In 1857, Indian soldiers - Hindu and Muslim - opposed their British commanders following a series of insensitive military demands which disrespected traditional beliefs. The opposition mutated into rebellion and several communities in northern India and Bengal were attacked and their populations killed.
In some areas, the military revolt was supported by peasant uprisings. The rebels even managed to seize Delhi (although the British regained the city). The mutiny led to the end of East India Company rule in India and its replacement by direct British governmental rule.
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