The Bhima-Koregaon Battle of 1818 stands as a major historical milestone, particularly due to its context and the subsequent societal narratives that sprang from it. On January 1st, 2021, the Victory Pillar or ‘Ranstambh’ or ‘Jaystambh’ situated in Bhima-Koregaon village, Pune district of Maharashtra, celebrated its 203rd anniversary. This occasion was marred with controversy in 2018 during the battle’s 200th-anniversary celebration. Clashes and altercations between Dalit and Maratha groups sparked violent incidents.
The Historical Context of the Bhima-Koregaon Battle
In progressing through the history books, we come across the date of January 1st, 1818. The Peshwa forces clashed with the British in a pivotal dispute located at Bhima Koregaon. Comprised mainly of Dalit soldiers, the British army arose victorious against the Peshwa forces, despite the latter being upper caste-dominated and numerically superior.
Peshwa Bajirao II’s discriminatory actions led to these developments. He had dismissed the Mahar community from his army in an act of blatant caste discrimination. The Mahar community, composed of several endogamous castes primarily located in Maharashtra and the surrounding states, decided to align with the British in response to the insult imposed upon them. Their mother tongue is Marathi, the state language of Maharashtra, and they are officially recognized as Scheduled Castes.
The defeat of the Peshwa army was a momentous event — it was regarded as a victory over caste oppression and social prejudices. It was one of the conclusive battles of the Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817-18), which curtailed the Peshwa domination.
Babasaheb Ambedkar and the Revitalization of Battle Memory
The remembrance and significance of the Bhima-Koregaon battle received a newfound momentum with Babasaheb Ambedkar’s visit on January 1st, 1927. His presence invigorated the memory of the battle within the Dalit community, transforming it into a symbol of their pride and a beacon for their collective assertions.
The Victory Pillar Memorial: A Testament To Dalit History
The British erected the Victory Pillar Memorial in Perne village, in honour of the soldiers who had fallen during the Koregaon Bhima battle. Over time, this monument has claimed legendary status within Dalit history.
Source: IE
