ENGLISH

The Indian Mutiny 1857-58

By Gregory Fremont-Barnes

Book information

Publisher
Osprey Publishing
Year
2007
ISBN
1846032091, 9781846032097
ASIN
B003D3OG92
Open Library ID
OL18005357M
Language
english
Format
PDF
Filesize
36 MB (38179436 bytes)
Series
Essential Histories
Pages
100\100
Topic
History
Time added
2010-02-18 13:16:04

Description

In the mid-19th century India was the "jewel in the crown" of the British Empire and was protected by the largely native armies of the East India Company. In 1857 discontent exploded into open rebellion, obliging Britain to field its largest army since the Napoleonic Wars, forty years before.Gregory Fremont Barnes examines the origins of British rule in India, the causes of the conflict, the rival forces and fighting itself, including the massacre of Cawnpore and the epic sieges of Delhi and Lucknow. He also reveals the intriguing truth behind the 'greased cartridge' controversy - the allegation that the introduction of gun cartridges covered in pig fat, an insult to both Hindu and Muslim religious sensibilities, was the catalyst for the conflict. However, once hostilities began the mutineers had no qualms about using the cartridges, thus throwing into question the long-held belief that the mutiny hinged principally on this issue. The discussion of the importance and enduring legacy of the Indian Mutiny makes this essential reading for anyone wanting to learn more about the power of empire.

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