Agra During the 1857 Revolt: Rebellion, Retreat, and Resistance

A key chapter from the North-Western Provinces, where Agra became a fortress of survival during the 1857 uprising.

The city of Agra is often remembered for its Mughal legacy. But during the Revolt of 1857, it played a very different role - as an administrative capital, military base, and temporary refuge for the British as rebellion swept through the North-Western Provinces.

This article outlines the key events that shaped Agra’s experience of the uprising, from early warnings in nearby towns to the battle that reopened the route to Delhi and Kanpur.

Agra Fort during the 19th century, showing fortified walls and inner courtyard – a key British stronghold during the 1857 revolt.

Establishing the North-Western Provinces

In 1803, Agra came under British control in 1803 as part of the ‘ceded and conquered territories.’ It remained within this jurisdiction until 1835, when a separate Agra Presidency was established in 1835 - one of four British presidencies in India at the time (alongside Bengal, Madras, and Bombay).

In 1836, Agra became the administrative centre of a large region known as the North-Western Provinces, a territory that stretched from the Himalayan foothills in the north to Jabalpur in central India. The provinces included eight major divisions: Agra (as capital), Allahabad, Benares, Delhi, Jabalpur, Jhansi, Meerut, and Rohilkhand.

A Rising Tension in May 1857

The first signs of unrest did not emerge in Agra itself, but in surrounding regions, notably Aligarh, Mainpuri, and Etawah, all connected by detachments of the 9th Native Infantry. Early on, the regiment appeared loyal to the British. On 16 May, some sepoys of the 9th Native Infantry arrested two mutineers and killed four others from the 3rd Cavalry at Etawah who were returning home.

But tensions rose quickly. On 19 May, a sepoy at a wedding in Aligarh overheard a local zamindar claim responsibility for arson in the cantonment. The man was arrested, tried, and sentenced to death. His execution was scheduled in front of the entire garrison on 20 May.

Just as the parade was being dismissed after the hanging, a sepoy stepped forward, pointed to the gallows, and shouted:

“Shaheed - in the cause of religion!”

The regiment broke ranks immediately, and the rebellion began. As word spread, detachments at Mainpuri, Bulandshahr, and Etawah followed. The uprising quickly reached Agra, triggering panic across the city.

Agra during the 1857 revolt - on Alert!

On 13 May, British officials at Agra requested assistance from the princely states of Gwalior and Bharatpur. Gwalior sent cavalry and artillery, and Bharatpur dispatched a mixed legion to Mathura.

By 31 May, anticipating further escalation, the British disarmed and dismissed the 44th and 67th Native Infantry regiments stationed in Agra.

The region was tense, but Lt. Governor John Russell Colvin remained optimistic. On 15 May, he wrote to Lord Canning in Calcutta:

“The worst of the storm is past, and the aspect of affairs is fast brightening.”

He was wrong.

On 1-2 June, Bengal regiments from Nimach and Nasirabad - 7,000 infantry, 1,500 cavalry, and 15 guns - began marching toward Agra. In response, the Kotah state was asked to send troops. On 4 June, those troops defected en masse to join the rebels.

With no protection remaining, 6,000 British civilians and officials took refuge in the Agra Fort. A prolonged, uneasy standoff began.

The Skirmish at Sacheta

On 7 June, Brigadier Polwhele led the 3rd Bengal Fusiliers to intercept the rebel advance near the village of Sacheta, along the Fatehpur road. Facing heavy artillery and the threat of encirclement, the British retreated. They suffered significant losses, including the artillery commander and one gun.

That night, the city rose in full revolt. Police defected, prisoners were released, and British cantonment homes were looted.

The 44th and 67th regiments of the Bengal Native Infantry, already disbanded, marched toward Delhi to join the rebel forces. For the next several months, from June to mid-September, British forces remained confined to Agra Fort. The city itself was left lawless and unadministered.

The Battle of Agra and the End of the Siege

On 21 September, Delhi fell to British forces. A few days later, a large column under Brigadier Edward Greathead began marching from Delhi toward Kanpur. The force included 750 British troops (including the 9th Lancers and Hodson’s Horse), 1,500 Sikh soldiers (from the Punjab cavalry and infantry), and a field battery of Bengal artillery.

While passing through Aligarh on 8 October, the force received a plea from British officials in Agra. Rebels retreating from Delhi had gathered in Mathura, and an attack on Agra was feared.

Greathead reached Agra on 10 October, and was informed the danger had passed. His force set up camp 1.5 miles outside the fort, in the open parade grounds, surrounded by tall bajra crops. No sentries were posted. Greathead moved into the fort for breakfast.

The rebels struck that same morning.

Rebels disguised as jugglers approached the 9th Lancers and suddenly launched an attack. Rebel cavalry charged from the cover of the fields. British forces were caught unprepared, and hand-to-hand combat followed. Heavy gunfire raked the camp.

But the Punjab regiments, even in a state of undress, held formation. Troops from the fort arrived quickly, and together they forced the rebels to retreat. The rebels retreated with the loss of 13 guns.

The victory effectively ended organised rebel resistance in the region and cleared the communication line between Delhi, Agra, and Kanpur along the Yamuna. Greathead and his column then moved on to join General Campbell in the relief of Lucknow.

Conclusion

The events of 1857 in Agra were shaped by delayed reactions, misjudged optimism, and improvised defence. The city never fell to the rebels, but it remained on edge for months, suspended between fear and fortification.

Today, Agra is best known for its monuments. But for those interested in the Revolt and Agra during the 1857 revolt, it also stands as a record of administrative collapse, civilian anxiety, and regional military shifts.

For travelers, researchers, and students of history, understanding Agra’s role offers a sharper view of how rebellion unfolded, not as one sweeping event, but as a chain of local actions, decisions, and turning points.

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