History Today: When Indian sepoys led the first revolt against British Raj in 1857

It was a long road for India to gain freedom from the British in 1947. But, that was the end of India’s freedom struggle. If it was the end you may wonder what was the beginning. The freedom struggle began with the 1857 Rebellion also known as the First War of Independence.

It was on May 10, 1857 that this outbreak of a massive uprising against British rule broke out in Meerut. It quickly spread across northern and central India. The uprising was fueled by deep resentment against the British East India Company’s oppressive policies, economic exploitation and cultural insensitivity toward Indian traditions.

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On this day in 1994, Nelson Mandela was inaugurated as the first Black President of South Africa, marking the end of decades of apartheid.

Here is all that occurred on this day across the world.

The rebellion of 1857

It was on May 10, 1857 that a massive uprising broke out in the garrison town of Meerut against British rule, which began in the garrison town of Meerut and quickly spread across northern and central India. Widely recognised as India’s First War of Independence, this significant rebellion arose from profound discontent with the British East India Company’s oppressive administrative practices, its economic exploitation of Indian resources, and its lack of respect for Indian cultural sensitivities.

One of the main reasons for the uprising was the introduction of the new Enfield rifle, which required soldiers to bite cartridges allegedly greased with cow and pig fat. This was an act offensive to both Hindus and Muslims. When 85 Indian sepoys at Meerut refused to use the cartridges, they were court-martialed and imprisoned. Their comrades rebelled, released them, and marched to Delhi, where they declared the ageing Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar as the symbolic leader of the revolt.

The rebellion quickly spread to cities like Kanpur, Lucknow, Jhansi, and Gwalior, uniting various rulers, soldiers and civilians against British control. Notable figures such as Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi, Tantia Tope, Nana Sahib, and Begum Hazrat Mahal emerged as key leaders. Their aim was not just to resist a military force but to reclaim lost autonomy and honour.

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Despite widespread support and fierce resistance, the British eventually suppressed the revolt by mid-1858 through superior military power and brutal retaliation. The aftermath marked a turning point: the East India Company was dissolved and the governance of India was transferred directly to the British Crown under Queen Victoria.

Nelson Mandela inaugurated as president of South Africa

South Africa for centuries had been ruled by the British Empire. Although it gained independence in 1931, it was in 1961 that the country became a true republic and severed ties with the British monarchy. But, even after this the country held its first non-racial democratic elections in 1994.

On May 10, 1994, Nelson Mandela was inaugurated as the first Black President of South Africa. This marked the end of decades of apartheid and the beginning of a new democratic era.  The historic event, held at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, was witnessed by thousands of South Africans and dignitaries from around the world.

The inauguration followed South Africa’s first multiracial elections, held in April 1994, in which Mandela’s party the African National Congress (ANC), won by a landslide. The peaceful transition of power, after years of violent struggle and systemic racial segregation, was a moment of profound significance.

In his inauguration speech, he declared, “Never, never and never again shall it be that this beautiful land will again experience the oppression of one by another.” He emphasised unity, healing and building a “rainbow nation at peace with itself and the world.”

Mandela’s inauguration marked a triumph of human dignity over institutionalized racism. It was not just the beginning of a new presidency, but the rebirth of a nation.

This Day, That Year

• On this day in 1962, Marvel Comics released the first issue of The Incredible Hulk.

• Germany invaded Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands during World War II in 1940.

• Louis XVI acceded to the throne of France on this day in 1774.