Vasudev Balwant Phadke - The Marathi freedom fighter of India
Maharashtra is the land of brave peoples. Many of which are not known to the world till today. Vasudev Balwant Phadke is one of the pioneers of Independence Struggle against British. He is named as father of the armed struggle. Let us know more about the brave Maharashtrian freedom fighter Vasudev Balwant Phadke.
Vasudev Balwant Phadke - The Marathi freedom fighter of India
On 4 Nov. 1845, Vasudev Balwant Phakde (Swatantrya Sainik) was born in a Brahmin family,at Shirodhon village in Panvel taluka of Raigad district(Maharashtra).
Vasudev started wrestling and riding when he was student. This helped him later in the struggle against the British. He was working as a clerk with the Military accounts in Pune,for 15 years. During this working period his mother was died and it was not able him to see his dying mother because of the delay of leave approval. It was the turning point of his life.
Phadke founded an institution to give education for youth.The institution was named as Aikya Vardhini Sabha. Vasudev started attending the lectures of Govind Ranade which was focused against the policies of British those were hurting the peoples of India.
Vasudev started protest against British for republic,but this was not supported by educated classes.Vasudev wanted to build his own army to fight against British Rule, but due to lack of money it was impossible.So he gathered 300 men and trained them shooting,riding.This was the band of gathered peoples in a group from various caste.In his band people from Ramoshi where with prominent numbers with Dhangars,Kolis and also Bhils were participated.
Vasudev and the members started raids on the Government treasuries the intention was to gather money for the benefits of famine stricken villagers.The first raid was at the house of local buisness man at Dhamari in Shirur taluka(Pune). They looted the money which was collected as income tax from Indians by British that was kept in this house.
It was the starting of new revolution against British,Vasudev started raids on the government treasuries and the money was used for benefits for the villagers.
British government announced the offered boonty for the capture of Vasudev,someone betrayed Vasudev. On 20 July 1879, Vasudev was captured by British. He was sentence life imprisonment at jail in Aden.Here Vasudev went on the hunger strike which was result in his death.
17th February 1883 was the last day of the great freedom fighter Vasudev Balwant Phadke.
Hello,
I was not knowing about this famous personalty.
Thanks for this article. Really a very inspiring article about freedom fighters.
Regards
Mrs. Medha Srikanth