ABSTRACT
Mangal Pandi, a Sipahi, 34th Bengal Infantry, drugged with bhang, and blustering in front of the quarter guard, shot at the European regimental sergeant-major, and the adjutant. The conspirators received but little encouragement from reigning princes, or from the Bengal army, the annexation of Oudh caused general alarm at all Native courts, and grave dissatisfaction among the Sipahis. Reports among the upper Muhammadan classes that the Government contemplated their forcible conversion to Christianity became so prevalent, that in 1856 the Lieutenant-Governor of Bengal issued a conciliatory proclamation on the subject. These reports became amongst the mass of Hindus the principal incitement to revolt, for any violation of the arbitrary rules of Caste appeared to all to be a step towards forcible conversion to Christianity. The regiment was disbanded, but the Bengal army was on the verge of mutiny.
