Sitaram Pande
Explanation
The book From Sepoy to Subedar is a significant historical memoir that provides an insider's perspective on the life of a soldier in the Bengal Native Infantry during the British colonial period.
- Sitaram Pande: He was recruited as a sepoy in 1812 and served the British for 48 years, eventually retiring in 1860. During his service, he witnessed the First War of Independence in 1857. Notably, he remained loyal to the British and assisted in suppressing the rebellion, even though his own son was a rebel and was executed by the British in his presence.
- The Memoir: Upon his retirement, he was persuaded by his Commanding Officer, Norgate, to write his memoirs. He wrote them in Awadhi. Norgate translated the text into English and published it under the title From Sepoy to Subedar.
- Other Options:
- Vishnubhatt Godse: He was a Brahmin from a village in Maharashtra who wrote Majha Pravas (My Travels), an account of his experiences during the 1857 Revolt.
- Mangal Pandey: A sepoy in the 34th Bengal Native Infantry whose actions in Barrackpore are often cited as the immediate trigger for the revolt. He is not known for authoring a book.
- Bakht Khan: A Subedar in the British army who later became the commander-in-chief of the rebel forces in Delhi.
Key Takeaway: Sitaram Pande's From Sepoy to Subedar serves as a rare primary source documenting the sentiments and experiences of Indian sepoys loyal to the British Raj during the 19th century.