Vasudev Balwant Phadke (Aged 38) also known as the “Father of Indian Armed Rebellion,” was an Indian independence activist and revolutionary who fought for India’s freedom from colonial rule. He was born on 4 November 1845. Phadke was deeply moved by the plight of the farming community and believed that Swaraj was the only solution to their problems. He formed a revolutionary group with the help of the Koli, Bhil, Mahar, Mang, Ramoshi, and Dhangar communities in the region. The group launched an armed struggle to overthrow the colonial government and raided wealthy European businessmen to obtain funds.
Phadke gained prominence after catching colonial soldiers off-guard during a surprise attack and gaining control of the city of Pune for a few days. Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s patriotic novel Anand Math incorporated various contemporary acts performed by Phadke during his activities. However, as the colonial government did not like this, Bankim had to print up to five editions of the book to tone down these stories. Phadke passed away on 17 February 1883.
In 1984, the Indian Postal Service issued a 50 paise stamp in Phadke’s honor. A chowk in South Mumbai near Metro Cinema is named after him, and a Marathi movie titled “Vasudev Balwant Phadke,” directed by Gajendra Ahire, was released in December 2007.
Vasudev Balwant Phadke
(1845 – 1883) – (Maharashtra)
Vasudev Balwant Phadke (Aged 38) also known as the “Father of Indian Armed Rebellion,” was an Indian independence activist and revolutionary who fought for India’s freedom from colonial rule. He was born on 4 November 1845. Phadke was deeply moved by the plight of the farming community and believed that Swaraj was the only solution to their problems. He formed a revolutionary group with the help of the Koli, Bhil, Mahar, Mang, Ramoshi, and Dhangar communities in the region. The group launched an armed struggle to overthrow the colonial government and raided wealthy European businessmen to obtain funds.
Phadke gained prominence after catching colonial soldiers off-guard during a surprise attack and gaining control of the city of Pune for a few days. Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s patriotic novel Anand Math incorporated various contemporary acts performed by Phadke during his activities. However, as the colonial government did not like this, Bankim had to print up to five editions of the book to tone down these stories. Phadke passed away on 17 February 1883.
In 1984, the Indian Postal Service issued a 50 paise stamp in Phadke’s honor. A chowk in South Mumbai near Metro Cinema is named after him, and a Marathi movie titled “Vasudev Balwant Phadke,” directed by Gajendra Ahire, was released in December 2007.
News