|
|
| World Home » Current Affairs » | Thu. Nov 20, 2008 |
 |
|
|
||||||
|
India Marks Anniversary of Anti-British Revolt MIL/Agencies, May 11, 2007. May 11, 2007 - India celebrated the 150th anniversary of its First War of Independence against British rule on Friday, poking fun at its former colonial rulers at a historic fort in the capital which saw much bloodshed on both sides. What started as an act of defiance by some Indian soldiers who refused to use rifle bullets said to be greased with beef and pork fat quickly became a popular rebellion against the British East India Company that ruled most of India. Muslims consider pork unclean while Hindus view the cow as holy. Thousands of people, were killed on both sides, including many women and children. Vengeful British troops crushed the revolt, referred to in Britain as the Indian Mutiny and in India as the First War of Independence. At Red Fort on Friday, colourful floats, cut-outs and a huge demon-shaped ballon with the Union Jack printed on it showed scenes from the conflict that glorified the mutineers' courage in the face of the might of the country's British masters. "There is no doubt that 1857 was a shining example of our national unity," said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, speaking from the high rampart of the fort, built by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan in 1648. "Our war of independence was based on unity in diversity and today our national unity is also based on this. "This is our strength and this is our destiny," said Singh, referring to India's secular constitution and its many faiths, castes and languages.
|
 |
|
Applelounge Network (Website Design India, Web Design India) Sites |