During the mid-19th century, India was a very different nation from the current state. Rather than a country, it included several territories controlled by a series of rulers, including the British East India Company that governed two thirds of the entire land. The company was formed in 1600 to trade with the dominant Mughal Empire, and it took major strides to secure its commercial posts at Calcutta, Bombay and Madras.
This motive triggered a purchase of lands from Indian rulers, and the company also recruited native armed forces to enhance security at these posts. This gave way for the establishment of Bengal, Bombay, and Madras armies.
The 1857 Outbreak
On 29th March 1857, the 34th Bengal Native, Sepoy Mangal Pandey revolted and attacked British officer under whom he was working. What would have otherwise passed off as a simple indiscipline issue, this incidence became the trigger for the famous mutiny of 1857 after his comrades when ordered to restrain him, refused to comply. Much has been said and written about this historic event but what cannot be denied is that it was the beginning of the end of mighty British Empire in India.
Army of the Mughal Empire
The greatest kingdom of the land, the Mughal Empire was established in the 15th century and rose to its greatest extend during the onset of the 18th century. The empire had a lasting influence on the Indian culture, and the dynasty was notable for over two centuries of rule over the land, in the midst of the British Empire.
Their culture and teachings mainly consisted of art and architecture that was renowned for harmony, pristine touches, beauty, and perfection. But there were a number of factors that led to the decline of the Mughal Empire.
The Rising British Influence
The increasing influence of the British East India Company was a major cause for the decline of the Mughal Empire. Since the company was only interested in trade, the empire weakened eventually, and the British exerted more influence to take a strong stance. The British defeated the nawab of Bengal, Alamgir II, and the French Forces during the Battle of Plassey in 1757.
Rani of Jhansi
Rani Lakshmi Bai is one of the most influential names who fought during the British Rule in India. She holds a prominent place in the struggle for Independence, and her name is among the top
most freedom fighters of India. She was also a famous name in the Revolt of 1857 along with Mangal Pandey, Nana Sahib, and Tantia Tope.
Her father was the Commander of War under Peshwa Baji Rao II. She was educated at home, and her upbringing was unusual for a brahmin girl, and also contrast to the cultural expectations for women in India, who learned shooting, archery, horsemanship, and fencing. This unique training made her more independent and stronger than most girls of her age.