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Two Forgotten Revolutions: Haitian and Bhima Koregaon Uprisings of the Most Oppressed

Two Forgotten Revolutions: Haitian and Bhima Koregaon Uprisings of the Most Oppressed

By Dr. Rahul Sonpimple

History often celebrates revolutions that reshape societies, yet the narratives of the most oppressed are frequently sidelined. Among these, the Haitian Revolution and the Battle of Koregaon stand as monumental events, embodying the spirit of resistance by marginalized communities. Both occurred on the same date—January 1—but in vastly different worlds. These revolutions symbolize the fight against entrenched hierarchies, drawing strength from modern ideals of liberty and equality to claim justice and dignity.
The Haitian Revolution, spanning from 1791 to 1804, culminated on January 1, 1804, when Jean-Jacques Dessalines declared Haiti's independence in the port city of Gonaïves. It was not just a rebellion but the only successful slave uprising in history, dismantling the colonial slave system and establishing Haiti as the first independent black republic outside Africa and the second independent nation in the Americas. Inspired by the Enlightenment principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity, the revolution directly confronted global racial oppression, proving that the ideals of the French Revolution could transcend European borders.
Half a world away and exactly fourteen years later, on January 1, 1818, another historic confrontation unfolded on the banks of the Bhima River near Pune, India. The Battle of Koregaon saw 500 untouchable Mahar soldiers of the British Army overcome a formidable force of 25,000 soldiers led by the Peshwas. For Dalits, this battle became a symbol of resistance against the oppressive Brahmanical caste order. It is commemorated as "Vijay Diwas" or Victory Day, a day that defies ancient Hindu scriptures, like the Manusmriti, which decreed that Dalits had no right to arms or militancy.
Both revolutions were bold rejections of traditional wisdom. The Haitian Revolution dismissed colonial ideologies, embracing universal principles of equality. Similarly, the Battle of Koregaon and its remembrance challenge caste norms that cast Dalits as silent sufferers of hierarchy. For Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Koregaon was not merely a military triumph; it was a potent symbol for envisioning a society based on justice and equality. In his writings, including "Buddha or Karl Marx," Ambedkar stressed that justice might require the use of force when peaceful means fail. This assertion disrupted conventional narratives, portraying Dalits not as victims but as active agents in their history.
Yet, both events remain marginalized in mainstream historical discourse. The Haitian Revolution, despite its unparalleled success, is often ignored in Eurocentric accounts. Likewise, the Battle of Koregaon finds little mention in Indian academic literature, as it challenges dominant caste-based historiography. Ambedkar's visits to Koregaon and his establishment of the Samata Sainik Dal were deliberate acts to resurrect Dalit militant history and break the silence imposed by Brahmanical dominance.
These forgotten revolutions are not just stories of resistance; they are blueprints for liberation. They reveal that freedom does not lie in adhering to oppressive traditions but in envisioning societies built on justice, equality, and universal human dignity. The Haitian Revolution and the Battle of Koregaon stand as timeless reminders of the oppressed asserting their place in history, proving that the fight for equality can triumph over even the most entrenched hierarchies.

Dr. Rahul Sonpimple

Dr. Rahul Sonpimple is a researcher, activist, political thinker, and academic. He is the founding President of the All India Independent Scheduled Castes Association (AIISCA) and Director of the Savitribai Phule Resource Centre, Nagpur. His work bridges grassroots activism with critical caste scholarship.

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