Mumbai, January 1: On the occasion of the new year in 2018, Maharashtra was rocked by caste-based violence which began from Koregaon Bhima village. To commemorate the 200th anniversary of the battle of Bhima-Koregaon on January 1, a large number of people belonging to the Dalit community or 'lower caste' gathered near the 'Jay Stambh' or tower of victory. During the celebration, caste-based violence erupted in which 28-year-old youth, Rahul Patangale, was killed. The caste-based violence made the battle of Bhima-Koregaon, which happened over 200 years ago, national news. This year, on January 1, Dalits will celebrate the 202nd anniversary of the Bhima-Koregaon battle. Uddhav Thackeray: Will Drop Charges Against Dalit Activists in Bhima-Koregaon Violence Case.

Battle of Koregaon Bhima:

On January 1, in 1818, Maratha troops led by Peshwa Bajirao II attacked Pune which was then held by the British East India Company. Maratha soldiers were challenged by a strong force of 800 troops of the British led by Captain Francis Staunton. Of these 800 soldiers, 500 were from the Mahar community. After a nearly 12-hour-long armed confrontation, the British forces managed to push Peshwa Bajirao II's army back. Since the Mahar community was mistreated during Peshwa Bajirao II's regime, Dalits celebrate the British victory in the Bhima-Koregaon battle. 'Urban Naxals': Who Are Being Referred to and Why is the Term Trending After Bhima Koregaon Raids?

People from the Mahar community, would fight shoulder to shoulder with Marathas when Chhatrapati Shivaji was leading the Maratha kingdom in Maharashtra. However, ties between the two communities soured when Peshwa Bajirao II took over. He did not allow them to join and serve in the army. Moreover, Mahars had to endure injustice and violence during the Peshwa rule. This pushed them towards the British. Thus, in the Bhima-Koregaon battle, Maharas fought for the East India Company.

The victory of the British over Marathas in the battle of Bhima-Koregaon became symbolic for Maharas who faced caste-based discrimination. Lakhs of people congregate every year at the 'Jay Stambh' on which names of Maharas who sacrificed their lives are written. In the Dalit narrative, the battle is a symbol of the defeat of casteism.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 01, 2020 07:30 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).