When did the first mutiny against British rule take place in India?
If you accept the version of most historians and the Indian government, it was in 1857, when Indian soldiers of the British army rebelled against their colonial masters in what was known as the “sepoy mutiny” or the “first war of independence”. In fact so convinced is the Indian government of the date that it is now drawing up elaborate plans to commemorate the 150th anniversary in a grand manner next year. But not everyone agrees that 1857 is the right date. Overlooked The Chief Minister of the southern state of Tamil Nadu, M Karunanidhi, argues that the first mutiny in fact began during the early hours of 10 July 1806. So convinced is he that he has issued a commemorative postal stamp which depicts the first “sepoy mutiny” as happening in the fort in the town of Vellore, 130km (80 miles) from the state capital Madras. Tipu Sultan was at the forefront of resistance to British rule That is 51 years before the better-known “sepoy mutiny” of 1857. Mr Karunanidhi’s contention has much sym
