Our present cultural, social, and political life culminates thousands of years of historical evolution. Some of the events, especially those like the Battle of Koregaon-Bhima, from those years, continue to resonate with us today. For this reason, it is vital to connect with the essence of history, as it serves as the foundation of our identity. However, examining the role of certain historical events in political independence while disregarding their broader historical significance contradicts scientific inquiry principles. Doing so results in intellectual inconsistency.
Indian society has historically been entrenched in caste divisions and the dominance of the upper castes. The suppression of the marginalised castes under the pretext of religious norms and customs marked this disparity. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, through his revolutionary ideology, offered a beacon of hope to the oppressed sections of society.
He transformed the battle for India’s independence into a movement for social equality and the eradication of caste-based discrimination. By drafting the Constitution of India, he ensured the protection of fundamental rights for all citizens and laid the foundation for a society based on justice, equality, and liberty. Unfortunately, there are efforts to misrepresent history today to create a rift between communities. Such distortions only serve to threaten the unity and integrity of our society.
The context of the Koregaon-Bhima battle presents an example of the genuine essence of history’s analytical approach. How can the extraordinary courage displayed by the Marathas in the battle of 1818 be explained through a singular perspective? What defines such heroism and the inter-caste unity demonstrated at the time? These developments cannot be achieved overnight. Who possesses the power to interpret this historical phenomenon? Such queries demand scholarly examination.
It is crucial to study this in depth. Efforts to distort the legacy left behind by great individuals who envisioned a caste-free society and a unified social order contradict their revolutionary ideals. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s thoughts hold relevance even today, as they inspire us to stand firm against any attempt to divide society.
The example of the collective Maratha bravery at Koregaon-Bhima stands as a testament to social harmony and unity. The socio-political dimensions of this event demand further exploration to truly understand its historical significance. To reduce such a profound historical event to narrow narratives weakens its broader importance. Through the following discussions, we aim to highlight the enduring spirit of the battle as a beacon of inspiration for future generations:
The Battle of Koregaon-Bhima (1818) remains one of the most debated and misunderstood events in Indian history. Over time, myths, misconceptions, and narratives fueled by pseudo-liberal ideologies and pseudo-historians have clouded its true essence. This article seeks to address these myths, providing a clear, historically precise, and evidence-based account of the battle, while dismantling the fabricated narratives that have been propagated.
Understanding the Context: A Political, Not a Caste-Based, Battle
The Koregaon-Bhima battle occurred on January 1, 1818, during the Third Anglo-Maratha War, a conflict primarily between the British East India Company and the Maratha Empire. Contrary to popular belief, this was not a struggle between caste groups or religions but a purely political battle. The Marathas, led by the Peshwas, were defending their sovereignty against the expansionist British forces.
The Peshwas, who represented the Maratha Empire’s leadership, were fighting for their political survival as the British aimed to dismantle the Maratha confederacy. The British, on the other hand, employed soldiers from various communities, including Dalits, to further their imperialist ambitions. However, reducing this complex historical event to a “Brahmins versus Non-Brahmins” narrative distorts the political dynamics of the time and oversimplifies the larger context of colonialism.
Peshwa’s Forces:
The Peshwa’s army was composed of approximately 20,000 cavalry and 8,000 infantry. Of these, around 2,000 soldiers were actively engaged in the battle, with reinforcements sent throughout the fight. The attacking force included three infantry units, each consisting of 600 soldiers. These troops were a mix of Arabs, Gosains, and Marathas (caste-specific soldiers). The Arabs, who were mercenaries or their descendants, made up the majority and were regarded as the most skilled among the Peshwa’s soldiers. The attackers were supported by cavalry units and two artillery pieces.
The assault was coordinated by Bapu Gokhale, Appa Desai, and Trimbakji Dengle. Of these commanders, Trimbakji Dengle was the only one to enter the Koregaon village briefly during the battle. Meanwhile, the Peshwa and other leaders remained stationed at Phoolsheher (modern-day Phulgaon), near Koregaon. Even the titular Maratha king, Chhatrapati Pratap Singh of Satara, accompanied the Peshwa during this time.
Company Forces:
The British East India Company’s troops, dispatched from Shirur, consisted of 834 men. The force included:
- 2nd Battalion, 1st Regiment Bombay Native Infantry: Around 500 soldiers under the command of Captain Francis Staunton. Other officers included Lieutenant and Adjutant Thomas Pattinson, Lieutenant Connellan, Lieutenant Jones (10th Regiment), and Assistant Surgeon Wingate.
- Auxiliary Horse: About 300 cavalry led by Lieutenant Swanston of the Madras Establishment.
- Madras Artillery: 24 European and 4 Indian soldiers equipped with two 6-pounder guns, commanded by Lieutenant Chisholm. Assistant Surgeon Wyllie (or Wyldie) was the only other officer assigned to the artillery unit.
The Company’s Indian-origin troops included individuals from diverse backgrounds such as Mahars, Marathas, Rajputs, Muslims, and Jews. Most of these soldiers were part of the battalion raised by Captain Staunton just three months prior, primarily to strengthen the defence of Poona (Pune), which was already under British control.
The Role of Sidhnak Mahar Inamdar: A True Maratha Loyalist
One of the most persistent myths about the Battle of Koregaon-Bhima is the portrayal of Sidhnak Mahar Inamdar as a soldier who fought for the British against the Marathas (especially, against the ‘Brahmanical Cruelties’). This narrative not only lacks historical accuracy but also undermines the loyalty and valour of Inamdar and his ancestors. Sidhnak Mahar Inamdar was a staunch supporter of the Marathas, particularly after the brutal execution of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj by Aurangzeb in 1689.
The Mahar community, to which Inamdar belonged, held a revered position within the Maratha Empire. They were known for their exceptional military skills and unwavering loyalty to the Chhatrapati. Sidhnak Mahar Inamdar’s contributions were no exception, and his allegiance was firmly with the Maratha cause. Associating him with the British not only disrespects his legacy but also perpetuates a distorted view of history.
Caste Discrimination: A British Colonial Tactic
Another myth perpetuated by certain groups is the idea that the Peshwas were solely responsible for caste-based discrimination during the Koregaon-Bhima battle. While it is true that the caste system was a social reality in pre-colonial India, the British colonial administration institutionalized and weaponized caste divisions to further their ‘divide and rule’ policy.
Historical records reveal that the British categorized Indian society based on caste in an unprecedented manner, introducing practices such as caste-based censuses and favouring certain communities to create divisions. The British often recruited Dalits into their army, not as a gesture of equality but as a strategic move to exploit existing social hierarchies and weaken indigenous resistance. It is, therefore, misleading to attribute extreme caste-based discrimination to the Marathas alone, while ignoring the divisive tactics employed by the British.
Debunking the “Jaystambh” Connection to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj
The “Jaystambh” (victory pillar) at Koregaon-Bhima is another subject of historical misinterpretation. Some have attempted to link this monument to the brutal execution of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, suggesting a symbolic connection between the two events. However, this claim lacks any historical foundation.
The Jaystambh was erected by the British in 1821 to commemorate their victory in the Battle of Koregaon-Bhima. It served as a colonial symbol of triumph rather than an acknowledgement of Indigenous resistance or historical events predating the battle. Any attempt to draw a connection between the Jaystambh and the execution of Sambhaji Maharaj is anachronistic and unfounded.
The War Cries: No Evidence of “Jay Bheem”
A significant portion of the myth-making surrounding the Battle of Koregaon-Bhima involves the slogans or war cries allegedly raised during the conflict. The most commonly cited example is the slogan “Jay Bheem”, attributed to the Dalit soldiers in the British army. However, there is no solid evidence to support this claim.
“Jay Bheem” became a rallying cry for social justice movements in the 20th century, inspired by Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s revolutionary ideas. Associating this slogan with the 1818 battle is historically inaccurate, as Ambedkar was born decades later in 1891. The retroactive application of this slogan to the Koregaon-Bhima battle reflects a deliberate attempt to project modern ideologies onto historical events.
Why Misinterpretations Persist
The myths surrounding the Battle of Koregaon-Bhima are not accidental. They serve specific political and ideological agendas, often aimed at dividing communities and perpetuating anti-Brahmin narratives. Such distortions disregard the complexity of historical events and undermine the broader struggle against colonialism.
The need for a nuanced understanding of history is more critical than ever. Simplistic narratives that pit one community against another fail to capture the intricate socio-political dynamics of the time. They also risk erasing the contributions of individuals and communities who fought valiantly for their ideals, regardless of caste or creed.
Revisiting the Legacy of the Battle
The Battle of Koregaon-Bhima should be remembered as a significant chapter in the Third Anglo-Maratha War, reflecting the courage and resilience of all those who participated. It serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by indigenous powers in resisting colonial domination and the complexities of India’s socio-political landscape.
To honour the true legacy of this battle, it is essential to move beyond divisive narratives and focus on historical accuracy. By examining primary sources, such as official records, eyewitness accounts, and contemporary writings, we can construct a more balanced and authentic understanding of the event.
Conclusion: Embracing Historical Truth
The myths and misconceptions about the Battle of Koregaon-Bhima highlight the dangers of reducing history to convenient narratives. This battle was not a struggle between castes or religions but a political confrontation between the Marathas and the British. The valour of individuals like Sidhnak Mahar Inamdar, the role of the Mahar community within the Maratha Empire, and the divisive tactics of British colonialism are all critical aspects that deserve recognition.