Unsung Heroes Detail

Modern India’s first revolutionary, Phadke, is regarded as the 'Father of the Armed Struggle for India’s Freedom'. Young Phadke, who considered Shivaji as his role model, is said to have been the inspiration for Bankimchandra’s Anandamath.Phadke took a vow to use Khadi and Swadeshi. He founded the Aikyavardhini Sabha in order to ventilate popular grievances. In 1874, he also established the first school of national education in Pune.

The unfair deposal of the Gaikwaad of Baroda by the British in 1875 hurt the sentiments of the people. The callousness of the British rulers in dealing with the death and devastation caused by a famine, too, angered the people. Phadke toured the Deccan fomenting disaffection against the British and pleading for Swaraj. He gathered a band of about 300 Bhils, Kolis, Ramoshis and Dhangras to attack the political and economic strongholds of the regime. Although, his attacks met with limited success. When the government offered a reward for his capture, Phadke countered by offering a higher reward for the capture of Governor of Bombay. He was captured in the Nizam’s dominion in July 1879 and sent to Aden, where he died on 17 February 1883.