MK releases stamp to mark 200 anniversary of 'Vellore revolt'

Vellore, Tamil Nadu, Jul 10 (UNI) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi released a commemorative stamp this evening to mark the 200th anniversary of 'Vellore revolt' which predated the historic 1857 sepoy mutiny by about 50 years.

He released the stamp, priced at Rs five, at a function held on the ground of the five-century-old Vellore fort here. Union Communications Minister Dayanidhi Maran was also present on the occasion.

According to data provided by the Vellore Collectorate and the Postal Department, the British East India Company, which had a large part of the country under its control, introduced a dress code for its army (which largely composed of Indians) in 1806.

While Hindus were prohibited from wearing religious marks on their foreheads, Muslims were required to shave their beard and trim their moustache. This created a strong resentment among the soldiers.

On July nine 1806, at the marriage of one of Tipu Sultan's daughters at the fort, the soldiers, who planned to take part in the revolt gathered there.

In the early hours on July 10, Indian soldiers opened fire in the parade ground and killed some army officers and took control of the arms and ammunition.

They also pulled down the Union Jack flag and hoisted the Royal Tiger Flag of Tipu Sultan over the fort and declared Tipu's second son Fateh Hyder as their King.

However, the East India Company crushed the revolt with an iron hand, bringing reinforcements from a nearby military post. Col Rollo Gillespie led a counter attack in which over 800 soldiers were killed inside the fort and 17 Indian officers hanged outside.

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