Context: A year after caste clashes marred the event to celebrate the anniversary of Koregaon Bhima battle, at least five lakh people, including political leaders, paid tributes amidst heavy police presence at the memorial here, which has come to be known as a symbol of Dalit pride.

• In the Dalit narrative, the 1818 battle is the victory over casteism as the British Army comprising a large contingent of Dalit Mahar soldiers had defeated the forces of Peshwas - -the Brahmin custodians of the Maratha kingdom.

What is Bhima-Koregaon?

• A small village in Pune district of Maharashtra, Bhima-Koregaon is associated with an important phase of Maratha history.
• On January 1, 1818, a Dalit-dominated British Army had defeated a Peshwa army, led by Peshwa Bajirao II, in Koregaon.
• The battle attained a legendary stature for Dalits, who consider the win as a victory of the Mahars against the injustices perpetuated by the Peshwas.
• A pillar, known as Vijay Sthamb (victory pillar), was installed by the East India Company in memory of those who fought for them in the battle.
• It is at this pillar that thousands of Dalits come to pay respect every year on January 1.

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/koregaon-bhima-its-roses-bounteous-gestures-at-dalit-event-marred-by-caste-clashes-last-year-5519082/

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