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Bhima-Koregaon, a small village in Pune district of Maharashtra, has a rich Maratha history. Two hundred years ago, on January 1, 1818, a few hundred Mahar soldiers of the East India Company, led by the British, defeated the massive Peshwa army, led by Peshwa Bajirao II, in Koregaon.
More About the Bhima Koregaon Battle
- This battle has, since, attained legendary stature in Dalit history. The Dalits who follow BR Ambedkar view this battle as a victory of Mahars over the injustice and torture meted out to them by the Brahminical Peshwas.
- It was part of the third and the last of the Anglo-Maratha wars. This war in particular put an end to the Peshwa rule in Maharashtra and laid a strong foundation to the British establishment in Maharashtra.
- The Peshwas were Brahmins who often held ministerial positions and were known to have ill-treated the Dalits (Mahars, in this case) in the region. The anger and frustration that had been contained for years of oppression, along with modern weapons gave the Mahars an upper hand in the battle and helped the British win the battle.
- The battle garnered more limelight when Ambedkar visited the memorial obelisk erected on the spot on 1st January 1927 and ever since the place has been visited every year by Dalits across Maharashtra to celebrate the valour of their forefathers. The battle is seen as a symbol of Dalit pride.
- The pillar was erected by the East India Company in memory of those who fought the battle.
Source: The Hindu
