Travel through India 1857 epicenteres areas and understanding india

1. Exploring India – Series 1 1857 & Now

3. Exploring India -1857 & Now The Uprising of 1857 may be termed as a watershed moment in the history of modern India. It is also termed as the First war for Independence in India. From the initial uprising in Meerut, the bloody battles in Delhi, the massacres of women and children in Kanpur, the indomitable defense of the Residency in Lucknow and the romantic life and death of the Rani of Jhansi. The tour ends in Calcutta, the first capital of the British Raj. The Devil’s wind blew across India during the summer months and both sides lost their heads in terms of atrocities to each other. Combined with the basic theme of 1857 this tour also makes you walk in the footstep of Thuggee Sir W.H.Sleeman as described in his Rambles and Recollections of an Indian Official, meet with former Maharajas and Nawabs, taste Indian cuisine, enjoy classical Indian Music and Dance, a day in the lap of rural and spiritual India. In addition we interact with students and Professors of renowned Universities to learn of India’s Economic prowess in times to come and the aspirations and dreams of students. A tour which takes you through the heart of India and touches the bottom of the pyramid India with impeccable Guides and escorts.

4. Exploring India -1857 & Now British Tryst with India – How it started? During the 1500’s, Europeans began vying with Arab merchants for India’s sea routes. The Portuguese, Vasco-da-gama, was the first to reach India by sea from Europe in 1498. Nearly a hundred years later, it was the Dutch who controlled the spice trade in Europe. They raised the price of one pound of pepper by five shillings. Incensed at this, twenty-four merchants of London met in Leadenhall Street in September, 1599 to found a trading firm with an initial capital of 72,000 pounds subscribed to by 125 shareholders. The British East India Company was formed under a Charter from H.M. on 31st December, 1599. The Company had taken permission to trade in India from Jahangir, the Mughal Emperor. Taking advantage of the lack of central power in India during the 1700’s, the British East India Company manipulated conflicts between local rulers and acquired large areas where it became the supreme power. During the 1800’s, India was under many rulers including the East India Company alias John Company or Company Sarkar.

6. Exploring India -1857 & Now Contact and Resource Person : Rajesh Rampal (Chartered Accountant and Author) rampalrajesh@hotmail.com Worked with premier Corporate sector companies DCM, GKN Driveline(GKN plc co), Insilco (Degussa AG co), Ranbaxy Laboratories, Cable Corporation East Africa, ICRIER. He is also an Author of The Divine Stranglers- A Story of Thugs and Thuggee Sleeman and The Siege and Assault of Delhi 1857-Management Lessons from Battlefield. (In process) Testimonials on Guiding 1857 Our entire holiday in India felt like a pilgrimage. It was brilliantly set up by you and we cannot thank you enough for your time and research. Your knowledge of your subject was most impressive. Nicky and Colonel Johnny Rogers (Kings Royal Hussars). Nicky is the GGG grand niece of John Nicholson. You did us proud with your tour of the 1857 sites and we were all impressed with your knowledge and enthusiasm. You certainly exceeded our expectations. Sir Gerald Warner*, Catherine, Sir Michael Shaw* and Elisabeth (*Formerly from Foreign and Commonwealth office. Sir Gerald Warner is former Ambassador to China and from Cabinet Office.)

7. Exploring India -1857 & Now We have been lucky to have had the expert support of Rajesh Rampal. He has undertaken valuable research for us and given us much advice. His understanding of the whole political and social context of all these events and of the current geographical layout of the sites of the military actions has been invaluable. Roy Trustram Eve O.B.E., D.L. (Publisher, Royal Green Jackets (Now The Rifles) Museum, Winchester) The best personal battlefield tour I’ve done. Loaded and such balanced perspectives Group Captain Ian Draper R.A.F., Naval and Air Defense Advisor, BHC, New Delhi Your encyclopedic knowledge is awesome and you are a great story teller. When we stood at the Kashmir Gate you brought history alive for us Brigadier Clive Elderton, Defense Advisor BHC, New Delhi You were a good guide and an amusing companion Hugh Purcell, Former Managing Editor BBC. (Writer and Film maker)

8. Exploring India -1857 & Now Lt General Sir Christopher Wallace (Former Director Royal Defense College) has acknowledged Rajesh Rampal in two of his books- Focus on Courage –The 59 Victoria Crosses of the Royal Green Jackets (Now the Rifles) and Rifles and Kukris- Delhi 1857. Lt General Richard Shirreff (GOC RAPID REACTION FORCE- EUROPE) has interviewed Rajesh Rampal in a Documentary titled ‘The Devils Wind’ on battle tactics of 1857.