Who was the commander-in-chief of Nana Saheb?

The correct answer is Tatya Tope.

Key Points

• Tatya Tope was a prominent leader of the Indian Rebellion of 1857 and served as the commander-in-chief of Nana Saheb's forces.
• He was born as Ramachandra Pandurang Tope and later came to be known as Tatya Tope.
• Tatya Tope played a crucial role in the rebellion, especially in the region of Kanpur and Gwalior.
• Despite facing numerous setbacks, he continued to lead guerrilla warfare against the British forces until his capture and execution in 1859.

Additional Information

• Indian Rebellion of 1857:
  • Also known as the First War of Indian Independence, it was a major, but ultimately unsuccessful, uprising against the British East India Company's rule in India.
  • It began on May 10, 1857, in the town of Meerut and soon spread to other regions like Delhi, Kanpur, and Jhansi.
  • The rebellion was fueled by widespread resentment against the British policies, including the annexation of Indian states, heavy taxation, and disrespect for Indian customs and traditions.
• Nana Saheb:
  • Nana Saheb, also known as Dhondu Pant, was a prominent leader of the 1857 rebellion.
  • He was the adopted son of the last Peshwa of the Maratha Empire, Baji Rao II, and sought to restore the Maratha rule.
  • Nana Saheb led the uprising in Kanpur, where his forces captured the British entrenchment and led to the infamous massacre of British soldiers and civilians.
• Guerrilla Warfare:
  • Guerrilla warfare refers to a form of irregular warfare in which small groups of combatants use military tactics, including ambushes, sabotage, raids, and hit-and-run tactics, to fight larger, traditional military forces.
  • Tatya Tope was known for his effective use of guerrilla warfare against the British forces during the 1857 rebellion.
• British East India Company:
  • The British East India Company was a British trading corporation that gradually took control of large parts of India between the 17th and 19th centuries.
  • Its exploitation and oppressive policies led to widespread discontent among the Indian populace, culminating in the 1857 rebellion.