In early 1857, the introduction of the new Enfield rifle cartridges became the catalyst for widespread rebellion among Indian soldiers, known as sepoys, serving under British command. These cartridges, rumored to be greased with the fat of cows and pigs, offended religious sensibilities deeply held by both Hindu and Muslim sepoys. Hindus revered cows as sacred, while Muslims considered pigs unclean; thus, the requirement to bite these cartridges before use ignited outrage among soldiers. This controversy quickly escalated, transforming underlying resentment into active rebellion, and setting the stage for an unprecedented challenge to British rule in India.
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