The Indian Rebellion of 1857, also known as the Sepoy Mutiny, erupted due to widespread discontent among Indian soldiers in the East India Company’s army, fueled by grievances over cultural insensitivity and military injustices. As tensions escalated, the rebellion spread to include widespread civilian uprisings against British rule. Delhi, a significant emblem of Mughal power, became the focal point of the revolt when Indian forces took control from the British in May, declaring the last Mughal emperor, Bahadur Shah II, as the figurehead of the uprising.

After several months of brutal conflict, British forces, reinforced and reorganized, launched a concerted effort to regain Delhi. Under the strategic leadership of General Sir John Nicholson, troops laid siege to the city, engaging in fierce combat with rebel forces determined to defend their stronghold. The dramatic battle for Delhi took place amidst narrow alleys and fortified structures, with heavy artillery bombardments marking the return of British control.

The recapture of Delhi on September 20 marked a turning point in the rebellion. The British utilized superior military tactics and resources, leading to heavy casualties on both sides. The fall of the city signified the loss of the rebellion’s symbolic center and dealt a severe blow to Indian resistance against colonial rule. Following this victory, the British then pursued other major centers of rebellion, systematically re-establishing control over India and reshaping its governance.