The Indian Rebellion of 1857 started on 14 June 1857. In Banda it was led by Nawab Ali Bahadur II. This struggle was much fiercer than expected and revolutionaries from Allahbad, Kanpur and Bihar joined the Nawab in fighting the British. On 15 June 1857, revolutionaries killed Joint Magistrate Cockrail. On 16 April 1858, Whitluck arrived in Banda and fought against the revolutionary army of Banda. About 3000 revolutionaries were killed in the fort during this war. Nuts (one who performs acrobatic feats) from Sarbai sacrificed their lives in this war. Their graves are found inside the fort. Graves of many revolutionaries are found around the fort.