In this article, we will explore Raghoji Bhangare and its impact on our lives in detail. Raghoji Bhangare is a relevant topic today and its importance cannot be underestimated. Throughout history, Raghoji Bhangare has played a crucial role in society, culture and politics. In this context, it is essential to understand the different facets of Raghoji Bhangare and its influence on our daily lives. Through a comprehensive analysis, this article will seek to shed light on Raghoji Bhangare and its relevance in the modern world.
The Raghojirao Ramjirao Bhangre also spell Bhangaria (8 November 1805 – 2 May 1848) was an Indian revolutionary who challenged and defied the British power in the Bombay Presidency. He was the son of Ramji Bhangare, a Koli who also resisted the British rule and was subsequently hanged in Cellular Jail. He was only ten years old when he took up arms against British rule in Maharashtra.
The main reason of revolt by Raghoji Bhangare was being torture of his mother by British officials with the assistance of some Marwadis of village.
Indian social activist, thinker, anti-caste social reformer and writer from Maharashtra Jyotirao Phule may have been inspired by the revolts of Raghoji Bhangre, among others. The revolts of Raghoji Bhangare are considered as most significant in history of Maharashtra. Compared to the revolts made by Raghoji Bhangre, the other revolts were not very significant though they continued to take place until 1946-47.
Raghoji Bhangre was titled as Bandkari for his revolts. Bandkari means leader of rebellions in Marathilanguage.
Early life
Raghoji was born in 1805 to Ramjirao Bhangre in Deogaon of Akole in Western Ghat of Maharashtra in British India. His family members were Mahadev Koli and were active in Indian independence movement. His father Ramji Bhangre also served as Jamadar in the British Police but latter gave up the job and revolted against British government. After death of his father, he succeeded his father as Patil of Devgam and head of family.
Revolutionary activities
In 1818, the Maratha Empire was defeated by British in the Battle of Koregaon. After that the tribals of Maharashtra took to slavery and Raghoji Rao raised against British rule in the minor age. He captured the British treasure and he was declared as an Outlaw. After that he resisted the government in Poona. In 1844, Raghoji along with his brother Bapuji Bhangre led the anti-british uprisings in Ahmednagar, Nashik and Punedistrict. Raghoji with his brother Bapuji Bhangre cut off the noses of british officers, Sahukars and Zamidars. After that the Captain Giberne seized a party of rebels. At 20 September 1844, Raghuji killed an officer and ten constables in the hills. In 1845, his rebellion spread over Pune, Satara and Purandar. A reward of five thousands rupees was announced for the capture of Raghoji.
Death
On 2 May 1848, Bhangre was caught by Lieutenant-General Gell and hanged.
^ abKennedy, Michael (1985). The Criminal Classes in India. New Delhi, India, Asia: Mittal Publications. pp. 92: The year 1845 was rendered famous in Koli history by the excesses of the notorious Raghoji Bhangria who, becoming an outlaw, organized bands of Kolis with whom he roamed the countryside revenging himself on avaricious Marwadis by cutting off their noses. Strong measures broke up his gangs but not till the Marwadi community for the most part had fled in terror. Raghoji was ultimately caught at Pandharpur by Captain Gell, convicted and hanged.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
^Guha, Sumit (2 November 2006). Environment and Ethnicity in India, 1200-1991. New Delhi, India, Asia: Cambridge University Press. pp. 103: The Koli identity nonetheless persisted and they retained their militant reputation. Down to the mid-nineteenth century the policing of a substantial area was in the hands of different Koli naiks appointed by the colonial government. However, their powers were curtailed after they colluded with the famous Koli rebel Raghoji Bhangare, who successfully defied the government for two years. None the less, during the great crisis of 1857, the colonial regime turned to the Koli militia, and raised an irregular corps from among them to combat Bhil insurgents in Ahmadnagar and Nasik. ISBN9780521028707.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
^Ghurye, Govind Sadashiv (1957). The Mahadev Kolis. New Delhi, India, Asia: Popular Book Depot. pp. 13: yet within a decade or so Raghoji Bhangare raised his banner again and the turmoil lasted till A.D. 1848. The immediate cause of Raghoji's revolt was the torture of his mother, and its objective was the Marwadi merchants who assisted the British officials.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
^Sunthankar, B. R. (1988). Nineteenth Century History of Maharashtra: 1818-1857. New Delhi, India, Asia: Shubhada-Saraswat Prakashan. pp. 408: 1844, again the tribes organised a rebellion under the leadership of Raghu Bhangre and Bapu Bhangre, the two sons of a jamadar of the Ahmadnagar police, who was a Koli by caste . Their headquarters were the hilly country north of Pune. ISBN978-81-85239-50-7.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
^Divekar, V. D. (1993). South India in 1857 War of Independence. New Delhi, , India, Asia: Lokmanya Tilak Smarak Trust. pp. 62: In 1844, anti - British uprisings in Pune area were led by two brothers, namely, Raghu Bhangre and Bapu Bhangre . Their followers included people of different Koli sub-castes. Bapu was caught by the British on 18 August 1845.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
^Шалькевіч, Вячаслаў (1973). Скорина и скориниана. New Delhi, India, Asia: Изд-во "Право и экономика". pp. 139: In 1844, the Kolies renewed their rebellious activities in the Ahmadnagar and Nasik regions under the leadership of Raghu Bhangre and Bapu Bhangre. ISBN978-985-442-076-9.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
^Kulkarni-Pathare, Dr Ravindra Thakur, Reshma (17 February 2020). MAHATMA JYOTIRAO PHULE. New Delhi, India, Asia: Mehta Publishing House. pp. Colonel Macintosh had cracked down on the rebellion led by the Bhangares. Bapu Bhangare had been imprisoned. Raghoji Bhangare had somehow escaped and was in hiding. The government had announced an award of Rs. 5000 for anybody delivering Raghoji to them. ISBN978-93-5317-404-0.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link) CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)