Meerut Cantonment was established by the British East India Company in 1803 and is currently one of the largest cantonments of India. It is the place where the revolt of 1857, the first battle towards an independent India started, hence being of extreme importance to the nation.
The Revolt of 1857
The Revolt of 1857 started at Meerut Cantonment when sepoys (Indian soldiers) refused to use the cartridges that were greased with a mixture of cow and pig fact. It is during this time that freedom fighter Mangal Pandey shot and missed two Europeans, failed to kill himself and was later hanged by the British. The cantonment was the divisional headquarters of the 7th division of the British Indian Army from 1829 to 1920. The revolt catapulted Meerut to international prominence.
Current geography of Meerut Cantonment
Currently, Meerut cantonment surrounds the old Meerut city from three sides – from Pallavpuram to Sainik Vihar to Ganga Nagar. It connects Meerut to the rest of the country by roads and rail. The Delhi Niti Paas Road (State Highway no. 45) passes through Meerut Cantonment.
Attractions at Meerut Cantonment
There are a number of attractions at Meerut Cantonment that can connect one to struggle for Indian independence. Here are the attractions:
1. Martyr’s Memorial: Martyr’s Memorial is a site of the memorial stones of the soldiers who were killed in the Revolt of 1857.
2. Augurnath temple: The Augurnath Temple or Kali Paltan Mandir is one of the most famous temples of Meerut dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple played an important role during the freedom struggle of 1957.
3. Shaheed Smarak: Shaheed Smarak or Freedom Struggle Museum in Cantt houses a plethora of paintings, artefacts and memoirs related to different phases of history, particularly the First War of Independence.
4. Gandhi Bagh: Gandhi Bagh is a huge park in Meerut Cantt that is frequented by the residents of the city for either a walk or to spend quality time with friends and family.
5. St. Thomas Church: With a seating capacity of 10,000 people, St. Thomas Church was established in 1819 for British officers who served the government during those times. The church is famous for its impeccable architecture.
Meerut Cantonment is reminiscent of the freedom struggle of India and the beginning of a rebellion that led the country to become an independent nation.