The Vellore Revolt was a significant uprising that occurred in 1806, marking an early instance of resistance by Indian sepoys against British rule. Understanding the historical context and the leadership at the time is crucial to grasp the dynamics of this event.

Vellore Revolt and Governor's Tenure

The Vellore Revolt, an important sepoy mutiny, took place in 1806. During this period, the Governor-General of Madras (now Chennai) was Sir George Barlow. He assumed the provisional Governor-Generalship of Bengal after the death of Lord Cornwallis in October 1805 and held the position until July 1807.

The revolt occurred specifically during Sir George Barlow's regime, making him the correct Governor associated with this historical event.

Causes of the Vellore Revolt

The primary reasons behind the Vellore Revolt were the new military regulations introduced by the British, which were perceived as deeply offensive to the religious and cultural sentiments of the Indian sepoys. Key causes included:

• New Turban Regulation: A new turban, resembling a European hat, was introduced, which sepoys considered disrespectful to their traditional attire and religious customs.
• Restriction on Religious Marks: Sepoys were forbidden from wearing caste marks (tilak) on their foreheads or having beards, which were significant religious and cultural symbols.
• Wearing of Leather Cockades: The cockade on the new turban was made of animal hide, which was offensive to both Hindu and Muslim sepoys.
• Perceived Christian Conversion Attempts: The combination of these new rules led to a strong suspicion among sepoys that the British intended to forcibly convert them to Christianity.
• Discontent among Princes: The sons and family of Tipu Sultan, who were confined in the Vellore Fort after the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War, also fueled the discontent among the sepoys, hoping to restore their power.

Key Events of the Revolt

The revolt began in the early hours of July 10, 1806, when sepoys stationed at Vellore Fort attacked their European officers and barracks. Many British soldiers and officers were killed in the initial assault. The rebels proclaimed Tipu Sultan's son, Fatah Hyder, as their king. However, the revolt was swiftly and brutally suppressed by British forces led by Colonel Rollo Gillespie, who arrived from Arcot. The suppression involved heavy casualties on the sepoy side, and many were executed or court-martialed.

Governor Barlow's Response and Aftermath

Sir George Barlow's administration faced severe criticism for the policies that triggered the revolt. Following the suppression, the new military regulations were withdrawn to prevent further unrest. The event highlighted the British East India Company's need to be more sensitive to the cultural and religious practices of their Indian sepoys. The Vellore Revolt served as an important precursor to the larger Sepoy Mutiny of 1857, demonstrating the simmering discontent among Indian soldiers.

Context of Other Governors

• Wellesley (Lord Wellesley): He served as Governor-General from 1798 to 1805, preceding the Vellore Revolt. His tenure was marked by aggressive expansionist policies.
• Lord Minto (Gilbert Elliot-Murray-Kynynmound): He succeeded Sir George Barlow as Governor-General of Bengal in 1807, after the Vellore Revolt had already taken place.
• Lord Cornwallis: He served two terms as Governor-General, the last one briefly in 1805, but he died shortly after arriving in India, just before the revolt. Sir George Barlow took over as provisional Governor-General after Cornwallis's death.

Therefore, the revolt of Vellore occurred during the regime of Sir George Barlow.