Bhima-Koregaon Battle

On January 1, 2023, the Victory Pillar, also known as Ranstambh or Jaystambh, in the village of Bhima-Koregaon in the Pune district of Maharashtra, marked the 205th anniversary of the historic Bhima-Koregaon battle that took place in 1818.

Must Read Blogs
National Technology Day 2023	Impact of World War I on India
Mahad Satyagraha	Regional powers in 18th Century
Nuclear Technology	War Under International Law

What was the Bhima Koregaon Battle?

On January 1, 1818, a significant clash unfolded in Koregaon, Maharashtra. It was a face-off between the soldiers of the Maratha ruler, Baji Rao Peshwa II, and a contingent of 800 troops from the British East India Company.
The British East India Company’s forces, numbering 800 strong, bravely faced off against the troops led by Baji Rao Peshwa II. The goal was clear: to prevent the Peshwa forces from making any headway into Pune.
In a grueling battle that stretched over 12 hours, the soldiers of the East India Company managed to thwart the advances of the Peshwa troops. Despite enduring a loss of 600 men, they held their ground.
As the battle raged on, and with the possibility of reinforcements from Pune looming, Baji Rao II made a strategic decision. Recognizing the challenging situation, he chose to withdraw his troops from Koregaon, abandoning the effort to attack Pune.

Why did the Battle Take Place?

In the late 18th century, the Peshwas were the big shots in the Deccan region.
Fast forward to 1802, the British East India Company started making deals with the Maratha rulers in the Deccan, like the Peshwas of Pune, Scindias of Gwalior, Holkars of Indore, Gaekwads of Baroda, and Bhonsles of Nagpur.
These rulers gave up a bunch of their powers, money, and other perks in these treaties.
The last Peshwa, Baji Rao II, didn’t really want to play ball, but in November 1817, he got defeated by the British in the Battle of Khadki and hightailed it to Satara.
After getting chased by British Colonel Smith for two months, Baji Rao II and his 30,000-strong army aimed for Pune in December 1817.

Who were the Mahars?

In the past, Mahars were considered untouchables, but they often worked in important roles like administration and the military, bringing them in contact with upper castes.
During the 17th century, Maratha King Shivaji enlisted many Mahars into the Maratha army. These Mahar men took on roles like guards and soldiers, serving alongside upper-caste individuals.
Mahars even fought alongside Peshwa forces in various battles, including the third battle of Panipat, showcasing their involvement in significant military events.
Unfortunately, relations between the Mahars and Peshwas soured when Baji Rao II rejected their offer to join and serve in his army, leading to reported insults and strained interactions.

Why is the Battle Significant for Dalit Rights?

In the 1800s, Peshwas, who were high-caste Brahmins, treated Mahars as untouchables, subjecting them to unfair treatment. Mahars endured many hardships during the Peshwa rule, but a significant turning point came when they achieved victory.
To honor the fallen soldiers of the Bombay Native Infantry, a 60-foot commemorative obelisk was erected at the battle site in 1818. The names of 49 soldiers were inscribed on it, and notably, 22 of them were from the Mahar community. Even though the British built the obelisk, it remained a symbol on the Mahar Regiment’s crest until 1947.
A momentous occasion occurred when Dr. B.R. Ambedkar visited the site on January 1, 1927, marking the 109th anniversary of the battle. This visit held great significance for the Dalits, who had long suffered marginalization and oppression.

Why is there Violence Over Bhima Koregaon Now?

The 200th-anniversary event of the battle faced protests well before January 1st, mainly from right-wing groups like Akhil Bhartiya Brahman Mahasabha, Hindu Aghadi, and Rashtriya Ekatmata Rashtra Abhiyan. These groups opposed the event, considering it anti-national and caste-oriented.
The commemoration aims to unite all Indians against forces promoting hatred and violence based on caste. It emphasizes that the British army included people from diverse castes, including Mahar, Maratha, and Brahmins. Similarly, the Peshwa army also comprised individuals from various castes, such as Maratha and Mahar.
The key message is that the battle was not a conflict between Mahars and Peshwas, but rather a war between the British and Indian rulers. It underscores the need for unity against divisive forces and highlights the historical reality of a diverse mix of people in both armies.