Shaikh Paltu

Dear reader, We need your support to keep the flame of knowledge burning bright! Our hosting server bill is due on June 1st, and without your help, Bharatpedia faces the risk of shutdown. We've come a long way together in exploring and celebrating our rich heritage. Now, let's unite to ensure Bharatpedia continues to be a beacon of knowledge for generations to come. Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference. Together, let's preserve and share the essence of Bharat.

Thank you for being part of the Bharatpedia family!
Please scan the QR code on the right click here to donate.

0%

transparency: ₹0 raised out of ₹100,000 (0 supporter)

History[edit]

Shaikh Paltu (Hindi: शैख़ पलटू) was a soldier (sepoy) with the British East India Company who served in the 34th Bengal Native Infantry in March 1857, shortly before widespread discontent broke out in the Bengal Army. When on March 29, Sepoy Mangal Pandey of the same regiment attacked a British officer, it was Shaikh Paltu,^[1]^[2] who saved the life of the adjutant by seizing Mangal Pandey. The sepoys of the quarter guard on duty and others present refused to take any action against their comrade and remained as "idle spectators of a murderous assault".^[3]

Representation of Mangal Pandey attacking a British lieutenant immediately before Shaikh Paltu's intercession.^[4]

An English sergeant-major had been first to arrive at the scene but had been knocked down by the musket of a member of the quarter-guard. While other sepoys looked on, Shaikh Paltu continued to defend the two British officers, calling upon other sepoys to join him. Most of the sepoys present remained inactive. Some members of the quarter-guard detachment are reported to have attacked their officers with the butts of their muskets. These sepoys also threw stones and shoes at Shaikh Paltu, threatening to shoot him if he did not let go of Mangal Pandey. Paltu however "continued to cling to him" until the British officers had time to rise and escape.^[5]

Major-General J. Hearse, who, with other officers, had ridden to the scene, took control of the situation. Pandey shot and wounded himself, and the members of the quarter-guard now obeyed orders. Pandey and the jemander in command of the guard were subsequently court-martialed and executed. The 34th Bengal Native Infantry was disarmed and disbanded six weeks later on May 6.^[6]

Aftermath[edit]

Shaikh Paltu was promoted to Havaldar (native sergeant) a day after Mangal Pandey's execution and recommended by General Hearsey for a decoration.^[7] However, some days before the disbandment of the 34th BNI (Bengal Native Infantry), he was lured to an isolated spot in the cantonment and murdered by several of his former comrades.^[8]

In popular culture[edit]

Films and television[edit]

In the 2005 Bollywood Hindi movie Mangal Pandey: The Rising, directed by Ketan Mehta, Shaikh Paltu was portrayed by Murali Sharma.

References[edit]

↑ David, Saul. The Indian Mutiny. p. 70. ISBN 0-141-00554-8.
↑ Mason, Philip. A Matter of Honour. An Account of the Indian Army, its Officers and Men. p. 272. ISBN 0-333-41837-9.
↑ Durendra Nath Sen, page 50 Eighteen Fifty-Seven, The Publications Division, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India, May 1957
↑ "Heroes of the Indian Mutiny; Stories of Heroic Deeds", Edward Gilliat, Service & Co. London
↑ Hibbert, Christopher. The Great Mutiny India 1857. p. 69. ISBN 0-14-004752-2.
↑ David, Saul. The Indian Mutiny. pp. 69–72. ISBN 0-141-00554-8.
↑ Wagner, Kim A. The Great Fear of 1857. Rumours, Conspiracies and the Making of the Indian Uprising. p. 97. ISBN 978-93-81406-34-2.
↑ Wagner, Rumours and Rebels (2010), p.97 referring to The Delhi Gazette, 9 May 1857

External links[edit]

The Great Mutiny: India's War for Freedom

[1] David, Saul. The Indian Mutiny. p. 70. ISBN 0-141-00554-8.

[2] Mason, Philip. A Matter of Honour. An Account of the Indian Army, its Officers and Men. p. 272. ISBN 0-333-41837-9.

[3] Durendra Nath Sen, page 50 Eighteen Fifty-Seven, The Publications Division, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India, May 1957

[4] "Heroes of the Indian Mutiny; Stories of Heroic Deeds", Edward Gilliat, Service & Co. London

[5] Hibbert, Christopher. The Great Mutiny India 1857. p. 69. ISBN 0-14-004752-2.

[6] David, Saul. The Indian Mutiny. pp. 69–72. ISBN 0-141-00554-8.

[7] Wagner, Kim A. The Great Fear of 1857. Rumours, Conspiracies and the Making of the Indian Uprising. p. 97. ISBN 978-93-81406-34-2.

[8] Wagner, Rumours and Rebels (2010), p.97 referring to The Delhi Gazette, 9 May 1857

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

[7]

[8]