It was a time of turbulence when resentment against British treachery and betrayal was simmering in the people of India. The Nawab of Avadh had been a staunch ally of the British, providing them with money, grain and cattle. And yet, Avadh was annexed through the Doctrine of Lapse as were other states like Satara, Sambalpur, Nagpur and Jhansi. The discontent triggered off the first war of Indian Independence. Rana Beni Madho and Pir Ali were two heroes of that period who inspired many to stand up against injustice.