Rethinking Koregaon: Beyond the black and white of history

A fresh take on Koregaon

Dear reader,

What's the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of the Battle of Koregaon? It’s a story often told as a heroic Dalit stand against oppression. But Aravindan Neelakandan, in his article, asks: did the Mahar community really side with the British as a bold statement against caste tyranny, or is there more to the story?

Aravindan digs into the nooks and crannies of history, challenging the long-held belief of the battle being a simple tale of good vs. bad. He reveals how every community, including the Mahars, had complex reasons for their choices. And these choices, he argues, weren't just black and white but influenced by the intricate politics of the time.

What's fascinating is how he connects these historical decisions to the broader narrative of British colonialism in India. He makes us think about the consequences of these alliances – were they a strategic mistake or a necessity of the time? And how did these choices affect the Mahar community afterward?

It's an engaging take: https://swarajyamag.com/ideas/koregaon-memorial-what-does-it-really-signify