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It derives from the act of biting open a [[paper cartridge]] containing [[gunpowder]] and musket ball in order to load contemporary [[rifle]]s, especially the new [[Pattern 1853 Enfield]] [[rifled musket]]. The phrase is thought by some to have later spawned the more familiar idiom "[[bite the bullet]]". | It derives from the act of biting open a [[paper cartridge]] containing [[gunpowder]] and musket ball in order to load contemporary [[rifle]]s, especially the new [[Pattern 1853 Enfield]] [[rifled musket]]. The phrase is thought by some to have later spawned the more familiar idiom "[[bite the bullet]]". | ||
One of the alleged causes of the [[Indian Rebellion of 1857]] were rumours that the grease on these cartridges designed to keep them dry was, variously, pork or | One of the alleged causes of the [[Indian Rebellion of 1857]] were rumours that the grease on these cartridges designed to keep them dry was, variously, pork or cow fat (pork being abhorrent to the [[Islam|Muslims]], cows being sacred to the [[Hinduism|Hindus]]), thus their refusal to bite them.<ref>[http://www.columbia.edu/itc/mealac/pritchett/00urdu/asbab/bijnor/app05_letter1869.html 1869 letter] by Sir [[Syed Ahmad Khan]] on the origins of the Mutiny of 1857</ref> | ||
This refusal was also one of the immediate causes of the [[Indian Rebellion of 1857]]. | This refusal was also one of the immediate causes of the [[Indian Rebellion of 1857]]. | ||
Latest revision as of 14:37, 23 September 2021
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Refusing to "bite the cartridge" was a turn of phrase used by the British in India of native Indian soldiers (sepoys) who had mutinied in 1857.
It derives from the act of biting open a paper cartridge containing gunpowder and musket ball in order to load contemporary rifles, especially the new Pattern 1853 Enfield rifled musket. The phrase is thought by some to have later spawned the more familiar idiom "bite the bullet".
One of the alleged causes of the Indian Rebellion of 1857 were rumours that the grease on these cartridges designed to keep them dry was, variously, pork or cow fat (pork being abhorrent to the Muslims, cows being sacred to the Hindus), thus their refusal to bite them.[1]
This refusal was also one of the immediate causes of the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
Notes[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1869 letter by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan on the origins of the Mutiny of 1857
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