What does Source B tell us about the Kanpur massacre in 1857? [5)
Answers
Explanation:
The Siege of Cawnpore was a key episode in the Indian rebellion of 1857. The besieged Company forces and civilians in Cawnpore (now Kanpur) were unprepared for an extended siege and surrendered to rebel forces under Nana Sahib, in return for a safe passage to Allahabad. However, their evacuation from Cawnpore turned into a massacre, and most of the men were killed. As an East India Company rescue force from Allahabad approached Cawnpore, 120 British women and children captured by the Sepoy forces were killed in what came to be known as the Bibighar Massacre, their remains being thrown down a nearby well in an attempt to hide the evidence. Following the recapture of Cawnpore and the discovery of the massacre, the angry Company forces engaged in widespread retaliation against captured rebel soldiers and local civilians. The murders greatly embittered the British rank-and-file against the Sepoy rebels and inspired the war cry "Remember Cawnpore!".[1][2]
Siege of Cawnpore
Part of the Indian Mutiny of 1857
Massacre in the boats off Cawnpore - The history of the Indian Mutiny (1858-1859), opposite 336 - BL.jpg
A contemporary engraving of the massacre at the Satichura Ghat.
Date 5–25 June 1857
Location
Cawnpore, India
Result Rebel victory
Surrender and killing of the besieged Company forces and non-combatants, followed by recapture of Cawnpore and violent reprisals by the Company forces
Belligerents
British East India Company flag.svg East India Company
Sikh Akali flag.jpg Akali-Nihangs
Nana Sahib's forces
Rebel Company soldiers
Commanders and leaders
Major General Sir Hugh Wheeler †
Brigadier Alexander Jack †
Major Edward Vibart †
Captain John Moore †
Akali Prahlad Singh
Nana Sahib
Azimullah Khan
Tantya Tope
Bala Rao
Strength
Around 900 including civilians and 300 soldiers
Around 4000 sepoy mutineers and mercenaries
Casualties and losses
All, except five men and two women
Unknown