<P> Several months of increasing tensions coupled with various incidents preceded the actual rebellion . On 26 February 1857 the 19th Bengal Native Infantry (BNI) regiment became concerned that new cartridges they had been issued were wrapped in paper greased with cow and pig fat, which had to be opened by mouth thus affecting their religious sensibilities . Their Colonel confronted them supported by artillery and cavalry on the parade ground, but after some negotiation withdrew the artillery, and cancelled the next morning's parade . </P> <P> On 29 March 1857 at the Barrackpore parade ground, near Calcutta, 29 - year - old Mangal Pandey of the 34th BNI, angered by the recent actions of the East India Company, declared that he would rebel against his commanders . Informed about Pandey's behaviour Sergeant - Major James Hewson went to investigate, only to have Pandey shoot at him . Hewson raised the alarm . When his adjutant Lt. Henry Baugh came out to investigate the unrest, Pandey opened fire but hit Baugh's horse instead . </P> <P> General John Hearsey came out to the parade ground to investigate, and claimed later that Mangal Pandey was in some kind of "religious frenzy". He ordered the Indian commander of the quarter guard Jemadar Ishwari Prasad to arrest Mangal Pandey, but the Jemadar refused . The quarter guard and other sepoys present, with the single exception of a soldier called Shaikh Paltu, drew back from restraining or arresting Mangal Pandey . Shaikh Paltu restrained Pandey from continuing his attack . </P> <P> After failing to incite his comrades into an open and active rebellion, Mangal Pandey tried to take his own life, by placing his musket to his chest and pulling the trigger with his toe . He managed only to wound himself . Court - martialled on 6 April, he was hanged two days later . </P>

Indian freedom struggle the first war of independence