2008 - First War of Independence | Commemorative Coin

The first commemorative coin for the year 2008 was released to celebrate 150 Years of First War of Independence.

The First War of Independence in 1857, also recognized as the Great Rebellion, the Indian Mutiny, the Revolt of 1857, the Uprising of 1857, the Sepoy Rebellion, and the Sepoy Mutiny, initiated as a mutiny of sepoys within the British East India Company's army on May 10, 1857, in Meerut. It swiftly expanded into additional mutinies and civilian uprisings, primarily in the upper Gangetic plain and central India, with the primary hostilities centered in present-day Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, northern Madhya Pradesh, and the Delhi region. The uprising posed a significant threat to Company power, culminating only with the capture of Gwalior on June 20, 1858.

Symbolized prominently by Mangal Pandey, the rebellion had roots in a broader discontent, with leaders like the Rani of Jhansi and Rani of Tulsipur Ishwori Kumari Devi planning a coordinated war against the East India Company. The initial incident on March 29, 1857, at Barrackpore parade ground near Calcutta prompted the acceleration of their plans. Mangal Pandey, a 29-year-old from the 34th BNI, expressed his rebellion against the East India Company's actions, triggering a chain of events.

The rebels comprised three main groups: the feudal nobility, taluqdars (rural landlords), and peasants. The nobility, affected by the Doctrine of Lapse and the loss of titles, viewed the Company as an interference in their traditional inheritance system. Leaders like Nana Sahib and the Rani of Jhansi belonged to this group. The taluqdars, losing estates due to land reforms after the annexation of Oudh, regained lost lands during the rebellion, often without opposition from the peasant farmers, who joined the revolt. The weakening Mughal King Bahadur Shah Zafar also joined the rebellion.

However, the rebellion faced disappointment from princely states like Hyderabad, Mysore, Travancore, Kashmir, Rajputana, and Peshwas. Bengal, Bombay, and Madras Presidencies remained relatively calm, while Sikh princes in Punjab supported the Company.

The culmination of the rebellion in 1858 led to the dissolution of the East India Company, marking a pivotal moment in India's struggle for independence. Subsequent to the events, India came under direct Crown rule in the new British Raj, prompting reforms in the army, financial system, and administration.

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