Foreword
The story of this manuscript, which is now published may be briefly told. It is the record of the outbreak of the Mutiny in the outstations of Oudh, written by Colonel Bonham, who served in the Bengal Artillery through the Mutiny, and who is the last surviving officer of the defence force of Lucknow. It was Colonel Bonham's intention to finish the account with details of the Battle of Chinhut, and a personal narrative of the Siege of Lucknow. It is a matter of regret that a serious illness in 1917 frustrated his work, and made its completion too great a strain for failing strength to attempt. The unfinished fragment is offered to those who may value it as a contribution to the history of the Mutiny in Oudh.
About The Book
Oudh in 1857 was a center of resistance during the Indian Rebellion, having been annexed by the British East India Company in 1856. The deposed Nawab Wajid Ali Shah was exiled to Calcutta, sparking resentment among the local population, including the nobility and sepoys. The region's taluqdars (landlords), who had lost privileges under British rule, played a crucial role in mobilizing armed resistance. Lucknow, the capital of Oudh, became a major battleground, witnessing a prolonged siege at the British Residency. Rebel forces, led by Begum Hazrat Mahal, the Nawab's wife, and other leaders, actively opposed British rule. The rebellion in Oudh was marked by intense guerrilla warfare, with local support bolstering the resistance. British suppression was brutal, with Sir Colin Campbell leading recapture efforts, including the second relief of Lucknow. Widespread destruction and reprisals followed, with entire villages razed and rebels executed en masse. Oudh's rebellion underscored the broader discontent with British policies, especially land revenue changes and disrespect for Indian rulers. After the revolt, Oudh was directly incorporated into British India, ending its status as a princely state.
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