Kalpi during the Uprising of 1857

Situated between Kanpur and Jhansi, Kalpi is a small town in the district of Jalaun, Uttar Pradesh. Kalpi was under British control from the early 19th century and became the site of an important battle between colonial and native forces during the Uprising of 1857. The movement raged on for almost a year before the British were able to begin their campaign to recapture Central India. In April 1858, the fort of Jhansi was stormed by Major-General Sir Hugh Rose’s troops and nearly 5000 Indians died defending the city. Rani Lakshmi Bai, the Queen of Jhansi, personally led the counter-attack and was able to escape to nearby Kalpi. Here, she joined forces with the rebel leader Tantia Tope and they fought together against Rose, along the banks of the Yamuna. Though Rose managed to win, Rani Lakshmi and Tope escaped to Gwalior and captured the city. Kalpi played a small but strategic role in the 1857 Uprising due to its proximity to other centres of revolt. The Rani later died in battle and Tope was executed in 1859, leaving behind a legacy of courage that continued to inspire those fighting for freedom.