Struggle For Independence 1857 E03 | Sati Chaura & Siege of Delhi | Faisal Warraich

Summary

The 1857 War of Independence in Delhi takes a dramatic turn as Bakht Khan, leader of the Bareilly Brigade, arrives with a massive force to aid the Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar. Despite initial triumphs and honor, including Bakht Khan's appointment as Commander-in-Chief, tensions rise as political alliances shift. The emperor’s trust in Bakht Khan leads to a heavy financial commitment, but betrayal and war miscalculations soon unravel his path. A single artillery shell changes the course of the battle, leading to Bakht Khan being taunted with treason allegations. The fate of Delhi’s revolution hangs in balance.

Takeaways

• 😀 General Bakht Khan's arrival in Delhi with a large force of 6,000 to 7,000 warriors, including Mujahideen, foot soldiers, and horsemen, created a sense of hope among the citizens of Delhi.
• 😀 The convoy accompanying Bakht Khan consisted of 14 elephants, 10,000 bullock carts, and camels, which was an impressive sight and further fueled the belief that Delhi's savior had arrived.
• 😀 Bahadur Shah Zafar hosted a grand reception for Bakht Khan and appointed him as the Commander-in-Chief of Delhi's forces.
• 😀 The Mughal emperor conferred the titles 'Farzand' and 'Sahib-e-Alam' on General Bakht Khan, signaling his importance in the rebellion.
• 😀 Bakht Khan was entrusted with the administrative affairs of Delhi, and his son, Mirza Mughal, was appointed his deputy, though this demoted the prince.
• 😀 Bakht Khan advanced six months' salary for his soldiers and had Rs 400,000 in cash for war expenses, which pleased the Mughal emperor and earned him a reward of Rs 4,000 for his soldiers.
• 😀 The initial optimism surrounding Bakht Khan's leadership was high, with hopes that he would lead the revolt to victory against the British.
• 😀 Despite the initial success, Bakht Khan would later face accusations of treason, which marked a turning point in his leadership and the rebellion's fortunes.
• 😀 A single shell in the war dramatically altered the outcome, leading to a shift in the tide of battle and, potentially, Bakht Khan’s fate.
• 😀 The video script hints at the unfolding of dramatic events in the rebellion and teases further details in the next episode, which will explore the challenges and twists in Bakht Khan’s journey.

Q & A

Who were the key figures involved in the arrival of the Bareilly Brigade in Delhi?

The key figures involved were General Bakht Khan, who was leading the Bareilly Brigade, and the Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar, who appointed Bakht Khan as the Commander-in-Chief of Delhi.

How large was the Bareilly Brigade, and what resources did it bring to Delhi?

The Bareilly Brigade consisted of 6,000 to 7,000 warriors, including 2,300 foot soldiers, 700 horsemen, and 3,000 to 4,000 Mujahideen. They also brought 14 elephants, 1,000 bullock carts, and camels, stretching as far as the eye could see.

Why did the citizens of Delhi view the Bareilly Brigade as a symbol of hope?

The citizens of Delhi saw the Bareilly Brigade as a symbol of hope because they believed that General Bakht Khan's arrival marked the return of their savior or Messiah, who would help them in their fight against British forces.

What titles were conferred on General Bakht Khan by Bahadur Shah Zafar?

Bahadur Shah Zafar conferred the titles of 'Farzand' and 'Sahib-e-Alam' on General Bakht Khan, signifying his importance and the trust the emperor placed in him.

What was Bakht Khan's role after his appointment in Delhi?

After his appointment as the Commander-in-Chief of Delhi, Bakht Khan was entrusted with the responsibility of managing the city's defense and overseeing military and administrative affairs.

How did Bakht Khan secure funds for the rebellion?

Bakht Khan advanced six months' worth of salaries to his soldiers and secured Rs 400,000 in cash for war expenses, promising to deposit the remaining funds in the royal treasury after a victory.

What actions did Bahadur Shah Zafar take to support Bakht Khan's efforts?

Bahadur Shah Zafar was pleased with Bakht Khan’s arrangements and distributed Rs 4,000 among the soldiers of the Bareilly Brigade as a reward for their efforts.

How did Bakht Khan's relationship with the Mughal emperor change over time?

Initially, Bakht Khan enjoyed the Mughal emperor's full support, including financial backing and recognition. However, his role later became more contentious, leading to accusations of treason.

What event marked a major turning point in Bakht Khan's leadership?

A major turning point in Bakht Khan's leadership came when a single British shell hit the rebels, and accusations of treason were levied against him, altering the course of the war.

What is the significance of the reference to the American War of Independence in the script?

The reference to the American War of Independence highlights the parallel struggles for freedom in different parts of the world, drawing attention to the shared historical theme of rebellion against colonial powers.