Vasudeo Balwant Phadke
- 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.
- 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
Factors that Influenced Vasudev Balwant Phadke to Rebel Against the Britishers
- 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.
Methods employed By Vasudev Balwant Phadke Ji
- 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.
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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.
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