LUCKNOW, Jan. 25 -- Long before the Kakori episode, where revolutionaries stopped a train to challenge British rule in 1925, India had already witnessed what may be the world's first train hijack according to experts, ironically carried out by the British themselves.

In the summer of 1857, as large parts of present-day Uttar Pradesh slipped out of colonial control, the British faced a crisis of authority. Entire regions had declared independence, with Banaras (now Varanasi) emerging as a major centre of resistance. The 23rd Native Infantry had broken ranks and had taken control of the city, triggering alarm in colonial headquarters.

Desperate to suppress the uprising, the British rushed reinforcements from Madras (now Chennai) under Col...