The Vellore Uprising that occurred on this day is considered the first major armed movement by Indian “sepoys” against the British East India Company, predating the 1857 Uprising.

Both Hindu and Muslim soldiers felt that the British had imposed rules of dress codes and appearance on them that went against their religions. Hindus were stopped from wearing religious marks on their foreheads when working and Muslims were required to shave their beards. They were also asked to wear a round hat that was associated with both Europeans and Indians who had converted to Christianity.

The soldiers were encouraged by the descendants of Tipu Sultan, the courageous Mysore ruler who had been defeated and killed by the British.

The uprising in the city of Vellore lasted only for a day. The soldiers captured Vellore Fort. About 200 British army men were killed or wounded. The British received reinforcements from Arcot and the uprising was suppressed. About 350 Indian soldiers were killed and about 100 executed. A few were court-martialled.

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