Battle of Bhima-Koregaon

Battle of Bhima-Koregaon

#GS-01 Indian History

For Prelims

Battle of Bhima-Koregaon

  • Bhima Koregaon is a village located in present day Pune District of Maharashtra
  • The Battle of Bhima Koregaon was fought on 1st January, 1818 between the Maratha Peshwa and the British East India Company.
  • The Battle was part of the Third Anglo Maratha War.

 

For Mains

Background of the Battle

  • Peshwa Bajirao II had insulted the Mahar community and removed them from serving in his army.
  • This resulted in them joining the British army against the Peshwa’s army during the battle.

The Battle:

  • The 28,000-strong Marathas, led by Peshwa Baji Rao II were marching to attack Pune.
  • While going, they met a Company force of 800-strong that was on its way to reinforce the British troops in Pune.
  • The Peshwa dispatched around 2,000 soldiers in order to attack the Company force in Koregaon.
  • The Company troops were led by Captain Francis Staunton and they were able to defend their position for nearly 12 hours.
  • The Marathas ultimately had to withdraw, since a larger British force led by General Joseph Smith had been dispatched to support the British troops.

Significance

  • The battle became a symbol for Dalit pride since, the British army which was comprised mainly of Dalit soldiers, fought the upper caste-dominated Peshwa army.
  • Which resulted in the defeat of the Peshwa army by the British troops.
  • The British East India company installed an obelisk or Victory Pillar in Koregaon, to commemorate those who fought for them.
  • Babasaheb Ambedkar visited the site on January 1, 1927, which revitalised the memory of the battle for the Dalit community, making it a rallying point and an assertion of pride.

Source “Thousands visit Bhima-Koregaon war memorial