With the fall of Mysore state in 1799, the fate of Indians was sealed. States after states were annexed to the British rule. People became frustrated on the ground of inefficient administration, delayed justice, poor economic conditions and artisans' hardship. They wanted freedom from the British. Struggle started. Begum Hazarat Mahal, Khan Bahadur Khan, Maulvi Ahmad Ullah shah, Bahadur Shah Zafar, the Emperor and many more were the main leaders. This concerted action out across all barriers of caste and creed and linguistic and regional prejudice. Indians rose against the colonial domination as one body on 10 May, 1857.

The unequipped freedom fighters could not, however, match the well trained British force. The fighters fought vigorously for their independence and heavy blood was shed. War of Independence was lost. Lord Warren Hastings, the English Viceroy, attained unprecedented notoriety for his cruel treatment of Indians.