Battle of Bhima-Koregaon

Why in news?

• Maharashtra government has granted yet another extension to the Koregaon Bhima Commission of Inquiry.
• The Commission was formed in 2018 to inquire into the events that led to violence on the 200th anniversary of Battle of Koregaon Bhima on January 1 that year.

About Battle of Bhima-Koregaon:

• A battle was fought in Bhima Koregaon (a village in Pune) between the Peshwa forces and the British in 1818.
• The British army, which comprised mainly of Dalit soldiers, fought the upper caste-dominated Peshwa army. The British troops defeated the Peshwa army.

Cause:

• Peshwa Bajirao II had insulted the Mahar community and terminated them from the service of his army.
• This caused them to side with the English against the Peshwa’s numerically superior army.

Impact:

• The defeat of Peshwa army was considered to be a victory against caste-based discrimination and oppression.
• It was one of the last battles of the Third Anglo-Maratha War, which ended the Peshwa domination.

Add ons:

• Babasaheb Ambedkar’s visit to the site in  1927, revitalised the memory of the battle for the Dalit community, making it a rallying point and an assertion of pride.

PRACTICE QUESTION:

Consider the following statements:

1. Third Anglo-Maratha war led to the end of the Maratha Empire

2. Pindaris assisted Peshwas during Third Anglo-Maratha War

3. Battle of Bhima-Koregaon was fought during Second Anglo-Maratha War

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1,2 and 3

Answer