ARMY REVOLTS – Vellore Sepoy Mutiny (1806)

Vellore Sepoy Mutiny (1806)

• 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 2^nd cavalry of 4^th regiment refused to wear the new turban as a result 21 soldiers were sentenced to receive 900 lashes.
• The troop was replaced by 23^rd 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 1^st and 23^rd 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 23^rd 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.
• Help from others did not reach at the right time.