Updated on Thursday, November 20, 2008, 00:00 IST

Gurgaon, Nov 20: If a telegraphic message written by the-then Ambala Deputy Collector is to be believed, the first War of Indian Independence started at Ambala in Haryana even before Meerut.

The message was sent at 5 pm on May 10, 1857 by Deputy Collector T D Forsyth to Chief Commissioner of Punjab John Lawrence. This rare document is on display at an exhibition here.

The message read, "This morning, the 60th and 5th regiments were in an excited state and under arms on their parade ground. Cavalry and Artillery ordered out, but no actual row...I ordered the police corps to be in readiness and in their own lines".

The attack on Meos at Barota, Rewasan and Ghasera by British troops to suppress the Mutiny has also been highlighted through a letter from Lt H Grant of Kumaon Battalion, a copy of which has been displayed in the exhibition.

The documents on display show that the last fight against the Britishers in Haryana region was fought in the grounds of Nasibpur under the leadership of Rao Tula Ram on November 18, 1857.

Another document recalls the incident when the British government stopped Mahatma Gandhi from going to Punjab fearing agitation against the then government and the Mahatma was arrested at Palwal on April 10, 1919.

This news was carried by Bombay Chronicle the next day and the copy of that news item is on display with the Mahatma's remarks in his own handwriting that he was unable to abide by the direction of the British government.

Bureau Report