The Indian Mutiny
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20 - 29 November 2008 |
The British first went to India as traders in the 16th Century, and in 1600 Queen Elizabeth I granted a monopoly of the Indian trade to the East India Company. Increasingly, and in order to protect its commercial interests, the Company found itself embroiled in local politics. By the beginning of the 19th century it administered huge tracts of India, had its own armies and civil service, entered into agreements with Indian potentates and spent far more energy in governing than it did in buying and selling. In 1833 the company was recognised as the British Government's agent in the ruling of what was now known as British India.
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The mutiny, when it came in 1857, was not a ‘war of independence’, nor a ‘struggle for freedom’ nor even a mutiny by the all Company's soldiers, but an uprising by a portion of one of the three Indian armies maintained by the Company. Nevertheless, it was bloody and brutal, with appalling atrocities committed by both sides, and for a while British power hung by a thread. Eventually the tide turned; Englishmen who did understand Indian concerns supported by loyal troops, restored order and re-established British rule. India would never be the same again, but the lessons of the mutiny led to an enlightened and largely unselfish colonial policy, and to the creation of a new British Indian Army, one of the finest all-volunteer forces that the world has ever seen.
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This tour, led by military historian Major Gordon Corrigan, visits the sites of the battles and sieges of the Indian Mutiny, from its beginnings at Meerut to its culmination at Delhi, examines the people who took part on both sides and studies the reasons for and the
results of this most serious challenge ever to British imperial power.
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Itinerary
| Day 1 |
Wednesday: We begin with Titan's VIP Home Departure Service™ to the airport. Fly London - Delhi. |
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| Day 2 |
Early arrival Delhi. Welcome and transfer to hotel. Time to rest after long flight and free time. Dinner and overnight Delhi (3 nights). |
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| Day 3 |
Introductory talk by your historian. Tour of New Delhi and Lutyen's Delhi including President's House and Parliament House, the Lotus Temple and Edwin Lutyens India Gate commemorating the Indian soldiers who died in the Afghan Wars and the First World War.
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| Day 4 |
A full day excursion to Meerut, north east of Delhi. This is where the 1857 uprising broke out, when Meerut was the largest garrison town in India. Return to Delhi.
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| Day 5 |
To Agra, capital of India under the Mughals. Afternoon visit to the Taj Mahal, one of the world’s most remarkable creations, and Agra Fort on the west bank of the river Yamuna. Dinner and overnight Agra.
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| Day 6 |
Drive to Kanpur and check in to our hotel. In the afternoon visit relevant sites, including All Souls Church, Satichaura Ghat and and the Well of the Bibighar. Dinner and overnight Kanpur.
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| Day 7 |
To Lucknow. Continuing the story. Dinner and overnight Lucknow.
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| Day 8 |
After breakfast we visit the Great Imambara and the Residency. Enjoy the train journey back to Delhi. Dinner and overnight Delhi (2 nights).
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| Day 9 |
This morning, a tour of Old Delhi, including the Red Fort, the Gandhi Memorial, Flagstaff House the Mutiny Memorial and Nicholson Cemetery. Gala Dinner at the hotel. |
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| Day 10 |
Fly Delhi - London. On arrival at the airport, Titan staff will greet you and transfer you to your Titan transport for the return journey to your front door.
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