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Battle of Bhima Koregaon (1818)
Context:
January 1, 2025, marked 207 years since the Battle of Bhima Koregaon, fought on January 1, 1818, during the Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817-1819).
- Initially regarded as an insignificant military engagement, the battle now symbolises the struggle for Dalit equality and rights.
Battle Overview:
- A small force of 500 men under Captain F.F. Staunton held off 20,000 Horse and 8,000 Infantry of Peshwa Baji Rao II, who was threatening British garrisons at Kirkee and Poona.
- Mahars, an ‘Untouchable caste’ from Maharashtra, dominated Staunton’s unit. Despite overwhelming odds, the Peshwa’s troops inexplicably withdrew, giving the British a significant victory.
- The 1st Regiment Bombay Native Infantry, which included many Mahars, was honoured for its bravery.
Formation of the Mahar Regiment
- Initial Attempts: A Mahar Regiment was first formed during the Great War, but it was disbanded.
- Reestablishment: The Mahar Regiment was reestablished in 1945 and has since participated in all of India’s post-independence conflicts.
Legacy:
- An obelisk near the Bhima River marks the battle site.
- The event is legendary as ‘Untouchable’ Mahar men defeated the Brahmin Peshwa, head of the Kunbi-Maratha Empire.
- The battle is now a pivotal point in the narrative of Dalit rights and empowerment.
The Mahars’ Martial Tradition:
- Pre-Koregaon Roles: Under the balutedar system in Maharashtra, Mahars served as watchmen, gatekeepers, porters, messengers, and guides. Their duties required carrying weapons and enhancing their martial skills.
- Role in Maratha Empire: Chhatrapati Shivaji employed Mahars in his army for roles such as scouts, boundary referees, and fort guards. Mahars also served Shivaji’s successors, Chhatrapati Sambhaji and Rajaram.
- British Era: Mahars transitioned to serving as sepoys in the British East India Company. Apart from Bhima Koregaon, Mahars also fought in the Second Anglo-Sikh War, Second Afghan War, and served in the Bombay Marine (naval force).
Impact of British Military Service on the Mahars:
- Socio-Economic Transformation: Military service offered the community benefits like pay and pensions, access to education and training, enhanced social status, and personal satisfaction.
- Exposure to Western practices helped Mahars realise they could overcome caste-based discrimination.
- Role in Dalit Rights Movement: B.R. Ambedkar, a Mahar, greatly benefited from the education and social mobility military service provided. Ambedkar’s upbringing among educated ex-army men instilled pride and influenced his fight for Dalit rights.
Challenges: The ‘Martial Races’ Policy:
- De-listing in 1893: The British adopted the controversial ‘Martial Races’ policy, prioritising recruitment of communities perceived as martial and loyal post-1857 Revolt. Mahars were excluded from recruitment under this policy.
- Petitions for Reinstatement: Mahars petitioned the British in 1895 and again between 1904 and 1910, led by Ambedkar during the latter attempt. The petitions reflected the community’s desire to retain the socio-economic benefits of military service.
