Freedom Fighter Vasudev Balwant Phadke

GS Paper I History

Context:

The Home minister paid tribute to freedom fighter Vasudev Balwant Phadke on his death anniversary.

Father of the Indian Armed Rebellion: He was one of the first revolutionaries of India, also known as the ‘Father of the Indian Armed Rebellion.

Vasudev Balwant Phadke

Inspired by:
- Speeches of leaders like Dadabhai Nauroji and M G Ranade inspired Phadke.
Contribution to the Indian Freedom Struggle: Vasudev Balwant Phadke was the first Indian leader to go from village to village to preach the mantra of swaraj and to encourage the people to rebel against foreign rule.
- In 1879, along with his associates Gopal Hari Karve, Vishnu Gadre, Ganesh Dedhar, and others, Phadke ji formed one of the first revolutionary armies of India.
Established Poona Native Institution (now known as the Maharashtra Education Society): Phadke ji along with Waman Prabhakar Bhave and Laxman Narhar Indapurkar, set up the Poona Native Institution in 1874.
Passing away: 1883

Deccan famine of the late 1870s: The famine combined with the government’s increased revenue demands added to people’s misery.
Maharashtra famine: In 1886-87, Phadke revolutionary group issued a proclamation condemning the government’s economic policies.
Latent anger against the Britishers: Vasudev Balwant Phadke resented his bosses for denying his requests for leave to be with his dying mother and later, to attend rituals for her first death anniversary
Public Organisations like Sarvajanik Sabha in Pune: provided a platform where people could discuss the state of the country.
Influence of Lahuji Raghoji Salve: Salve gave arms training and generated feelings of patriotism in students’ minds.
- Apart from Phadke, Salve’s student’s included Tilak and Mahatma Phule.
Tribal Support: He found support among the nomadic tribes residing near Pune, the Ramoshis, Kolis, Bhils and Dhangars, to organise a revolt. With a 300-strong army, he began his armed struggle.

Public lectures and Secret Meetings: Vasudev Balwant Phadke delivered public lectures and tried mobilising people across Pune through secret meetings.
Radical action against the British: He did not favour the petitions and prayer methods.
Guerilla warfare: He tried to collect money and amass weapons to fight the British through guerrilla warfare.
Looting operations: The wealthy did not heed his call and refused to help with arms or money. Phadke’s party undertook some looting operations near Mumbai and the Konkan region to raise funds.
Swadeshi Vow: He had taken the Swadeshi vow. He asked the youth to become entrepreneurs and industrialists because the war against the British would not be fought with arms alone.

In the short span of his life, Vasudev Balwant Phadke paved the way for an organised armed movement that would fight for the freedom of India.

Also Read: Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti 2024

News Source: AIR

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