Rare images of the 1857 uprising in India

The Sikander Bagh in Lucknow was the venue for a fierce battle during the 1857 uprising. This picture was taken by Felice Beato, an Italian who visited India soon after the mutiny and, some say, had the bones dug out for the photo. Pictures courtesy: Alkazi Foundation

Up to 1,000 British troops, their families and loyal sepoys were holed up in Gen Wheeler's entrenchment in Kanpur for three weeks in June 1857 where they were constantly bombarded by a local prince, Nana Sahib's army. Photo: Felice Beato, 1858.





On 27 June 1857, Europeans who had been promised safe passage from Wheeler's entrenchment arrived at the Sati Chaura Ghat (jetty) to take the boat out when Nana Sahib's army ambushed them and killed many. Photo: Samuel Bourne, early 1865.




A hand-written caption identifies the man as Gungoo Mehter who was tried at Kanpur for killing many of the Sati Chaura survivors, including many women and children. He was convicted and hanged at Kanpur on 8 September 1859. Photo: John Nicholas Tressider.





This sketch of Lucknow's Alam Bagh was made by Lt CH Mecham on 25 December 1857 while fierce fighting raged on. In a note at the bottom of the sketch, the artist wishes "my future readers many happy returns of this festive season".


It was common to hang "rebels" publicly to serve as a warning to avoid future betrayals. It is not known where Felice Beato took this picture in 1858.



The Mutiny Memorial in Delhi is a monument to British officers. In panels around the base, there is a record of 2,163 officers and men who were killed, wounded or went missing between 8 June and 7 September 1857. It was taken in 1870 by an unknown photographer.










courtesy : link