipusultan’s family was imprisoned in Vellore fort and many of their soldiers also immigrated to Vellore.
Many soldiers of Vellore fort were the soldiers of rebellious Poligars.
So the Vellore became the Centre of South Indian Rebels.
Causes for the Revolt
When William Bentinck was the Governor of Madras he introduced some reforms in the army in 1803.
The Military reforms of John Cradock also cause the revolt.
The Sepoys were asked to shave the beard and to trim the Moustache.
The wearing of religious mark on the forehead and the use of ear-rings were also banned.
The Europeans treated the Indian sepoys as their inferior.
But the immediate cause was the introduction of a new turban by General Agnew in June 1806.
The batch in the Turban was made up of Leather which was criticized by both Muslims and Hindus.
The cross was put forth in the front of the Uniform so soldiers believed that all this reforms were for promoting the conversion of Christianity.
In May 1806 the soldiers of 2nd cavalry of 4th regiment refused to wear the new turban as a result 21 soldiers were sentenced to receive 900 lashes.
The troop was replaced by 23rd regiment of Walajabad.
The Governor William Bentinck not considered this refusal as threat.
The important personality who organised revolt was Jamaluddin the prince of Tipusultan.
The revolt started on 10 July 1806 at 2.00 am.
The soldiers of 1st and 23rd regiment started the revolt and killed 13 European officers and soldiers including, Lt Elly, Lt Popham and Corporal Piercy.
They declared Fateh Hyder as their king & hoist Tiger Flag.
Major Cootes and English officer sent off Captain Stevenson of 23rd regiment to Colonel Gillespie in Arcot.
Colonel Gillespie along with Captain Yang, Lieutenant Woodhouse and Colonel Kennedy moved to Vellore.
Soon the fort captured and the revolt was suppressed. Many were killed brutally by Gillespie’s order.
In the revolt 113 European and 350 sepoys were killed.
19 Privates were convicted by the court and killed.
Tipu Sultan’s sons were sent to Calcutta fort.
European officers including Colonel Gillespies rewarded with money. But John Cradeck, Agnew and William Bentink were removed from their offices.
The revolt echoed in Bellary, Walajabad, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Nandydurg & Sankaridurg.
Reforms and new uniforms were abolished after the revolt.
Reasons for the failure of Revolt
There was no proper Leadership for Indian sepoys.
The revolt was not well planned.
The divide and rule policy of British worked very well.
The civilians were not participated in the revolt.
