Outbreak of the Indian Rebellion of 1857: Meerut to Delhi, Lucknow and Kanpur

Background. The rebellion resulted from accumulated factors rather than a single event. It began as a mutiny of sepoys in Meerut, a town northeast of Delhi. The conflict involved various groups, including Gurjars and Ranghars in the Bulandshahr area, who were noted as irreconcilable enemies of the British. The nature and scope of the uprising have been contested since its inception.

Delhi and Proclamation. Following the Meerut mutiny, rebel sepoys reached the Mughal Court at Delhi. Bahadur Shah Zafar, a titular emperor with authority limited to the Walled City, was declared the Emperor of India by forces opposing the East India Company. This proclamation marked a significant political shift in the early stages of the rebellion.

Lucknow and Kanpur. The rebellion spread to areas near Cawnpore, including Lucknow. The Siege of Lucknow involved the prolonged defence of the British Residency. In Kanpur, Nana Sahib arrived with soldiers, initially stating support for the British but later entering the British magazine. The conflict in these regions defined the early campaign's geography.