Vasudev Balwant Phadke (1845-1883) was one of the foremost revolutionaries in India’s struggle for independence. He spearheaded an armed rebellion against British rule and paved the way for the rise of militant nationalism in the country. He remains a prominent figure in Indian history. He is known as a revolutionary leader and freedom fighter who played a crucial role in the struggle for independence during the British Raj.
The Life and Legacy of Vasudev Balwant Phadke
When we honour the legacy of Vasudev Balwant Phadke , let us understand his life’s story. Phadke was born on November 4, 1845 in the village of Shirdhon, Maharashtra to a Brahmin family. After graduating from Bombay University in 1862, he worked as a clerk for 15 years in the military accounts department in Pune.
eading an Armed Struggle
In 1875, Phadke formed a revolutionary group consisting mainly of oppressed peasant communities like Kolis, Bhils and Dhangars. On February 20, 1879, he declared an armed militia of 200 men, probably the first revolutionary army aimed at overthrowing British rule.
To support his rebels, Phadke launched raids on British outposts and businessmen, sending shockwaves through the colonial administration. He even managed to take brief control of Pune city after defeating British soldiers, further enhancing his reputation.
The British tried desperately to capture him, announcing a bounty on his head. But Phadke continued to elude authorities and inspire more Indians to join his independence struggle.
Capture and Death
In July 1879, Phadke was finally captured after a fierce fight in a temple in Kaladgi, Karnataka. He was imprisoned in Pune and then exiled to Aden, Yemen. Showing tremendous grit, he escaped on February 13, 1883 by pulling the prison door off its hinges! But he was recaptured and went on a hunger strike, dying on February 17 at just 37 years of age.
Legacy
Phadke’s brave armed revolt electrified the country and opened the doors for organized militant resistance against the British Raj. He is rightly honored as the “Father of the Indian Armed Rebellion” and one of the first martyrs of the freedom movement. His rebellion even inspired the famous novel “Anand Math” by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.
So on his death anniversary this February 17, let us remember this pioneering spirit who lives on eternally in the hearts of all Indians.
Key Achievements
- Formed a revolutionary group of landless peasants and tribal communities like Kolis, Bhils and Dhangars to start an armed struggle.
- Launched raids on British outposts to obtain funds and provisions for his rebels. Defeated British troops in skirmishes.
- Took control of Pune city briefly after catching the British off-guard. Issued fiery proclamations criticizing British rule.
- Inspired a long tradition of revolutionary activity and militant nationalism against the Raj.
Phadke was finally captured in 1879 and died in 1883 from illness and hunger strike while in exile imprisonment. But his heroic legacy as the Father of Armed Struggle continued to inspire revolutionaries for decades to come in the fight for freedom.
महान क्रांतिकारी वासुदेव बलवंत फड़के
वासुदेव बलवंत फड़के (1845-1883) भारत के स्वतंत्रता संग्राम के सबसे प्रमुख क्रांतिकारियों में से एक थे। उन्होंने ब्रिटिश शासन के खिलाफ सशस्त्र विद्रोह का नेतृत्व किया और देश में आक्रामक राष्ट्रवाद के उदय का मार्ग प्रशस्त किया। 4 नवंबर 1845 को महाराष्ट्र के शिर्धोन गांव में एक ब्राह्मण परिवार में जन्मे फड़के ने 1862 में बॉम्बे विश्वविद्यालय से स्नातक की उपाधि प्राप्त की। 1876-77 के भीषण अकाल के दौरान किसानों की दुर्दशा से गहराई से प्रभावित, फड़के ने ब्रिटिश शासन से पूर्ण स्वतंत्रता (स्वराज) हासिल करने का पक्का निश्चय किया।
मुख्य उपलब्धियां
- भूमिहीन किसानों और आदिवासी समुदायों का एक क्रांतिकारी समूह बनाया और सशस्त्र संघर्ष शुरू किया।
- अपने विद्रोहियों के लिए धन और आपूर्ति प्राप्त करने के लिए ब्रिटिश चौकियों पर हमले किए और झड़पों में ब्रिटिश सैनिकों को हराया।
- ब्रिटिश को अचानक पकड़ कर कुछ दिनों के लिए पुणे शहर पर कब्जा कर लिया। ब्रिटिश शासन की आलोचना करते हुए आग उगलते घोषणापत्र जारी किए।
- राज के खिलाफ सशस्त्र संघर्ष और आक्रामक राष्ट्रवाद की एक लंबी परंपरा को प्रेरित किया।
1879 में फड़के को पकड़ा गया और 1883 में निर्वासन कारावास के दौरान बीमारी और भूख हड़ताल से उनकी मृत्यु हो गई। लेकिन उनकी नायकाना विरासत ‘सशस्त्र संघर्ष के पिता’ के रूप में आजादी के लिए संघर्षरत क्रांतिकारियों को दशकों तक प्रेरित करती रही।
महान क्रांतीकारक वासुदेव बळवंत फडके
वासुदेव बळवंत फडके (१८४५-१८८३) हे भारताच्या स्वातंत्र्यलढ्यातील सर्वांत प्रमुख क्रांतीकारक होते. त्यांनी ब्रिटिश सत्तेविरुद्ध सशस्त्र उठावाचे नेतृत्व केले आणि देशात आक्रमक राष्ट्रवादाच्या उदयाला मार्ग मोकळा केला.
४ नोव्हेंबर १८४५ रोजी महाराष्ट्रातील शिर्धोण गावातील एका ब्राह्मण कुटुंबात जन्मलेल्या फडके यांनी १८६२ मध्ये बॉम्बे विद्यापीठातून स्नातकोत्तर पदवी मिळवली. १८७६-७७ च्या भीषण दुष्काळाच्या काळात शेतकऱ्यांच्या दुरावस्थेने त्यांना खूप प्रभावित केले होते. त्यामुळे ब्रिटिश राजवटीपासून पूर्ण स्वातंत्र्य (स्वराज्य) मिळवण्याचा त्यांनी दृढ निश्चय केला होता.
मुख्य उपलब्धी
- भूमिहीन शेतकऱ्यांच्या आणि आदिवासी समुदायांच्या एका क्रांतिकारक गटाची स्थापना केली आणि सशस्त्र संघर्ष सुरू केला.
- ब्रिटिश ठिकाणी हल्ले करून त्यांच्या विद्रोह्यांसाठी पैसे आणि पुरवठा मिळवला आणि चकमकीत ब्रिटिश सैनिकांना हरवले.
- ब्रिटिशला अचानक पकडून काही दिवसांसाठी पुणे शहरावर ताबा मिळवला. ब्रिटिश राजवटीचा टीकाक्षेप करणारी ज्वलंत घोषणापत्रे प्रसिद्ध केली.
By commemorating Vasudev Balwant Phadke’s death anniversary, we ensure that his sacrifices are not forgotten and that generations continue to draw inspiration from his courage and determination.
A Homage to Vasudev Balwant Phadke
Vasudev Balwant Phadke was a true hero who fearlessly fought against British oppression during India’s struggle for independence. His unwavering spirit serves as a beacon of hope for those striving for justice and freedom even today. By celebrating his death anniversary, we pay homage to this great leader while also preserving our rich history of against colonial rule. Let us remember Phadke’s legacy with gratitude and strive towards upholding the values he stood for – unity, courage, and unwavering dedication to the cause of a free.
For Further Reading
Wikipedia page on Vasudev Balwant Phadke or visit Sahapedia, Hindujagruti, Fandom- Military History, e Library, Parliament of India, Press Information Bureau