Short Note on Revolutionary Activities of Vasudev Balwant Phadak

Vasudev Balwant Phadke was one of the important revolutionaries in Maharashtra and tried to threaten the British Government by his revolutionary activities in the state. Vasudev Balwant Phadke was born in 1845 in today’s Raigad District of Maharashtra. He joined the military account department of the British Government after his initial education was completed. He came under the influence of M. G. Ranade on economic exploitation of Indians by the British. Phadake held the British government responsible for the sufferings of Indian people during the Deccan famine in 1876-77 because the Government failed to provide even basic relief to the people. He tried to overthrow the British Government with the help of armed bands, which he had organised with the cooperation of the like minded Rohillas, young farmers, tribals and few Brahmin youths. In order to purchase weapons and support the revolutionary activities he acquired some money from rich Indians.

Phadake waged war against the British Government but avoided pitched battles i.e. he undertook the guerrilla tactics and terrorized the officials. But finally, he was captured due to the betrayal of his one of the colleagues and was sent to Aden to undergo the sentence of transformation for life. Phadake died in 1883 in the jail it self due the rigours of jail life.

Thus, Vasudev Balwant Phadake was a great revolutionary nationalist, patriot, who laid his life for the freedom struggle of India.

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