Relief of Lucknow (November 1857): Sir Colin Campbell, Siege of the Residency and Revolt of 1857

The Relief of Lucknow in November 1857 was an important military episode during the Revolt of 1857. Under the command of Sir Colin Campbell, the British forces advanced towards Lucknow to rescue the British garrison, soldiers and civilians trapped inside the Residency, which had been under siege since June 1857.

The British relief operation reached the Residency on 16-17 November 1857, and the evacuation of the besieged people was subsequently carried out. The British withdrawal from Lucknow was completed around 22 November, with contemporary accounts recording the force's movement towards Dilkusha on 23 November. From a UPSC CSE perspective, this event is important for GS Paper I - Modern Indian History, particularly the Revolt of 1857, its regional centres, military developments and the nature of resistance against British rule.

Background: The Revolt of 1857 in Lucknow

The Revolt of 1857 spread across several regions of northern and central India. Lucknow, the capital of Awadh, emerged as one of its major centres. The annexation of Awadh by the British East India Company in 1856, under Governor-General Lord Dalhousie, created widespread resentment among the ruling family, taluqdars, soldiers, peasants and other sections of society.

The annexation affected traditional political authority, landed interests and the livelihoods of sections of the population. The disbandment of the Awadh army also contributed to discontent. When the Revolt of 1857 spread to Awadh, resistance against British authority became particularly strong in Lucknow.

Role of Begum Hazrat Mahal

Following the outbreak of the revolt in Awadh, Begum Hazrat Mahal, wife of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, emerged as an important leader of the resistance. She opposed British authority and played a central role in organising the rebellion in Awadh. Her son, Birjis Qadr, was proclaimed the ruler of Awadh, while Begum Hazrat Mahal exercised political leadership on his behalf. Her resistance demonstrated the participation of women and the former ruling elite in the Revolt of 1857.

The Siege of Lucknow Residency (June-November 1857)

The Lucknow Residency became the principal stronghold of British officials, soldiers and civilians during the uprising. On 30 June 1857, British forces under Sir Henry Lawrence suffered a defeat at the Battle of Chinhat against rebel forces. Following this setback, the British withdrew into the Residency compound.

On 4 July 1857, Sir Henry Lawrence died after being wounded by an artillery shell. The command of the British defenders subsequently passed to Colonel John Inglis. The Residency remained under siege, facing continuous attacks, shortages of supplies, disease and difficult living conditions. The siege became one of the longest and most significant episodes of the Revolt of 1857.

First Relief of Lucknow (25 September 1857)

The first major British attempt to relieve the Residency was led by Major-General Sir Henry Havelock, accompanied by James Outram. On 25 September 1857, the relief column fought its way through rebel-held areas and reached the Residency. However, the force suffered heavy casualties and was not strong enough to evacuate the besieged people or end the siege. Instead, Havelock and Outram's troops joined the existing defenders inside the Residency, increasing the number of people under siege.

Therefore, the first relief did not end the siege of Lucknow. This distinction is important for understanding the subsequent second relief operation under Sir Colin Campbell.

Second Relief of Lucknow by Sir Colin Campbell (November 1857)

After becoming Commander-in-Chief in India, Sir Colin Campbell organised a stronger military expedition to rescue the besieged British forces at Lucknow. He advanced towards Lucknow with approximately 4,500 soldiers in November 1857. The operation was planned to avoid the heavily defended central routes of the city. Instead, Campbell adopted an eastern approach through Dilkusha and La Martinière.

Major Events of the Second Relief

1. Advance towards Lucknow

Campbell's forces advanced towards Lucknow on 9 November 1857. They moved through the eastern approaches to avoid the difficult and heavily defended streets.

2. Capture of Dilkusha and La Martinière

On 14 November, British forces attacked and occupied Dilkusha Palace and subsequently advanced towards La Martinière. These positions provided important access routes for the approaching relief column.

3. Battle of Secundra Bagh (16 November 1857)

One of the fiercest engagements of the second relief took place at Secundra Bagh, a fortified enclosure in Lucknow. British artillery breached its walls, after which infantry units entered the enclosure and fought rebel forces in intense combat. The battle resulted in heavy casualties, particularly among the defenders.

4. Entry into the Residency (16–17 November 1857)

After overcoming resistance at several strategic locations, Campbell's forces reached the Residency area. On 16-17 November, the British relief column established contact with the besieged garrison under James Outram and the remaining defenders. The second relief operation had succeeded in reaching the Residency, but the British did not immediately recapture the entire city.

Evacuation of the Residency and British Withdrawal (19-23 November 1857)

After reaching the Residency, Sir Colin Campbell decided that evacuating the besieged people was strategically more important than attempting to hold the entire city. The British began withdrawing the sick, wounded, women, children and other members of the garrison. The evacuation was conducted under difficult conditions, with British forces attempting to protect the retreating column from attacks.

By approximately 22 November 1857, the evacuation and withdrawal from Lucknow had been completed. A contemporary account records that on the night of 22 November, the British force withdrew from Lucknow and reached the Dilkusha area, with the movement being reported on 23 November. Thus, 23 November is associated with the withdrawal phase following the second relief, rather than the initial entry into the Residency.

Role of Major Personalities

Significance of the Relief of Lucknow

1. Military Significance

The second relief demonstrated the importance of strategic planning, military coordination and control over key routes during the Revolt of 1857. The British successfully reached the Residency and evacuated the besieged garrison.

2. Importance of Awadh in the Revolt

The events in Lucknow demonstrated the widespread participation of different social groups in the uprising, including soldiers, taluqdars, peasants and members of the former ruling establishment.

3. Continued Resistance Despite British Relief

The second relief did not mean that British control over Lucknow had been fully restored. Rebel resistance continued, and the British had to undertake another major military campaign in March 1858 to recapture the city.

4. Importance of the Awadh Campaign

The prolonged resistance in Awadh exposed the challenges faced by the British in restoring their authority after the outbreak of the revolt. The events also demonstrated that the uprising was not merely a military mutiny but involved wider political, economic and social grievances.

Final Recapture of Lucknow (March 1858)

The November 1857 operation was primarily aimed at relieving and evacuating the Residency, not permanently capturing the entire city. Sir Colin Campbell returned with a reinforced army in March 1858. The British launched a major offensive against Lucknow, and after intense fighting, they recaptured important positions and gradually established control over the city.

By 19 March 1858, organised resistance in Lucknow had been largely suppressed, although resistance continued in other parts of Awadh. The final recapture of Lucknow marked an important stage in the British campaign to suppress the Revolt of 1857.

Timeline of the Siege and Relief of Lucknow

Relief of Lucknow and UPSC CSE Relevance

The event is important for understanding the military chronology, regional centres and different phases of the Revolt of 1857.

Prelims Pointers

• Revolt: Indian Revolt of 1857.

• Major Centre: Lucknow, Awadh.

• British Commander during the Second Relief: Sir Colin Campbell.

• First Relief: 25 September 1857, under Havelock and Outram.

• Second Relief: 16-17 November 1857, under Colin Campbell.

• Important Battle: Secundra Bagh, 16 November 1857.

• British Withdrawal: Around 22 November 1857.

• Final Recapture of Lucknow: March 1858.

• Major Leader of Awadh Resistance: Begum Hazrat Mahal.

Mains Relevance

Important Mains Question:

"Lucknow emerged as one of the major centres of resistance during the Revolt of 1857. Examine the causes of the uprising in Awadh and discuss the significance of the two relief operations and the final recapture of Lucknow."

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. When did the second relief of Lucknow take place?

The second relief of Lucknow took place on 16-17 November 1857 under the command of Sir Colin Campbell. His forces reached the Residency and established contact with the besieged British garrison.

2. Who led the first relief of Lucknow in 1857?

The first relief expedition was led by Sir Henry Havelock, accompanied by Sir James Outram. Their forces reached the Lucknow Residency on 25 September 1857 but were unable to evacuate the besieged people or end the siege.

3. Why is Sir Colin Campbell associated with the Relief of Lucknow?

Sir Colin Campbell led the second British relief operation in November 1857. His forces reached the Residency and subsequently organised the evacuation of the besieged British soldiers and civilians.

4. What was the significance of the Battle of Secundra Bagh?

The Battle of Secundra Bagh, fought on 16 November 1857, was an important engagement during Campbell's second relief operation. The British forces captured the fortified enclosure after intense fighting, opening their route towards the Residency.

5. When was Lucknow finally recaptured by the British?

Although the Residency was relieved in November 1857, the British did not immediately regain control of the entire city. Sir Colin Campbell launched a major campaign in March 1858, and Lucknow was recaptured during that campaign.

Conclusion

The Relief of Lucknow was a significant episode in the Revolt of 1857, reflecting the military challenges faced by the British in restoring their authority in Awadh. The first relief under Havelock and Outram failed to end the siege, while the second relief under Sir Colin Campbell enabled the evacuation of the besieged Residency.

However, the events of November 1857 did not mark the end of resistance in Lucknow. The final British recapture came only in March 1858. Studying these developments provides a clearer understanding of the prolonged nature of the Revolt of 1857 and the importance of Awadh as a major centre of resistance.

For more UPSC-oriented articles and preparation resources, explore The Study IAS.

Subscribe to our Youtube Channel for more Valuable Content –TheStudyias

Download the App to Subscribe to our Courses –Thestudyias

The Source’s Authority and Ownership of the Article is Claimed ByTHE STUDY IAS BY MANIKANT SINGH