Group Discussion

The British Military restriction is the main causes of Vellore revolt – discuss in Group.

Vellore Mutiny took place on the 10th December 1806, in Vellore which is in the present day Tamil Nadu. It was a serious and violent mutiny between the Indian sepoys and the East India Company. Although it lasted for a day, it left a serious impact on the British regime.

It was the restrictions imposed by the British army that had caused the Vellore revolt. The Hindus were prohibited from wearing turbans and the Muslims were asked to shave their heads. Sir John Craddock, the Commander-in-Chief of the Madras Army had issued orders prohibiting soldiers to wear their traditional headdress and wear a new round hat. This was related to the Europeans in general but Christianity in particular. This invoked a feeling of suspicion in the Indians, that the Britishers might be trying to converting them to Christianity. In May 1806, some sepoys protested the new rules. They were given 90 lashes and dismissed from the army. Craddock was warned against his misdoings, but he did not obey the rules and continued to work according to his own rules. The wife and children of Tipu Sultan were in the Vellore fort. They were kept in a palace within the fort. The sons of Tipu Sultan also instigated the mutiny.

Thus, the sepoys rebelled against the Britishers on the 10th of July 1806. Although it caused a serious condition of chaos and havoc, it led a powerful impact on the Britishers.

The aftermath of the mutiny is mentioned below :

All the three British regiments involved in the mutiny were disbanded

After a trial, sepoys involved in the mutiny were punished by death.

John Craddock and other senior British officers responsible for the new regulations were called back to Britain.

The new regulations were abolished.

Tipu Sultan’s family was moved to Calcutta.

Vellore Mutiny is also partly responsible for the Southern sepoys not participating in the Indian Revolt of 1857.