The Indian Rebellion of 1857, often referred to as the Sepoy Mutiny, was a significant uprising against British East India Company rule in India. The revolt began when Indian soldiers in the Company's army, known as sepoys, experienced discontent due to various factors, including cultural insensitivity, the introduction of new rifle cartridges rumored to be greased with animal fat, which offended both Hindu and Muslim soldiers. On May 11, 1857, these sepoys along with local civilians came together to exert force against their British superiors in Delhi. They successfully seized the city, establishing a temporary stronghold for their cause.

The rebellion was fueled by widespread grievances against the East India Company's governance, which disregarded local customs and imposed taxes, leading to increased resentment among Indians. Following the fall of Delhi, the rebels declared Bahadur Shah II, the last Mughal emperor, as their symbolic leader, further galvanizing support for the uprising. The British were initially caught off guard by the rapid spread of the rebellion, with the control of the city becoming a focal point for subsequent military and strategic responses. The recapture of Delhi would take several months as British forces regrouped and countered the uprising with fierce military campaigns.

The rebellion was marked by brutal clashes and significant loss of life on both sides. The rebels' initial successes ultimately led to a massive retaliation by the British, aiming to restore order and eliminate the uprising. This event not only sparked changes in British military tactics and governance in India but also sowed the seeds for India's future independence movements, as it awakened nationalistic sentiments and brought different social and religious groups together against colonial rule.