Correct Option
The correct option is Henry Lawrence.
Explanation
The Siege of Lucknow (1857) was a pivotal event during the Indian Rebellion, centering on the British Residency in Lucknow, the capital of the annexed state of Awadh (Oudh). The defense of the Residency was initially led by Sir Henry Lawrence.
Detailed Analysis
- Henry Lawrence: He was the Chief Commissioner of Awadh and was responsible for fortifying the Residency against the rebels. On July 2, 1857, shortly after the siege began, he was critically wounded by a shell explosion in his room and died two days later on July 4, 1857. He is the most prominent high-ranking British officer killed during the defense of the Residency.
- Henry Havelock: He led the first relief force to Lucknow alongside James Outram. Although he successfully reached the Residency in September 1857, the force was too weak to evacuate the garrison and was trapped inside. Havelock died of dysentery on November 24, 1857, shortly after the second relief by Colin Campbell, rather than being killed in action during the initial siege.
- James Outram: Known as the "Bayard of India," he accompanied Havelock during the first relief and assumed command after entering the Residency. He survived the siege and the rebellion.
- Colin Campbell: He was the Commander-in-Chief of British forces in India. He led the second relief force in November 1857 that successfully evacuated the Residency and later recaptured Lucknow in March 1858. He survived the war.
Key Takeaway
Sir Henry Lawrence was the British resident and commander killed by rebel shelling during the early stages of the Siege of Lucknow in 1857.