The History Of Bhima Koregaon Battle: A War Between Peshwas And Mahars
The Battle of Koregaon was fought on 1 January 1818 between the British East India Company and the Peshwas led by Bajirao II of the Maratha Confederacy, at Koregaon Bhima.
Maharashtra did not wake up to a really pleasant new year 2018. With parts of Pune going through cast violence, the spillover was felt even in Mumbai on 2nd January, 2018. With the maximum city coming to a halt, everyone wanted to know what was this about? What was actually the Bhima Koregaon issue which happened 200 years ago and why are we seeing such violence today?
The Battle of Koregaon was fought on 1st of January, 1818 between Maratha troops led by Peshwa Bajirao II and the British East India Company. Pune at that time was held by the British and Peshwa wanted to attack it. Peshwa sent a strong force of nearly 28,000 soldiers which met with a strong force of 800 troops of the Company. Of these 800, 500 soldiers were predominantly from the Mahar community. After fighting the battle for nearly 12 hours, the troops led by Captain Francis Staunton were successful and the Peshwa troops withdrew. This is thus a big symbol of victory in the Dalit history.
Who are the Mahars?
Mahars were considered untouchables and faced a lot of atrocities from the upper caste. They did not have any rights and were made to live a miserable life. The British appointed them as a part of their military because of their loyalty.
Even the Maratha leader Shivaji Chhatrapati Maharaj had a number of Mahars in his army. They served as guards or soldiers and have even fought battles siding with the Marathas. However, the relations between them and Marathas went too sour when Peshwa Baji Rao II reportedly insulted them. He did not allow them to join and serve in the army. Plus, Mahars had faced too much injustice under the Peshwa rule.
So, a victory over them becomes quite significant for the community. In commemoration of the soldiers that lost their lives, a structure was erected at the battle site and their names were written on it.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 08, 2018 09:19 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).