Two Battles: Kalinga and Koregaon

Battles have been notable events in human history. Many battles have been fought and the outcomes of the battles changed the cause of religions, nations, tribes, and communities.

The battle of Kalinga changed the history of the world. If Chandashoka had not realised folly and futility of the Kalinga war, he would not have become Dhammashok. Had Ashoka not converted to Buddha Dhamma, the history of Buddhism as it arose would not have arisen. After Kalinga battle, Ashoka renounced war and embraced peace. However, Ashoka fought the political battle and he sought expansion of his empire.

On 1st January 1818, another battle at Koregaon was fought. It was also a political battle, but the majority of soldiers who fought this battle were not motivated politically, but they were mobilised socially. The battle was fought between the justice inspired Mahars who were in majority and they destroyed the Brahminical hegemony of the Peshvas who were discriminating against the present-day SC, ST, and OBC population. This battle destroyed the casteist regime of the Brahmins.

According to the father of the non-Brahman movement, Jotiba Phule, the battle of Koregaon set up the foundation of the non-Brahman movement. If it was not for the battle of Koregaon, the non-Brahman movement would not have arisen and had it not arisen social movement in India would have not arisen.

Babasaheb Ambedkar called his movement a battle and this battle gave so much for the reclamation of human personalities.

We have to wage a battle when the virtue is in danger. CAA and NRC are such dangers at present for the society, against such discriminatory laws everyone must get united and wage war!

Author – Mangesh Dahiwale, Human Rights Activist