The execution of mutineers, 1858 (c)

Photograph by Felice Beato (1825-1907), Indian Mutiny, 1858 (c).

As the British re-conquered rebel areas they took a terrible revenge on the Indian population. Stories of atrocities were greatly exaggerated by British soldiers and the press, ensuring that retribution was harsh. Trials of any prisoners were arbitrary and brief, and usually resulted in a sentence of death. Those convicted of mutiny were either hanged, or lashed to the muzzles of cannon and blown away.