The First War of Independence of India was not termed as the 'Sepoy Mutiny'. The term 'Sepoy Mutiny' refers to a specific rebellion that primarily involved Bengal Native Infantry soldiers known as 'sepoys' in 1857. While the First War of Independence began in 1857 it gained broader support and participation from various segments of society beyond a military mutiny and took on much wider dimensions to ultimately become a rebellion on a national scale and was hence regarded as the First War of Independence from British colonials rule.