Mangal Pandey was an Indian soldier who played a key part in events immediately preceding the outbreak of the
Indian rebellion of 1857. Mangal Pandey was a
sepoy (sipahi) in the 34th
Bengal Native Infantry (BNI) regiment of the
British East India Company. While contemporary British opinion considered him a traitor and mutineer, Pandey is widely regarded as a hero in modern India. In 1984, the
Indian government issued a postage stamp to commemorate him. His life and actions have also been portrayed in several cinematic productions.