Composition of Bengal Native Infantry in 1857

In his lecture on ‘1857 — Mahakranti’ (organized by ‘Panchnad Shodh Sansthan’ in Chandigarh), historian Professor Devendra Swaroop shared some very interesting facts.

According to Prof. Devendra Swaroop, in Bengal Native Infantry, more than 80, 000 soldiers were from Eastern UP (Avadh and Bhojpuri area) and Bihar. Most of them were Brahmans. 40 per cent soldiers of Bengal Native Infantry were Brahmans. 20 % soldiers were Rajputs and 20% soldiers of this infantry were Muslims. Remaining 20% soldiers belonged to other castes and groups. This was the composition of Bengal Native Infantry.

Most of Brahman soldiers of Bengal Naïve Infantry were from Eastern UP (Avadh and Bhojpuri area). They were called ‘Poorabeeya’ and ‘Pandey Ji’. These soldiers were in fact the power of British rule (East India Company). The revolt of 1857 would not have been possible, if these ‘Poorabeeya’ soldiers had not stood against the British.