Shahu Maharaj, who ruled Kolhapur in the late 19^th 20th century, was a social reformer lauded for his progressive ideals.  Read Sabrangindia’s tribute to this remarkable ruler here. Dilip Ramchandra Vaze has made a tribute to him in the Marathi newspaper, Hindustan that may be read here. Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj reigned over the princely state of Kolhapur for 28 years, from 1894 to 1922. His reign is fondly remembered for his relentless efforts to uplift society and promote social reforms.  He played a significant role in the eradication of untouchability by issuing a Proclamation that declared all public wells, buildings, Dharamshala, state houses, and water resources open to all, without any discrimination.

Reports from Kolhapur obtained by Sabrangindia show that thousands of people participated in the rally, organised by the Rajarshi Shahu Salokha Manch. Former Congress MLA Malojiraje Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, Congress leader and MLC Satej Patil, former rural development minister and Nationalist Congress Party MLA Hassan Mushrif, Congress MLA Rituraj Patil, Swabhimani Farmers Association leader Raju Shetty, along with other MLAs, former mayors and corporators, and office bearers of various organisations participated in this rally.

The Times of India reported that Vasantrao Mulik, the national vice-president of Akhil Bhartiya Maratha Mahasangh was on record saying that, “An untoward incident had taken place in the city that disturbed peace and social harmony. Therefore, to show the strength of our unity and tradition of social harmony, this rally has been organised.” Ironically however, right-wing outfits under Sakal Hindu Samaj –responsible for hate speeches in the state since September 2022 –have alleged that the Sadbhavna rally is being carried out to disrupt the law and order situation in the city

Deepak Desai, district president of Hindu Ekta Andolan to TOI said, “This Sadbhavna rally seems to have a political motive behind it. The district administration should investigate who is behind this.”

Pimpri-Chinchwad

Meanwhile the Free Press Journal has reported that the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation has organized a two-day program, ‘Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj Vichar Prabodhan Parv-2023,’ at Sai Mandir Udyan, Sambhajinagar, in honor of Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj’s birth anniversary. The event aimed to commemorate the life and contributions of Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj, known for initiatives for eradication of poverty, ignorance, superstitions and backwardness prevalent in the society.

The program began on Sunday with a guest lecture, and Monday, June 26, featured a folk songs program. All citizens are invited and encouraged to participate in these discussions, where the teachings and ideals of Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj will be highlighted and celebrated.

Kolhapur

Kolhapur has had a longstanding tradition of equality and social harmony which has been upheld since the time of Shahu Maharaj. However, in recent months, there have been attempts by some individuals and organisations to disrupt social peace in the city.

Sabrangindia has reported extensively on the recent violence starting June 5, a 16-year-old minor boy from Kolhapur shared a video on his Instagram account featuring pictures of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb and Tipu Sultan. In the background, the Haryanvi song ‘Baap to baap rahega‘ was playing. This status quickly went viral.

The very next day, June 6, marked Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s coronation day. Hindutva organisations in Kolhapur claimed that the video “insulted” the Hindu community. By evening, members of these organisations went to the Lakshmipuri police station in the city, filed a case against the 16-year-old as well as some other minors. Many named were not even involved, reportedly. Unchecked by the administration, on June 7, these organisations called for a shutdown in Kolhapur city. The protests created a tense atmosphere and over 30,000 people gathered at the Shivaji Chowk. Stone-pelting against targeted Muslims and their shops including vandalizing them was allowed initially unchecked by the community.

At Sunday’s rally, Vijay Chormare, a senior journalist from Maharashtra, spoke about the role played by political parties in fostering this violence.

“Certain individuals have been fostering an atmosphere of hatred between Hindus and Muslims in recent days. There is significant anger and negative sentiment among the public towards the two-party government that has taken office in the state,” he said.

These parties could be functioning under the idea that such incidents are necessary for their success in the upcoming elections, the journalist said.

“During the Kolhapur riots, the state’s home minister [Devendra Fadnavis] made a rather irresponsible appearing more like a representative of a particular organisation than the people, in stating that they would teach a lesson to Aurangzeb’s children instead of promising strict action against those who disrupt law and order. It is believed that the riots started in the state due to these political motives,” he added.

Chormare further said that the riots in Kolhapur happened due to police inaction. “The police failed to stop the people who came to Kolhapur from outside, so the police, administration and government are responsible for this whole incident.”

Protest marches organised by the Sakal Hindu Samaj and involving a large number of participants have taken place, accompanied by hate speech targeting the Muslim community. These marches dotted Maharashtra including Kolhapur. Over the past few months, incidents of communal riots and arson have been witnessed in cities such as Kolhapur, Akola, Ahmednagar, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Jalgaon and others in Maharashtra. 

Kolhapur is renowned for its food culture, wrestling, Kolhapuri chappals, football and Mahalaxmi temple. The city symbolises the legacy of Shahu Maharaj, and his impactful contributions to society will always be remembered. The Muslim Boarding established by him still operates in the Dussehra Chowk neighbourhood, providing education to the children of economically weak families.

Kolhapur district has been associated with the principles of equality, justice and brotherhood espoused by Shahu Maharaj. Notable figures like Govind Pansare and Prof N.D. Patil have dedicated their lives to spreading progressive ideologies among the people. However, in recent days, there is an emergence of a religious atmosphere in Kolhapur.

Shahu Maharaj a ruler of the people

In addition to a reign that was radical for his times, Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj introduced a reservation policy for backward classes in 1902, reserving 50 percent of jobs in government offices for them. History tells us that artists Dattoba Pawar and Dittoba Dalvi introduced the two revolutionary leaders to each other. Their common goal to uplift oppressed communities inspired many such meetings between 1917–1921.

In 1920, they organised a conference wherein Shahu made Ambedkar the Chairman, believing that he would lead to the betterment of Dalits in India. As a token of this faith, he donated Rs. 2,500 for the other’s newly established ‘Mooknayak’ newspaper.

Other than such broad policies, he also established the Miss Clarke Boarding School for segregated groups and Vedic Schools allowing all to learn the scriptures and Sanskrit. As for adults, he started special schools for village heads to make for more competent administrators.

Under his rule, policies were implemented and people encouraged to treat each other as equal regardless of social status or caste. This meant that Dalits could use the same wells, ponds, and hospitals as Brahmins. Inter-caste marriage was encouraged and revenue collectors became democratically-elected posts rather than hereditary titles. Further, he prepared gymnasiums and wrestling pitches to preserve the sport.

For women, he legalised widow remarriage, prohibited child marriage and called for a law banning the devadasi tradition wherein girls were offered to Gods as sacrifices and then sexually exploited by priests.

These and several such efforts in social, political, educational, agricultural and cultural dimensions of society inspired the title of Rajarshi (royal saint), bestowed upon him by the Kurmi warrior community of Kanpur. His achievements lost their lustre following his demise in the turmoil of national and regional politics. Nonetheless, sympathisers and supporters of Shahu and his beliefs continue his legacy even today.

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Kolhapur’s Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj and his battle for Dalit-Bahujan communities

The post Maharashtra celebrated Shahu Maharaj’s message of social justice, harmony: Kolhapur, Pimpri-Chinchwad appeared first on SabrangIndia.

The day before, on Sunday, June 25, the Shahu Salokha Manch will be organising a Peace March in the city where different parties and social organisations will participate.

Sabrangindia has consistently reported on the recent violence perpetrated in Kolhapur, a city closely associated with the values of Shahu Maharaj and more recently with Dr Govind Pansare. Tensions had simmered in this southern Maharashtrian town, after Hindutva groups and representatives of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), egged on by rival Shiv Sena factions sought to escalate tensions over a controversial social media post (June 6) valorising Aurangzeb and Tipu Sultan. Despite appeals by the Muslim community and citizens not to allow one incident to spread tensions and terror between ordinary people, attempts were made to “enforce a bandh and at least two three stray acts of targeted violence against Muslims was reported. Efforts by the local police and citizens helped restore some calm on June 7.

At the time, speaking to Sabrangindia, SP Mahendra Pandit had stated that the whole town of Kolhapur was under curfew presently, peace had somehow been ensured and added that all those guilty of the bandh-instigated violence would be prosecuted. FIRs were also registered against those who attacked a Muslim vendor on June 6 and six arrests have been made.

The meeting last Friday, was held at the office of the Farmers Labour Party. City President of the Nationalism Congress Party (NCP) R. K. Powar said, everyone should come together and give a fitting response to rioters. Then participants should march to the city square and tell speak on the vision and ideals ofd Shahu Maharaj.

CPI (M) State Secretary Uday Narkar said, Kolhapur is progressive land built on the thoughts of Shahu Maharaj. There is an outcry among the people against recent communal riots (June 5-6). Dr. Megha Pansare, district secretary of Communist Party of India (CPI), Satishchandra Kamble, Vasantrao Mulik, Atul Dighe, City President Sachin Chavan of Indian National Congress (INC) , Baburao Kadam of (Peasants and Workers Party-PWP), Ravi Jadhav of Janata Dal, Bharti Powar, Dilip Pawar (CPI), Subhash Jadhav, B. L. Barge, Babasaheb Deokar also spoke. Vasantrao Patil, Dilip Jadhav, Sanjay Salunkhe, Rafiq Bhai Sheikh Dildar Mujawar were also present in the meeting.

Maharashtra has seen a spate of instigated attempts at targeted communal violence over the past two months including Ahmednagar, Shevgaon, Trikambeshwar and Nanded. The brutal killing of one Lukman Suleman Ansari near Nashik has sent shockwaves. The Nashik rural police arrested six cow vigilantes for allegedly murdering Lukman Suleman Ansari on suspicion of transporting cattle for slaughter. These accused, Pradeep Adhole alias Pappu (34), Bhaskar Bhagat (28), Chetan Somawne (26), Vijay Bhagade (26), Rupesh Joshi (39) and Shekhar Gaikwad (22), were associated with Rashtriya Bajrang Dal, founded by hate offender Pravin Togadia. The accused have been remanded to police custody until June 17 and the police are in the process of recovering weapons from the accused, reported Indian Express on June 15.

Ansari, a resident of Padgha, Bhiwandi, was earlier reported to be missing. Ansari along with Pappu Atiq Paddi (36) and Aqueel Gulam Gavandi (25) bought two cows, a bullock and a calf for Rs 18,300 from a woman in Kharegaon, Shahpur. They were transporting the animals in a pick-up tempo to Padgha in Thane district.

Kolhapur June 5-6, 2023

Reports then of a group of Hindutva inspired extremist youth thrashed a Muslim minor for reportedly sharing a social media status hailing Aurangzeb and Tipu Sultan. The status (social media) simply valorised Aurangzeb and Tipu and did not in any way attack another community or contain any words to offend or hurt the religious sentiments of any individual.

A video showing a mob of at least 8-10 men abusing a Muslim minor has surfaced online. Incidentally, organisations representing the Muslim community specifically wrote to the SP, Kolhapur Pandit urging that the truth behind the social media posts be established and the entire community not be held hostage.  Former corporator from the city, Adil Faras who was alleged to have been the “author” of the controversial posts clearly distanced himself from the post and has publicly asked the police to get to the bottom of who the real culprits are. SP Pandit and the IG, according to reports from the ground obtained by Sabrangindia, patrolling the streets and urging that the bandh call given by extremist organisations not be adhered to.

Following the tensions since June 6 in Kolhapur, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar had in a strong statement said that the ruling party “encourages” instances of communal violence, as has been reported by the Indian Express. “Incidents of communal clashes in Ahmednagar and Kolhapur have taken place over some mobile messages. What is the meaning of hitting the streets over such messages? Today’s ruling party encourages such things. Rulers should ensure peace and law and order. But if rulers start hitting the street and create enmity among two communities, that is not a good thing for the state,” Pawar said, addressing a press conference in Ahmednagar on Wednesday morning. He also said that the tensions were a result of the ideology of the ruling dispensation at work and that this must be deplored. (Reports in ABP Marathi and Indian Express)

On June 9, a Friday, senior activists and citizens active in public life met the Collector, Rahul Rekhawar pressing the civil servant to assure that those guilty of fomenting communal tensions in the southern Maharashtra town be promptly prosecuted. While deploring the social media post (valorising Aurangzeb) that had allegedly stoked the fires, they asked the administration why the entire city of Kolhapur, especially the Muslims held hostage to this one act?

“We expect that the administration (police and bureaucracy) to be governed strictly according to the law. After the incident (of the social media post) in Kolhapur city, fuelling a ‘reaction’ how were illegal assemblies and mobs allowed to gather and terror spread?”

Deploring strongly this attempt to spread and create riots, the delegation has in a written statement released thereafter pointed out that, “This is in the city of Kolhapur, which has a tradition of religious harmony between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Rajshree Shahu Maharaj. The incident is condemnable.”

The issues raised by the delegation in the written memorandum submitted are:

1.        The events that took place dated on June 6 and 7, 2023 have violated the secular principles of the Constitution and the values of equality and reconciliation of Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj. Also according to these values administration and police more strict action is expected from them.
2.         Criminals should be prosecuted by law. But why was the entire society under siege?
3.         How could thousands of people gather in the city despite the ban? Who exactly were these people? How did they stockpile stones, bricks, glass bottles? How could the police not have an idea of this? Why was no action taken before the riots? When there was no response to the call made by the police to withdraw the bandh, why did not an urgent meeting of the representatives of both communities be called for peace?
4. By all accounts this riot seems to have been premeditated. It is the responsibility of the Hindutva organizations that called for marches and bandhs to control them. Failure to do so will cause the entire city to go through stress took The poor suffered. Why was no strict action taken against the leaders of these organizations? Why are they not being compensated for the damage?
5. It is illegal to demand the release of people involved in rioting and violence when they are arrested. On the contrary, the masterminds of this riot and the people who incited the mob to become violent by giving provocative speeches should be severely punished.
6. On June 7, at the peace meeting organised by the police and administration, the presence of the guardian minister Deepak Kesarkar and representatives of Hindutva organizations was avoidable Meetings with these representatives shd have been separate from the peace meeting. When the meeting one was organized by the administration and the police, why were the office bearers of the political parties present on the stage?
7. Proper Panchnama should be prepared for computing the loss of injured and damaged people in this riot and get them immediate compensation / government assistance.
8. What plan is the administration going to implement to prevent such incidents from happening in the future? How will violent, fanatical organizations be controlled?
9. It has been published in the newspaper that a report has come to the state government that there will be systematic efforts to create such kind of riots in the state. Do you know anything about it?
10. The police and the administration should try to create harmony and harmony by removing the prejudice created by this riot in various caste-religious communities.

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The post Reconciliation conference in presence of actor, Amol Palekar on June 26: Kolhapur appeared first on SabrangIndia.

Nowadays, a 25-paise postage stamp sporting the face of Rajarshi Shahu Chhatrapati is hard to come by. However, in the instances it does, both collectors and Ambedkarites alike will recognise the personality as a leader who earnestly worked to uplift the Dalit communities in Kolhapur.

As per the first-issue citation of the stamp, Shahu was hailed as “a social revolutionary, a true democrat, a visionary, a patron of the theatre, music and sports.” True to these words, Shahu was first and foremost, an ally of the Dalit-Bahujan communities in his princely state, and supposedly the first king to declare affirmative action for socially-disadvantaged communities. May 6, marks his death anniversary after 47 years of commendable work as a reformer.

Although born as Yeshwantrao in the Ghatge Maratha family on June 26, 1874, the young Shahu was adopted by Queen Anandibai at the age of 10. This and the consequent influence of Jyotirao Phule inspired a desire to abolish caste segregation and untouchability.

Over the years, he worked to provide primary education to all, regardless of caste. In 1918, he wrote to the then Bombay Governor Lord Sydenham saying, “The principle that majorities have no need of separate representation doesn’t hold good in a province where a selfish minority [Brahmins and similar advantaged castes] is likely to get the power.”

He thus started various initiatives such as the Hostel movement to provide hostels for Panchals, Devadnya, Nabhik, Shimpi, Dhor-Chambhar communities as well as for Muslims, Jains and Christians. He also called for a moral and material progress scheme, announced free and compulsory education, encouraged female education and the establishment of libraries. On July 26, 1902, he also implemented 50 percent reservation for Dalit and other disadvantaged section of society. Moreover, he ensured employment for students following the completion of their education.

Among other things, the Rajarshi is most famously known for the Vedokta controversy. At the time, Brahmin priests of the Royal Religious advisors refused to perform rites for non-Brahmins in accordance with Vedic hymns. However, unwilling to give Brahmins a special status, Shahu removed the priests and appointed a young Maratha as the religious leader of non-Brahmins. He gave that person the title of Kshatra Jagadguru – the world teacher of Kshatriyas.

Although this earned much scorn from non-Dalit groups, Shahu went on to abrogate the archaic Balutdari system in 1917. It stated that an “Untouchable” and their family will work for the entire village without compensation in return for a small portion of land. Then, he declared a law in 1918 that abolished the economic slavery of Mahars under the oppressive Vatandari system and introduced land reforms to enable Mahars to become owners of land.

Another thing about Shahu Maharaj that appealed to Dalit communities was his affinity with Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. Artists Dattoba Pawar and Dittoba Dalvi introduced the two revolutionary leaders to each other. Their common goal to uplift oppressed communities inspired many such meetings between 1917–1921.

In 1920, they organised a conference wherein Shahu made Ambedkar the Chairman, believing that he would lead to the betterment of Dalits in India. As a token of this faith, he donated Rs. 2,500 for the other’s newly established ‘Mooknayak’ newspaper.

Other than such broad policies, he also established the Miss Clarke Boarding School for segregated groups and Vedic Schools allowing all to learn the scriptures and Sanskrit. As for adults, he started special schools for village heads to make for more competent administrators.

Under his rule, people were to treat each other as equal regardless of social status or caste. This meant that Dalits could use the same wells, ponds, hospitals as Brahmins. Inter-caste marriage was encouraged and revenue collectors became democratically-elected posts rather than hereditary titles. Further, he prepared gymnasiums and wrestling pitches to preserve the sport.

For women, he legalised widow remarriage, prohibited child marriage and called for a law banning the devadasi tradition wherein girls were offered to Gods as sacrifices and then sexually exploited by priests.

These and several such efforts in social, political, educational, agricultural and cultural dimensions of society inspired the title of Rajarshi (royal saint), bestowed upon him by the Kurmi warrior community of Kanpur. His achievements lost their lustre following his demise in the turmoil of national and regional politics. Nonetheless, sympathisers and supporters of Shahu and his beliefs continue his legacy even today.

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The post Kolhapur’s Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj and his battle for Dalit-Bahujan communities appeared first on SabrangIndia.