British report on military failures in the Sepoy Rebellion

[Sepoy Rebellion]. Report From the Select Committee on East India (Transport of Troops); Together With the Proceedings of the Committee, Minutes of Evidence, Appendix and Index.

$1,676.00

A rare report by the British government on the transportation of troops in India and an important primary source for the Sepoy Rebellion (also called the Indian Mutiny, or First War of Independence) which took place between 1857 and 1859, and was at its height during the writing of the report. The rebellion, led by Indian soldiers against their British officers, would result in the end of the East India Company and trigger direct rule of India by the British government, shaping Indian history in the latter half of the 19th century.

The report states its aim as "to inquire concerning the measures resorted to, or which were available, and as to the Lines of C[o]mmunication adopted for reinforcing our Army during the pending Revolt in India" and to improve upon what were viewed by the British as grievous lapses in military planning which helped the revolt spread across the subcontinent. Of particular note are the use of so-called overland routes, and the introduction of steamships to bring troop reinforcements more swiftly, both of which are suggested to rectify the military situation. Particularly fascinating are the transcripts of interviews from the resulting inquiries, detailing where the British felt their failures in troop movements lay.

Hint of exterior wear, otherwise near fine. An uncommon and important work, with only two copies listed in institutions on OCLC.