Thousands visit Bhima-Koregaon war memorial

• The 205th anniversary of Bhima-Koregaon battle passed without incident as lakhs of Ambedkarites from across the country congregated near the Ranstambh (victory pillar) at Perne village in Pune.
• Crowds have been steadily milling in Bhima-Koregaon to pay floral tributes to the bravery of the Mahar soldiers who fought against the Peshwa forces in the 1818 battle.

Bhima Koregaon Battle

• Fought between: Peshwa forces and the British on January 1, 1818.
• Speciality: British army, which consisted of Dalit soldiers, fought the upper caste-dominated Peshwa army.
• Outcome: Inconclusive.
• Role of low caste in battle: Peshwa Bajirao II had insulted Mahar community & terminated them from the service of his army which caused them to side with the English against the Peshwa’s numerically superior army.
• Site revitalised by: Babasaheb Ambedkar’s visit to the spot on January 1, 1927, that refreshed its memory for the Dalit community.

Prelims Takeaway

• Bhima Koregaon Battle