India was always a proud and independent country. Whether it was the Rajputs at the early 11th and 12th century, or the Mughals of the 17th century, India has always been self-ruled. However, during the Imperial Era of Europe, India became an important colony and trading outpost for many countries including Portugal and the Netherlands. England was the most influential country that went into India. Through the form of the English East India Trading Company, England covertly influenced India to the point in which India was like a colony. To further prove the point, the English East Indian Company arrived with an army numbering 200,000. (1)
Soon afterwards, India rebelled against Great Britain in the Indian Mutiny. (2) The Indian mutiny was a rebellion by the Indian people in order to gain back their land. India was split into two factions, those loyal to Britain and those loyal to India. (3) Many battles occurred with Britain and India each gaining victories. Finally, Britain marched upon Delhi, the capital and fought against the heart of the Indian Empire. (4) By September 20, the British had defeated India in what was a long and costly battle. As rebel forces retreated, the British deposed of the rebel leaders, and India officially became a British Colony. (5)
Even though India was defeated at that moment, the British realized how powerful the country was. What was initially a peasant rebellion grew into a movement which would influence future movements against British people. The Indian mutiny was the first step to the Indian independence.
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