The Revolt of 1857 in Haryana

Although the events of 1857 have produced almost innumerable accounts and scholarly books, no author has attempted to focus on the role of the Haryana region in the Indian holocaust. The people of Haryana rose up in great numbers, and for a few months regained control over their lives and property. They severely undercut the British efforts to retake Delhi and in general, served as a thorn in the opponents’ side. This study examines people and events involved in this bloodshed. Drawing on wide range of archival and published sources, the author attempts a major reinterpretation of 1857 revolt. Prior to the May 10th up­rising at Meerut, several evidences suggest a plot among mutineers in Haryana. Another pattern receiving attention is the large degree of com­munal cooperation by Hindus and Muslims in the face of the common enemy. The author, however, disagrees, and in a big way, with many eminent scholars of the Uprising, such as S.N. Sen, R.C. Majumdar, etc.