Important facts about Bhima Koregaon Battle
Bhima Koregaon Battle
- A battle was fought in Bhima Koregaon, a district in Pune.
- The battle was between the Peshwa forces and the British on January 1, 1818.
- The British army, comprised mainly of Dalit soldiers.
- The British troops defeated the Peshwa army.
Significance of Battle
- The victory was seen as a win against caste-based discrimination and oppression.
- The victory in the battle over Peshwas gave dalits a victory against caste-based discrimination and oppression and sense of identity.
- Since the Peshwas, who were Brahmins, were seen as oppressors of Dalits, the victory of the Mahar soldiers over the the Peshwa force is seen as Dalit assertion.
- On 1 January 1927, B.R. Ambedkar visited the memorial obelisk erected on the spot which bears the names of the dead including nearly two dozen Mahar soldiers.
In News
Bhima Koregaon Case
- The Bhima Koregaon case dates back to January 1, 2018, which marked the 200th anniversary of the Bhima Koregaon battle.
- The event was organised to celebrate the victory of the Mahars in the British army as soldiers against Peshwa’s army.
- During the anniversary, riots happened.
- Several people arrested during the investigation, which included some human rights activists.
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (UN Human Rights) has called for release of Bhima Koregaon activists.
