I heard about Bhima Koregaon when it was all over the news channels in January 2018. The only thing that I knew were the reports of violence after a clash between Dalit groups and Marathas in and around Bhima Koregaon village in Maharashtra. By 2018, the media had lost all its credibility, and most were toeing the government line, so I was not sure what was shown on TV news was even correct. I tried to find more information about the Bhima Koregaon event, its history, and its significance. I found some, but it was still not enough, and then the book “Bhima Koregaon – Challenging Caste” came out, which takes a deep dive into the whole event, its history, and what happened after the January 2018 violence. It dispelled a lot of doubts and half-truths.
The book is a well-researched, detailed account of the Bhima Koregaon event, the violence, and the subsequent selective arrests of some of the prominent members of civil society. These people were collectively called BK16 after the arrest of sixteen people allegedly for their role in Bhima Koregaon violence. The author meticulously documents the details of each arrest and how these arrests were made (mostly illegal and on fabricated charges). He documents the cases filed against them first by the Maharashtra government and later by the central government, all charged under the UAPA (Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act].
To understand the Bhima Koregaon issue, one needs to understand the history of Bhima Koregaon, the history of Dalits under the Peshwa rule, and the treatment of Dalits by the Peshwas and other upper caste Marathas. The author starts with the introduction of Elgar Parishad, which organizes the annual event to communicate the victory of Dalit (Mahar) soldiers over the Maratha forces in the battle of Koregaon in 1818. Then, he gives a brief history of Maharashtra and the social hierarchy of Marathas and Dalits and about the fight over the history between the two groups. He documents the series of events leading to violence on January 1, 2018, a day after the convention of Elgar Parishad.
The event of January 1, 2018, led to protests by Dalits and, subsequently, FIR against Sambhaji Bhide and Milind Ekbote for instigating violence against Dalits. It is interesting, surprising, and frustrating to learn how things unfold in the coming months. The Bhima Koregaon violence was turned into something else by the government. By June 2018, the government started targeting the activists and arresting them under the UAPA. Most of these activists work with Dalits, Tribals, and minorities in the tribal and most backward areas of the country. This turn of events is bizarre and sinister as we would come to know while reading the book.
The government’s decision to arrest the BK16 activists—without substantial evidence and while repeatedly denying them bail—reflects a disturbing abuse of power. Among them was 83-year-old Father Stan Swamy, who tragically died in custody after being denied bail, without even a formal case filed against him. The author meticulously documents each arrest, outlining the specific charges faced by every individual. Each account stands out, revealing the unique circumstances and timelines of their detentions. As one reads through these stories, a deep sense of frustration and helplessness sets in. The narrative starkly illustrates how oppressive the state can become when individuals challenge interests tied to economic and corporate agendas. Importantly, this is not an issue exclusive to the current government—earlier administrations have also targeted these individuals on various pretexts. The pattern of repression runs deep, transcending party lines and pointing to a broader systemic failure.
The Author interviews the family members of the BK16. It is heartbreaking to know what they must endure, but at the same time, it generates a sense of respect for the incarcerated and their family members. They know what can happen to them and their family members, but still, they choose to raise their voices for the marginalized and fight for them.
A must-read book to understand the history and significance of Bhima Koregaon. It is also a great book to understand the power of government and what it can do to anyone who does not toe their line. It also shows us the power of conviction of some upright people who defy all odds to fight for an equal world and society.
About The Author
Ajaz Ashraf became an independent journalist a dozen years ago, after tiring of the angularities of media outlets. He writes Monday Blues, a column for the mid-day newspaper.