The cataclysmic reversal in power hierarchy at the outbreak of the mutiny of 1857 turned out to be detrimental to the British in India. Many became prey to the agitated sepoys' wrath. The writer of this diary arrived at Lucknow in March 1857. A few weeks after her arrival, the mutiny broke out. As news about wide-spreading violence and killings began pouring in from all corners, she began to write this diary for those at home. Whether she would meet them again? Whether this diary itself would reach its destination? She was not sure