Was Baba Saheb Dr Ambedkar Messiah of Dalits only?

Bharaat Ratna Dr Baba Saheb Bhimrao Ambedkar (Remembering Mahamanav Bodhisattva On His 130th Birth Anniversary falling on 14th April, 2021) Topic: Was Baba Saheb Dr Ambedkar Messiah of Dalits only? By: Er.H.R. Phonsa ( hrphonsa @gmail.com) Bharat Ratna Baba Saheb Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, was an Indian jurist, political leader, Dalit leader, philosopher, thinker, anthropologist, historian, orator, prolific writer, economist, women emancipator, human rights profounder, valiant upholder of human rights. an eminent and erudite scholar, editor, revolutionist and a revivalist for Buddhism in India , now has many memorials in the foreign lands. Many of his life connected event days are celebrated in his memory as Vidharithy Diwas , World Equality day, World Knowledge Day . Many surveys have been carried world over after Baba Sahib’s death which selected him as first among many world personalities. Number One student out of 100 in Colubia University in its 2004 survey, Greatest Indian after Gandhi. He was awarded Bharat Ratna ( Posthumously) in 1988, the highest Civilian Reward by grateful Nation for his numerous services. He is only Dalit among 48 Bharat Ratna awardees. It is said that some are born great others are made great and still others become great by surmounting hurdles in their paths by themselves. Another philosopher said that some people read history, some teach history, some people make history and a few become history. Dr. Ambedkar fell in the category of people who become history. By reading life events of Baba Saheb one finds there was not even a singly hurdle free step in his life. There was not even a single act of his life which he earned through favour or courtesy of others. All is life he had to row against the currents. He was born in rags and died with rupees forty thousand debt, bore loincloth in school, sat alone on the corner of classroom floor, remained thirsty for hours even days . Once a school inspector put question to his class students “Name a distant object” Students gave answers as moon, sun, stars. But Bhim pointed toward a water pitcher kept out side, saying for him it is far away object. Although he was gentle, shining but hated being untouchable by his Indian barber, classmates, teachers, students, follow politicians including his office Brahmin peon. He slept on floor, lived night through on single loaf of bread, still was first to reach the entry gate of London Museum and last to leave it. He was termed as poor man’s lawyer; still he won cases declared as impossible by other caste Hindu lawyers. He was called traitor by his opponents for his caring to those to who even God never cared. He over worked at the cost of his life and comforts of his family as he ofter said his time is short but work is more. He lost his poise and caring wife in her young age, and four children (Three sons Romesh, Gangadhar, Rajratana and daughter named Indu) for want of care, money to buy medicines. On the death of his loving son his wife had to tear out a part of her sari to cover the dead child before giving burial. Despite all such hurdles, pains, sorrows, he never deviated from the set goal of working to change life conditions to his people, whom he loved even dearly to his life. They too stood by him in thick and thin, in large number. He often said he was born to safe guard interests of all oppressed, deprived majority to whom caste mentors had declared Shudra ( both touchable and untouchable), and he had bowed to offer any sacrifice for restoring them their lost human rights. He remained awake even during nights to guard their interests, when other caste and party political leaders were in sleep. Bodhisattva, a lifetime committed helper of weak, Dr. Ambedkar as know in childhood Bhima or Bhiva, , Son of Subedar Major Ramji Malogi Sakhpal and Bhimabai, was born on 14th April,1891. He worked till after 12 O’clock in the night of 5th December, 1956 and after a few hours sleep, he slept forever. He was found dead on early morning of 6th December, 1956 by his wife Savita Ambedkar.The immense affections he enjoyed of his followers, was demonstrated by a funeral procession of laces, with wet eyes, crying ,chanting long live Baba Saheb slogans breaking all previous Bombay history records. Was Baba Saheb only Messiah of Dalits ? Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar is often referred as Messiah of Dalits while remembering his services, which it is not even half truth. Let us examine it in some details with facts and figures. Although his opponents addressed him at times a traitor, stooge of British, but actually he never acted against the interests of his country. In his1946 London press conference Baba Saheb stressed the British leaders to enforce 1935 Act and hand over united India to Indian Parties may be after 10 years, proving wrong to those who claimed that Baba Saheb was supporter of division of India on caste lines.(Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar By Dhanjay Keer pages 139, 384). When British Prime Minister, Churchill directed the Indian Governor General to arrest all Indian leaders and send them to Andemans and Seyshells jails, on their“ Quit India resolution” decision of 14 July to launch “ Quit India Movement”. At the end of July 1942, Executive Council meeting was called by the Viceroy, to discuss the proposal and whether to put all congress leaders in jails or not. There were Hindu, Muslim, Parsee, Christian Council members, all signed the proposal of the Viceroy to put leaders in jails, which only Baba Saheb objected. He said Gandhi, Nehru, Rajinder Babu etc. were national heroes. Baba Saheb pleaded the congress leaders were fighting for independence of their country, which was not a crime. Only he could muster courage to object, not sign British Proposal , when other fell in line with British expecting award of royal titles like Sir’s, Rai Sahib’s, Rai Bahadur’s, Dewan Sahib’s etc. British offered Knighthood title Baba Saheb and promise to support to Baba Saheb’s proposals for empowering his SCs/ST people, if he opposed the proposal of Independence against the British. Also the Hyderabad Nizam offered Baba Saheb a cash of cores if he got converted to Islam with his people. The Maharaja of Patiala offered him post of Prime Minister had he proposed his people to accept conversion to Sikhism amass . He refused all such temptations, proving his opponents wrong who termed him as enemy of Hindus. His opponents could not win him by arguments, so adopted unconstitutional, deceitful methods, like caste hate propaganda , hunger strikes, and spreading other false rumours. Here also he remained committed to the cause of India and its people. Had Baba Saheb not agreed to sign Poona Pact in 1932, which he never wanted as per his free will, India might have faced worst human tragedy including huge loss to properties . Had Gandhi Ji died during his fast, lakhs might have been assassinated by religious reactionary’s clashes besides all time love lost between Indian communities. This was saved by visionary Baba Saheb knowing well he was losing a right of his people for which he worked all those years. Despite this Hindu leaders including Pt. Madan Mohan Malvia, who signed Poona Pact 1932 , sprinkled Gangajal on them to get purified of the pollution they said to have got by touching Scheduled Caste leaders like Baba Saheb Dr. Ambedkar (My memories and Experiences of Baba Saheb Dr. B. R. Ambedkar by Shankranand Shastri Page 34 , 116&151). In November 1930 he fearlessly asked British in their London bastion, during first RTC that they must free India immediately as they have failed to watch Indian interests while ruling. His people more than population of England, German were reduced to a level even worst than serf or slaves. He said in Bombay Legislative Council as its member in 1927 “Whenever there is a conflict between my personnel interests and the interests of country as a whole, I have always placed the claims of the country above my personnel claims --- when there is a conflict in interests between country and the Untouchables, the untouchable’s interests will take precedence over the interests of the country”. In another statement Baba Saheb declared that he was Indian all through, unlike those who are the Hindu, the Muslim, the Sikh, the Christian first then Indian. Against all odds he did what he thought fit for his peoples and country. He struck to his words and fulfilled promises with his people. If analysed with analytic, unbiased Visionary mind Baba Saheb Dr. Ambedkar’s thought, struggle, work was for all humanity in humanity in general and his motherland in particular. No double his struggle was also for the up lifting his downtrodden like a Divine Angle. He argued that major chunk of India population consisting of Shudras, deprived, oppressed, depressed people needed his help for restoration of their denied human rights for centuries. By deep analysis of his work and mind, he was common to all, possessed no ill will even towards his sworn opponents. At angry moments, he exhibited bitter tongue but always carried a mother’s heart inside. His such actions were like a potter and guide as per Kabir said “ Antar Hatt Sahar Ki Bihir Marre Chot”. A potter and teacher while moulding an earthen pot and a disciple, keep a soft pad on side while striking on the outer surface. Let us analysis his more common interest contributions: Baba Saheb a “Symbol” of knowledge was world class student, with many of his research finding put challenges to surpass. His academic records of knowledge as DSC in Economics ( Perhaps only Indian till date) PhD’s has helped spread knowledge to world students. His score of 32 Degrees ( Hon. Included) , knowledge of over 64 subjects and ten languages still remains a challenge for world students to cross. His dedicated work for deprived millions of his people which gives him recognition in the line of world intellectuals, like Nelson Mandela, Stalin, Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, Karl Max, Mahatma Gandhi and many more. His private library with about 50,000 books, worth many laces was donated to educational institutions, where scholars of all caste, religions read and get benefitted. The Peoples’ Education Society he founded in 1945 now runs 12 University affiliated colleges, 6 of which are affiliated to the University of Mumbai, 5 to the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University and one to University of Pune imparting University Education to as many as 30,000 students of whom over 15,000 belong to the under privileged classes and rest to general categories. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar was the Savior of Labors in India . Labour come from all sections of society not Dalits only. His work to get enacted Acts and rules of common benefits to people from all sections of societyl. As Labour Executive Member of the Viceroy ( 1942 and 1946) , he was sworn on July 7, 1942. Dr. Ambedkar did a pioneering work . Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar believes that caste is not merely the division of Labour but division of labourers based upon the graded inequality As Chairman of 4th to 7th sessions of Indian Labour Conferences held in 1942-45 he laboured a lot to get labour benefit rules passed, some details of those rulesis given here under. • Reduction in Factory Working Hours (8 hours duty) : cuurrently the working hours in India per day were about 8 hours. • Health Insurance Scheme. • Labour Welfare Funds • Provident Fund Act. • Factory Amendment Act. • Minimum wage • Dearness Allowance (DA) to Workers. • Leave Benefit to Piece Workers. • Revision of Scale of Pay for Employees. • Coal and Mica Mines Provident Fund: • Employees State Insurance (ESI • The Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 was enacted to provide for the investigation and settlement of industrial disputes, to prevent illegal strikes and lockouts, to provide relief to workmen during lay-off or after retrenchment or wrongful dismissal. • The Indian Trade Unions (Amendment) Bill: • Mines Maternity Benefit Act, • Equal wages for equal work irrespective of Sex and caste of the labourer was brought in India. • Women Labour welfare fund, • Women and Child, Labour Protection Act, • Leave Benefit to Piece Workers. • Maternity Benefits for women Labour, • Restoration of Ban on Employment of Women on Underground Work in Coal Mines, • Indian Factory Act. • National Employment Agency (Establishing Employment Exchanges), Sates and Union Public Commissions. • Women and Child, Labour Protection Act. • As world supper economist Baba Saheb ‘s research experiences of PhD, DSc helped in establishment of RBI and many other financial institutions including Finance Commission, planning commission Besides these Baba Saheb framed policy to establish • The Damodar valley project, Hirakund project, The Sone River valley project, Bhakhara Dam on mighty Satluj river • India’s Water Policy and Electric Power Planning • Post War Economic Planning • Indian Statistical Law • He was chosen as Chairman of Constitution Drafting committee to write Constitution for free India, when some foreigners asked to write Indian Constitution by Indian Primer denied. His constitution is unique law Statue Book in the world. Its pledges to secure justice, liberty, equality to all citizens and promote fraternity to maintain unity and integrity of the nation. Before this document came into force even individual liberty, justice, equality, indivial dignity rights were graded. Universal adult franchise including women is a unique beauty of this statue. Despite his failing health he laboured for 2 years,11 months and 18 days to give this Constitution to benefit all Indian. • The India women cannot forget him for his efforts of getting piloted the Hindu Code Bill, was not passed due to stiff opposition of Hindu Reactionary forces in and outside the Parliament, he resigned in protest from Union Law Ministry, creating a world history of sorts. The political parties in power could not arrest the movement he initiated through the Hindu Code Bill and so had to pass it may be in parts over the years. Due to Baba Saheb’s efforts Indian woman now enjoys her centauries denied rights. He contested for all Indian women not only Dalit women. Besides this he worked for specific benefits for the Depressed Classes (presently known as SCs, STs, OBCs) besides other minorities. He organised them to face religious social, political challenges in future India. His agitation to get right of drinking water from the public sources he suffered beating, abuses besides pleading his case for ten years. His guidance to continuous 5 years agitation for entry to Kala Ram Temple Poona ( Now Pune),Reservation in political and in State Employments is a unique right he got by convincing its need, in Constitutional Assembly of elected 299 members many of whom were Princes of else while states, High calibre British time Bureaucrats, Jurists, political leaders, and religious leaders. By high lighting contributions of Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar, I do not mean undermine contribution of other leaders of his time each one of whom was great in his /her field, spheres. Despite all his services to his Samaj, country, world, he never asked any favour for his self or his family. The story narration of his contribution cannot be summed up in few pages, and even this small brief can say with confidence, that Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar was not a Messiah, Savoir, Guide, Emancipator, friend, well wisher of Dalits, Depressed masses of India but for all Indian irrespective of caste, creed, sex, place of birth, economic or education status of persons. Words: 2600 Material Source:- 1.Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar by: D.Keer 2. My memories and Experiences of Baba Saheb Dr. B. R. Ambedkar by Shankranand Shastri. 3. Dr.Baba Saheb Ambedkar by Basant Moon ISBN 978-81-237-0941-3 ( Hindi) 4. DR.B.R.Ambedkar "The Messiah of the Down Trodden" by Janak Singh published by KALPAZ Delhi-52(2010) 5. Dr Ambedkar Jiwan Ate Mission (Punjabi) by L.R. Bali Jalander, 6. Last Few years of Dr. Ambedkar by Nanak Chand Rattu Amrit Publishing House New Delhi 1997 7.Dalit Movement in India and its Leaders(1 857-1956) by R.K. Kshirsagar M.D Publications New Delhi 1994

RAI SAHEB G.T MESHRAM (1895-1953)

RAI SAHEB G.T MESHRAM (1895-1953) (Let us Salute to the memory of this Dalit icon on his 67th Mahaprinirvan falling April,2021) By: Er.H.R.Phonsa Shri Gobindrao Meshram was son of a Mahar Shri Tukaram Meshram who was a soda factory worker at Nagpur. Shri Gobindrao Meshram was born on 30 thSeptember 1895 at Indore, Nagpur. Indore is the commercial capital city of central India and is 190 km west of the Madhya Pradesh state capital Bhopal. Earlier Indore along with Nagpur was part of the Central Province. However, after reorganization of the state in 1956, Indore became part of MP and Nagpur of Maharashtra. Shri Gobindrao Meshram married Smt. Sarubai and had one son and two daughters. Shri Gobindrao T. Meshram passed the Matriculation examination in 19RAI SAHEB G.T MESHRAM (1895-1953)15 from the Roman Catholic High School of Nagpur. After matriculation, he joined the Indian Army for some time and soon resigned. On leaving Army, he became member of the Nagpur municipality. He met Dr. Ambedkar, who convinced Meshram G.T. by his philosophy of Dalit empowerment. Dr. Ambedkar was sure enough that the Caste Hindus were not prepared to recognize the human rights of the Dalits. Therefore at Yeola on 1 3th October 1935 Dr. Ambedkar had decided to leave Hinduism and embrace some other religion .This announcement was made by Baba Saheb when over 10,000 Dalits were present at Yeola. Shri GT Meshram strongly supported his mentor .A great Dalit leader Shri L. N. Hardas, member ILP, passed away on 12th January 193 9, who was a member of the CP and Berar Legislative Assembly from Kamathi Nagpur reserved seat. Therefore this reserved seat fell vacant and Shri G.T. Meshram was nominated by the ILP party to contest this seat in the election held in February 1939. Despite the fact that ILP formed won 14 seats in the elections held in 1937, it failed to align all Untouchables behind it as many of them were more interested in their good prospects of short cuts. So it was decided to launch a new political party. A meeting was arranged on18th, 19th and 20thJuly 1942 at Nagpur. Shri G.T Meshram was elected as Chairman of the reception committee. In this conference the All India Scheduled Castes Federation, the first national level political organization of the Dalits, was formed at the initiative of Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar . Shri Rai Bahadur N. Shivraj was elected as its president. Also the state branches of SCF were formed on 2nd January 1943 and Shri G.T. Meshram was elected as its president for his area. Shri Meshram had gained nearness to Dr. Ambedkar when he was the labour member in the Viceroy's Executive Council (July 1942-july1946). Dr. Ambedkar proposed Sh. Meshram to join the Government of India service as an estate officer. Shri Meshram agreed and joined as an estate officer and rendered commendable service. For his excellent service the Governor-General of India gave Shri Meshram the honorary title of Rai Saheb. Shri Meshram retired as estate officer in the year 1951. He remained closed associated with Dr. Ambedkar in his activities to educate Dalits in particular and public in general. Dr. Ambedkar launched the Peoples Education Society Bombay on 8th July 1945. Shri G .T. Meshram was among of the founding members and trustee of the People's Education Society Bombay. This society founded the Siddharth College of Bombay. Currently it runs 12 University affiliated colleges, 6 of which are affiliated to the University of Mumbai, 5 to the Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Karnataka University and one to University of Pune imparting University Education to as many as more than 30,000 students of whom over 15,000 belong to the under privileged classes. When Dr. Ambedkar decided to open the Milind College at Aurangabad in 1953, Shri Meshram was made the registrar of the college. Dr. Ambedkar stayed in July-August 1953 at Aurangabad to oversee the construction of the college. It was due to the efficient management of Shri Meshram that the magnificent college building was constructed in a record time. During the first general elections Shri Meshram unsuccessfully contested from Nanded constituency as SCF candidate. Shri Meshram, who was an untiring devotee to the public cause and was bestowed with excellent organizing capability, breathed his last on April 1953 at the age of 57 at Aurangabad. He shall be long remembered in the history of Dalit liberation struggle.

Veerangini Jhalkaribai Kori (1830-58) Story of courageous Dalit woman in colonial India.

Veerangini Jhalkaribai Kori (1830-58) Story of courageous Dalit woman in colonial India. ( Bowing our heads in reverence on her 164th Shaheedi Anniversary falling fallingtoday the 4th April, 2021) Revised and updated By:Er.H.R.Phonsa,Jammu This is the story of a courageous woman who came from a humble background but rose to the occasion to fight for her people and country. Like any other Dalit heroes who attained martyrdom in any war she had no ambition to own a palace, become a queen to rule a kingdom, become a heir to the throne , earn fame but sacrificed for the freedom of India may be 1857 freedom struggle or any other movement for motherland’s freedom. The history of India is full of rulers -- both men and women -- who combined bravery with a strategy to repulse attacks by foreign invaders down the ages. Members of ruling families fought for the sake of gaining control over other’s territory or to defend their kingdoms, but for Dalits it was their commitment to their country with no personnel ambitions to full fill. Jhalkaribai Kori’s story is a saga of courageous and selfless sacrifice for her mother land Jhansi. Her resemblance with Rani Laxmibai of Jhansi matched like mirror image or as 'doubles . Rani Laxmibai of Jhansi, the legendary warrior who fought the invading British army in the first War of Independence, when her kingdom was annexed by the British as her husband Ganga Dhar Rao had died heirless. A little known figure in Indian history, Jhalkaribai lives on in the folklore of the Bundelkhand region. Bundelkhand was once a Buddhist region and also called Budha-khand. Jalkaribai was born on 22nd November 1830 in village Bhojalla on Balaji Marg. Her father was Sadova Singhan army solider, and mother named Dhania but some authors say her father was named as Mool Chand & mother Jamuna Devi. They were agriculturists, belonging to Kori Caste of Untouchables having Laria Gotar. Kori Caste has a glorious history as Kories are said to have been rulers of this country . Shamba Asur Maharaj was a Kori ruler as also revered Yashodhara wife of Gotam Budha was too from Kori Caste. How this so warrior and prosperous Kori peoples were reduced to a unknown position is a mystery. Jalkari Bai also nicknamed as Chaloria being the only child of her parents .She lost her mother at a very young age. Therefore she was brought up by her father with utmost care, love and affection. Jalkari Bai grew into a strong, courageous, beautiful girl. At the age of 12 years when she went to bring wood for cooking in forest area she was attached by a panther. She also attacked it with her axe but missed and the axe fell from her hands. Then she courageously caught the animal from its both jaws and tore them apart. In this fight she also got scratches, some wounds on her self and her clothes were torn. This news spread in the Jhansi town like wild fire and adjoining areas. All people praised her bravery. On another occasion, she challenged a gang of dacoits who raided the house of a village businessman and forced them to retreat. History records show this to have been narrated by one Pooran of Namapur Jhansi, himself from Kori caste, a courageous and famous wrestler. He had experience in archery besides having gained expertise in horse riding, fire arms, sword yielding. Pooran asked his mother that he wanted to marry brave Jalkari Bai .This idea was accepted by father of Jalkari Bai, and their marriage was ceremonised with religious gaiety in 1843. Pooran was ordnance solider, canon operator at main gate of Jhansi. Jalkari Bai learnt the art of cloth weaving the job carried by her in-laws . This union of two healthy bodies & souls impressed Jalkari Bai to have military training and Pooran supported her idea .He stated training her in all types of martial arts both defensive & offensive. This was not liked by the elders from their society, who were under influence of Hindu law codes which preached that women had no choice of out door military activities, but to serve their husband as gods, rare children and confine to house hold duties only. But this new couple did not bother to this type of criticism. She also used to go to Raj Darbar with her husband. Rani used to invite women from the area on Gouri Pooja day & encouraged them in putting Turmeric-saffron marks on fore heads day. Jalkari Bai also went to palace wearing new clothes as new bride along with her mother- in -law and other women to pay obedience to Laxmibai the Rani of Jhansi on Gouri Poja day. On conversing with Jalkari Bai the queen found her fearless . Laxmibai was struck by Jhalkari's mysterious resemblance to her . Rani felt as if Jalkari Bai was her separated sister. Jalkari Bai‘s pleasing & stout body contours impressed the queen. On enquiring further Jalkari Bai put forward her desire to join army. After being told about her courage tales by other women Rani ordered Jhalkari's induction into the Durga Dal or Women Army of Jhansi. Jhalkaribai was asked to see the Rani daily. Jalkari Bai was trained by Rani herself into the art of archery, horse ridding, shooting, wrestling and other physical exercises. Jhalkari, along with the other women, was trained in shooting and igniting the cannons at a time when the Jhansi army was being strengthened to face any British intrusion. Jhalkari was subsequently made its commander. The Durga Dal recruits repeatedly foil attacks by the British army. But for the betrayal by one of Laxmibai generals, the Jhansi fort would have remained invincible for at least some more time. Varanasi born Brahmin young girl Manikarnika Karhade , at an age of 14 years got married to Gangadhar Rao Nawalkar (1797-1853) , 5th Raja of Jhansi in 1842. Both Karhade and Nawalkar are Peshwa’s castes.Some authors write her age 8 years when married. Both Karhade and Nawalkar are said to be Brahmin castes. After marriage Manikarnika was renamed as Rani Laxmibai. It was Gangathar Rao’s second marriage after death of Ramabai, his first wife in 1842 who died issueless. Rani Laxmibai gave birth to a male child 1851 who was named Damodar Rao. The child died of a chronic illness only after 4 months. On the death their son in fancy , king Gangadhar Rao fell ill due to shock . On November 19, 1853 ,Gandadhar Rao adopted Anand Rao, a child aged 5years being King’s distant cousin . Gangadhar Rao also applied for heir ship in favour of Damodar Raoalias Anand Rao along with Rani as Regent to Major J.M Ellias, who was Assistant Political agent at Jhansi. King Gangadhar Rao died on 21 November 1853. Despite Rani’s strong arguments for accepting Damodhar Rao, her adopted son as successor. She contested her case before the British authorities but all Rani‘s request were declined by Lord Dalhousie ,under the Doctrine of Lapse1848,despite it being supported by sub-ordinate officers. A new captain Alexander Skene was ordered to take over the charge of Jhansi. The Doctrine of Lapse1848 was made applicable with effect from7thMarch 1854 merging Jhansi into the East India Company’s dominions in India. Rani was sanctioned annual Pension of Rs, 60,000 with instructions to keep the palace as her personnel residence and pay her husband’s debits from it. Damodhar Rao inherited king’s personnel estate but neither his title nor kingdom. On 13th March 1854 Major John Malcolm Ellias presented this order to Rani and Rani said “I shall not surrender Jhansi to any body on any conditions” so Allis went back quickly. All the petitions of the Rani to retain power were rejected by early 1856. Thakur Laxmin Singh a famous historian writes that Rani of Jhansi ruled Jhansi in 1855-56 on behalf of British. Rani was asked to vacate fort and shift to her private palace to live there on a monthly pension of Rs 5000/- On this Rani decided to fight back the British, who had started to commit other excesses also in her area. When the Mutiny erupted in 1857 in Meerut and subsequently its spread in Jhansi . Indian Sepoys of the East India Company took up arms against the British, Rani continued to remain loyal. She aided the rebels only at the point of their guns, and immediately informed the British of events. The British appointed her as their agent and gave her full authority to govern, which she did without wavering in her duty despite the foul blow dealt to her infant son by the British. On 8 June, 1857 between 72 and 92 European men, women, and children were ruthlessly massacred by the rebellious troops who had promised them safe passage from Jhansi. The British pinned the responsibility on Rani though she was said to not involve. The British, however, did not trust her and soon it became evident to Laxmibai that when law and order was restored in Central India, including Bundelkhand including Jhansi, they would come for her arrest as a traitor. Faced with the imminent likelihood of execution, Laxmibai then revolted against the British. It was hard fact that none except Dalits in rebellion were fighting for an “independent India”, because such a concept did not exist then. All upper caste kings and knights entered1857 rebellion with selfish mottos of getting heir ship for their wards, restoration of stopped pension, oppose Doctrine of Lapse .These kings were even against social changes ordered by British saying such changes was“ Interference in their Religious Affairs” . So Laxmibai decided to fight back the British. Her generals and the people of Jhansi rallied round the queen and resolved to take up arms against the British instead of surrendering to them. On March 22, 1858 Sir Hugh Rose opens the siege of Jhansi. The pounding of Jhansi fort begins on March 25 and the Rani’s troops responded in kind, refusing to give way. Nathe Khan ,Dewan of neighbouring raja Orcchha, too invaded Jhansi with 20,000 strong army from Orshey side to help British forces. Pooran Kori, Bhau Bakashi, Jhalkari Bai, Jawahar Singh, Gulam Goas were fighting from Rani Jhansi side. A fierce fight was going and at lost Nathe Khan lost and was forced to run leaving behind lot of ammunition. Peer Ali joined hands with British and asked them to attack Jhansi from Jar hill side. Tantya Topey was advancing towards Jhansi with his army to help Laxmi Bai. He was forced to move to another side from Kalpi front resistance of British army. Like Peer Ali Dewam Dulha also deserted Rani & joined enemy force and opened Orsha Gate of Jhansi Fort. The British army got entry into th fort, Rahi asked Pooran Kori, Bhau Bakashi, Jawahar Singh ,Gulam Goas and Bhopatkar to resist entry of enemy from outside the fort. Soldiers were being killed in large number. Meanwhile Jhalhari Bai Kori a close confident of Rani , along with Bhopatkar asked Rani to escape from the fort with her adopted son, as survival of Rani was important to continue the fight for Jhansi’s freedom. Rani Laxmi Bai escaped from Jhansi fort in the darkness of 4th April 1858 night on horse back through Bhanderi Gate under the charge of Pooran Kori topchi ,carrying her son along. Jhalkaribai being a close resemblance of Laxmibai wore Rani’s robes and went on fighting & leading Jhansi army. On reaching Bhandari gate she found her husband Pooran Kori attained martyrdom while fighting. She was shocked to see her husband dead. She saluted his body and with out mourning much she stated fighting with greater fierceness. Her sole aim was to get engaged enemy forces till Rani escaped to some safe destination. She worked out a plan to deceive the British. She dressed up like Laxmibai and took command of the Jhansi army. She asked some women soldiers to follow her with loudly sloganeering “Rani Jhansi Ki Jai”. There after she marched out of the fort towards the camp of British General Hugh Rose. On reaching the British enclave, she shouted that she wanted to meet the general Sir Hugh Rose. She was captured. Besides capturing Jhansi, the British thought they had caught the queen alive. When the general Sir Hugh Rose -- thinking she was the queen -- asked Jhalkari what should be done to her, she firmly said, ‘‘Hang me.'' But Dulha Joo a Brahmin, identified and said she was not Laxmi Bai the queen but Jhalkaribai Korin. Jalkaibai spitted on the mouth of Dulha Joo for this revealing . Jhalkaribai was shot at by the British General on 4th April 1948,thus this Dalit Veerangini along with her husband Pooran Kori attained Martyrdom for the freedom of their country for none of their personal "ambition". Bundelkhand legend say that her reply stunned the general, who said on 4th June, 1858 that if even one per cent of Indian women were like Jhalkari; the British would soon have to leave India. All out efforts of Indians forced the British to free India nine decades later , in 1947. This is in brief the saga of bravery of one of the rare courageous women soldiers of Indian forces. She made way for the safe escape of Maharani Laxmibai sacrificing her life along with life of her Husband. But alas the discourteous caste infected historians for long did not mention the contribution of Dalit women & men who laid their lives purely for the freedom of their mother land despite being treated even worst than animals in their mother land. Dalit martyrs did not have any personnel axe to grind in the form of kingdoms, titles, estates ,heir ship rights demands of rulers fighting in sepoy Mutiny or First war of India1857, but love for the freedom of their country .The recent research work by independent writers is trying to dig out truth from the debris of the one sided history materials written by self interested biased writers . To call Rani Laxmibai astonishing woman single fighter for Indian freedom, and to posthumously bestow on her the highest laurels as one of the main rebel leaders, is how much accurate by ignoring her Dalit commander Jhakaribai Kori’s rights . Jhalkaribai made way for Rani’s safe escape from fort ,fought war in Rani’s Army costumes , lost her husband in battle field, actually captured from battle field and shoot dead in Jhansi by enemy, only unbiased future historians shall decide . Words:-2570 Dated:-4th April,2021 Er. Hem Raj Phonsa hrphonsa@gmail.com Mob:+91934060 Bibliography:- 1) Veerangana JhalkariBai (Hindi)by Mohnash Namishry Samyak Prakashan32/3,Club Road Pashachim Puri NewDelhi-63 2) 1857 KiKrantiMeinDalitonKaYogdan(Hindi)by Satnamsingh Samyak Prakashan32/3,Club Road Pashachim Puri New Delhi-63 3) Sawtantra Sangram Mein Ashutoyan Ka Yogdhan( Hindi) byD.C. Dhenkar Gotam Book Centre,Chandan Sadan,C-263-A,Gali No-9 Hardev Puri Shahdara Delhi-110093 4) History Net, Window Internet Explorer( Weikipedia) 5) The photograph given here is from “Veerangana JhalkariBai (Hindi) by Mohnash Namishry Samyak Prakashan” 6) https://www.historynet.com/lakshmi-bai-the-rani-of-jhansi.htm