Which of the following statements about the first act of the Revolt of 1857 is/are true ?
- It occurred in Meerut when two sepoys stole a superior officer’s rifle.
- It began when the Rani of Jhansi declared war on the British.
- It began when Mangal Pandey fired at a European officer in Meerut.
- It began when Mangal Pandey fired at a European officer in Barrackpore.
Select the correct answer using the code given below :
2 only
1, 2 and 3 only
4 only
1 and 4 only
Answer is Wrong!
Answer is Right!
This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-1 – 2016
Statement 2 is incorrect. The Rani of Jhansi, Lakshmibai, joined the revolt much later in response to events in her state, not as the initiator of the entire revolt.
Statement 3 is incorrect. Mangal Pandey did fire at European officers, but this incident occurred at Barrackpore, not Meerut.
Statement 4 is correct. Mangal Pandey, a sepoy in the 34th Bengal Native Infantry at Barrackpore, mutinied on March 29, 1857, firing at his Sergeant-Major and Adjutant. This act of open rebellion by an individual sepoy against his superiors is widely considered the initial spark or the “first act” of defiance that foreshadowed the larger revolt.