Bhima Koregaon

Bhima Koregaon refers to a historic battle that took place on January 1, 1818, in Bhima Koregaon, near Pune, Maharashtra. The battle was fought between the British East India Company and the Peshwa faction of the Maratha Confederacy. The British forces, which included a large number of Dalit soldiers (particularly from the Mahar caste), successfully defeated the Peshwas, who were known for their Brahminical dominance and exclusion of lower castes.

Over time, the battle has come to symbolize Dalit pride and resistance against caste oppression. Each year, thousands of Dalits gather at the Victory Pillar (Ranstambh) in Bhima Koregaon to commemorate the battle.

However, the Bhima Koregaon commemoration has also become the center of controversy. In January 2018, violence erupted during the 200th-anniversary celebrations, leading to clashes and arrests. The incident sparked widespread debates about caste politics, nationalism, and social justice in India. Several activists, scholars, and intellectuals were arrested in connection with the violence, accused of inciting unrest and having links with Maoist groups. These arrests, known as the Bhima Koregaon case, have drawn attention to issues of freedom of expression, dissent, and the treatment of marginalized communities in India.

The Bhima Koregaon incident and the subsequent legal battles continue to be a significant point of discussion in India’s socio-political landscape.