PRAYAGRAJ, June 5 -- On June 5, 1857, the then Allahabad (now Prayagraj) witnessed a key event in the revolt against the British-the First War of Indian Independence-with around 400 soldiers of the 6th Bengal Native Infantry, stationed in Allahabad, launching a massive uprising, also known as the 'June Kranti' under the leadership of freedom fighter Maulvi Liaquat Ali.

The soldiers, accompanied by residents from Chail, Khuldabad, Phaphamau, Dariyabad and Rasulpur localities of the city, attacked the mess of the 6th Infantry Cantonment, killed British officers and seized the government treasury.

Over 168-year-old original records of the uprising, stored at the Office of the Regional Archives, Prayagraj, bear mute testimony to the British...