After capturing Delhi, the sepoys established a nominal court under Bahadur Shah Zafar, but without a unified strategy the revolt remained a scattered series of risings. The British, with fresh troops, disciplined officers and superior artillery, moved methodically to reconquer each centre.

Delhi was stormed and recaptured in September 1857 after a prolonged siege in which Bahadur Shah was taken prisoner. The British then took Lucknow in March 1858, Jhansi in April 1858, and Gwalior in June 1858. By mid-1858 organised resistance had collapsed; Tantia Tope continued guerrilla operations until April 1859, when he was betrayed and executed.