Battle of Bhima Koregaon

By : Neha Dhyani

Updated : May 23, 2022, 9:25

A small village in Maharashtra, Bhima Koregaon, is quite popular and has some historical significance. The Battle of Bhima Koregaon took place on January 1, 1818. The Battle of Bhima Koregaon took place between the Maratha Confederacy's Peshwa faction and the British East India Company. The Third Anglo-Maratha War included the Battle of Bhima Koregaon. The Peshwas were defeated in the Third Anglo-Maratha War, resulting in British East India Company dominion over practically all of South, Central, and Western India.

History of the Battle of Bhima Koregaon

  • On January 1, 1818, the Peshwa soldiers and the British fought in Bhima Koregaon.
  • The British army mostly made up of Dalit soldiers, fought the Peshwa army, dominated by upper castes. British soldiers beat the Peshwa army
  • Peshwa Bajirao II had insulted the Mahar community, who had dismissed them from his army. As a result, they joined the English in fighting the Peshwa's numerically superior force.
  • The defeat of the Peshwa army was hailed as a victory over caste-based oppression and discrimination.
  • It was one of the final conflicts of the Third Anglo-Maratha War, and it marked the end of the Peshwa rule.
  • On January 1, 1927, Babasaheb Ambedkar visited the site, reviving the memories of the Dalit community's struggle and turning it into a rallying point and a statement of pride.

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The outcome of the Battle of Bhima Koregaon

  • The triumph was interpreted as a victory over prejudice and injustice based on caste. The oppression and persecution of Mahar Dalits were well-known among the Peshwas. The win over the Peshwas offered Dalits a moral victory, a victory over caste-based tyranny and discrimination, and a sense of belonging.
  • However, the British divide and rule policy caused numerous fissures in Indian society, which are still apparent today in excessive caste and religious discrimination, both of which must be addressed following the Constitution's precepts.

What is the Bhima Koregaon Case?

The Bhima Koregaon Case was registered in 2018, as during the commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the Bhima-Koregaon fight, there were several violent occurrences. The Bhima Koregaon case began on January 1, 2018, the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Bhima Koregaon. The celebration was held to commemorate the British army's victory over Peshwa Baji Rao II's army, including many Mahars. Several human rights advocates were arrested during the investigation, including Sudha Bharadwaj, Varavara Rao, and Gautam Navlakha.

The Battle of Bhima Koregaon has a lot of significance in Indian history. It is also seen as a Dalit symbol. Several Malhar Dalits were a part of the battle and won the battle. The battle has a lot of relevance from an exam's point of view.

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FAQs on Battle of Bhima Koregaon

Q1. What is the Battle of Bhima Koregaon?

The Battle of Bhima Koregaon was registered in 2018 when there was violence during the 200th celebration.

Q2. Why is the Battle of Bhima Koregaon known as the symbol of Dalits?

A significant portion of the British army were Dalits and defeated the upper-class brahmins in the battle, a liberating moment for all the Dalits during the Battle of Bhima Koregaon.

Q3. Who were all arrested during the Battle of Bhima Koregaon?

Several human rights advocates were arrested during the Battle of Bhima Koregaon, including Sudha Bharadwaj, Varavara Rao, and Gautam Navlakha.

Q4. How many people died due to the violence in the Battle of Bhima Koregaon?

One person died, and several others were injured during the violence of the Battle of Bhima Koregaon.