Correct Answer: Meerut
Subject: 2025
Explanation: <p><strong>Key Fact:</strong> The Revolt of 1857 formally broke out on the evening of <strong>10 May 1857 at the military cantonment of Meerut</strong> (in modern Uttar Pradesh), when Indian sepoys of the 3rd Native Cavalry revolted, broke open jails, killed British officers, and marched overnight to Delhi to proclaim Bahadur Shah Zafar as the Emperor of Hindustan.</p><p><strong>Additional Info:</strong> Although Mangal Pandey mutinied earlier on 29 March 1857 at Barrackpore (Bengal) against the greased Enfield cartridges, the widespread collective armed uprising started at Meerut.</p><p><strong>Why the other options are wrong:</strong> Delhi was reached by the Meerut rebels on 11 May 1857; Jhansi rose under Rani Lakshmibai in June 1857; Kanpur rose under Nana Saheb in June 1857.</p><p><strong>Exam Trick:</strong> Individual spark = Barrackpore (Mangal Pandey); Formal mass outbreak = Meerut (10 May 1857).</p><p><strong>Final Answer:</strong> Meerut</p>