Mysore/Mysuru: The Jai Bhima Koregaon Vijayotsava Samiti celebrated the 206th anniversary of Bhima Koregaon victory in the city on Monday.

On Jan. 1, 1818, a Dalit dominated British army defeated Peshwa army led by Peshwa Bajirao-II at Koregaon in Maharashtra. The battle attained a legendary status for Dalits, who consider the win as a victory of Mahars against the injustices perpetuated by the Peshwas.

Speaking on the occasion, former Mayor Purushotham urged the Government to take action against the culprits involved in the recent Nanjangud incident and to ensure that such incidents do not recur in the future.

Cautioning that the 19th century Bhima-Koregaon incident would recur if Nanjangud type incidents occur again, he strongly condemned the Nanjangud incident where some miscreants intentionally trampled on Mahishasura Rangoli drawing, which led to skirmishes between two groups.

Asserting that the Bhima Koregaon incident was indeed a battle of pride and self-respect for Mahars, Purushotham argued that the Mahars were indeed part of Naga community who ruled the country and that Manuvadis later distorted history clandestinely.

Bengaluru AKKA IAS Academy Director Dr. Shivakumar said that the New Year celebration also marks Bhima Koregaon victory.

Pointing out that a Dalit author by name Dr. Saraju Kaatakar  wrote a book on Bhima Koregaon in 2001, he said that the Bhima Koregaon victory is celebrated across the country since then.

Noting that the Mahar warriors were sworn enemies of Peshwas, Dr. Shivakumar said that the British, making use of the situation, launched a war against Peshwas with more than 500 Mahars in their side and won the battle decisively. The then British queen, hearing about the valour of Mahars, honoured them by installing a tower (Stambha) at Koregaon, he added.

Earlier, Bodhi Datta Bantheji of Chamarajanagar’s Nalanda Boudha University, inaugurated the event. Mysore Bar Association President M. Mahadevaswamy, Secretary S. Umesh, Law Guide Founder-Editor H.N. Venkatesh, leader AHINDA Chikkajavarappa, former Corporators Pallavi Begum and Prabhuswamy, Adikarnataka Mahasamsthe President Sunil Kumar, social workers Eshwar, R.C. Mahesh, S. Santosh and others were present.