Question

Explain the course and suppression of the Vellore Revolt.

Answer 1

• Course of the Vellore Revolt:

1. The Indian soldiers were waiting for an opportunity to attack the English officers. Tippu’s family also took part. Fettah Hyder, the elder son of Tippu, tried to form an alliance against the English.
2. On July 10th in the early morning, the native sepoys of the 1 st and 23rd Regiments started the revolt. Colonel Fancourt, who commanded the garrison, was their first victim. The fort gates were closed. Meantime, the rebels proclaimed Futteh Hyder, as their new ruler. The British flag in the fort was brought down. The tiger-striped flag of Tippu Sultan was hoisted on the fort of Vellore.

• Suppression of the Vellore Revolt:

1. Major Cootes who was outside the fort rushed to Ranipet and informed Colonel Gillespie. Col. Gillespie reached Vellore fort. He made an attack on the rebel force. The revolt was completely suppressed and failed. Peace was restored in Vellore.
2. On the whole, 113 Europeans and about 350 sepoys were killed in the uprising. The revolt was suppressed within a short period. It was one of the significant events in the history of Tamil Nadu.