Battle of Koregaon
Koregaon Bhima, Pune district, Maharashtra, India
What happened
An East India Company force of about 800 men under Captain Francis Staunton, many of them Mahar soldiers, faced part of the army of Peshwa Baji Rao II. The Company troops were marching to reinforce Pune when they met a much larger Maratha army by the Bhima River. They took shelter in the village of Koregaon and held it for nearly twelve hours. At night the attackers withdrew as British reinforcements came near.
Why it matters
Why it matters: The Company built a victory pillar at Koregaon listing its fallen soldiers, many of them Mahars. Since B. R. Ambedkar visited in 1927, many Dalits gather there each New Year's Day to honour them.
What came next
The Peshwa surrendered to John Malcolm in June 1818 and was given a pension and a home at Bithoor.
Did you know?
Captain Staunton was given a sword and 500 guineas by the Company's directors.
Timeline
- 1 January 1818Battle of Koregaon.
- 2 June 1818The Peshwa surrenders to John Malcolm.
- 1 January 1927B. R. Ambedkar visits the pillar.
- Every 1 JanuaryLarge gatherings at the pillar.