Intra-cultural identities

Bhima Koregaon: Clash of History

Bhima-Koregaon, a small village in Maharashtra located on the Pune-Ahmadnagar Highway, was in the news. Thousands of people from the Dalit caste had gathered in the village to celebrate the 200th anniversary of a battle won by the British army, mainly comprising the untouchable Mahars, against upper caste Peshwas, an event that became a symbol of Dalit pride. But the celebration soon turned into violent clashes between two groups which resulted in a death, injury and loss to government property across states.

This article explains the historical context, why a victory of British ....