Bakht Khan, also known as Bahadur Shah Zafar II’s military commander during the Indian Rebellion of 1857, played a significant role in the uprising against British colonial rule in India.

Early Life: Bakht Khan was born in 1797 in Delhi, which was then part of the Mughal Empire. He belonged to a Pashtun family and grew up in a region known for its martial traditions.

Service in the Mughal Army: Bakht Khan joined the Mughal army, and over the years, he rose through the ranks due to his military prowess and leadership skills. He eventually became a commander in the service of Bahadur Shah II, the last Mughal Emperor of India.

The Indian Rebellion of 1857: The Indian Rebellion of 1857, also known as the Indian Mutiny or the Sepoy Mutiny, was a widespread uprising against British rule in India. Bakht Khan played a crucial role in leading the Mughal forces in Delhi during this rebellion.

Siege of Delhi: In May 1857, Delhi became a focal point of the rebellion. Bahadur Shah II was declared the symbolic leader of the uprising, and Bakht Khan took command of his troops. They besieged Delhi and managed to capture it from the British forces. Bakht Khan emerged as one of the key military leaders of the rebellion in North India.

Fall of Delhi: Despite initial success, the rebellion in Delhi faced severe British retaliation. After several months of fighting, Delhi fell to British forces in September 1857. Bakht Khan and Bahadur Shah II were captured.

Trial and Exile: Bakht Khan and Bahadur Shah II were put on trial. Bahadur Shah II was exiled to Rangoon (modern-day Yangon) in Burma (Myanmar), while Bakht Khan was exiled to Mecca, where he spent the rest of his life.

Legacy: Bakht Khan is remembered as a prominent figure in the Indian Rebellion of 1857, which marked a significant turning point in Indian history. He symbolizes the resistance put up by Indians against British colonial rule. Although the rebellion was ultimately quelled, it sowed the seeds of the Indian independence movement that would culminate in India gaining independence in 1947.