The Dhavala Bhangre[1] (also spelled as Bhangare,[2] Bhangariya and Bhangaria) was an freedom activist who led a militant movement against British government, bonded labour and money lenders in Maharashtra during British Raj in India.[3]

Dada

Dhavala Bhangre
धवला भांगरे
Born
Dhavala Bhangre

Died1889
Cause of deathHanged to death
NationalityIndian
Other namesDhavala Dada
Citizenship India
OccupationAgriculturist
Years active1876 - 1889
EraBritish era
Known forSocial activities
MovementIndian Independence Movement
Criminal charges
  • Murder
  • Looting
  • Threatening
  • Blackmailing
  • Gang robberies
Criminal penaltyHanged to death
Criminal statusDead

Dhavala Bhangare was inspired by the rebellions of Honya Kengle and launched the massive resistance to the British Raj.[4] after death of Honya Kengle in 1876, Dhavala Bhangre achieved the position of great rebel leader and breakdown the British government till 1889.[5]

Dhavala Bhangre took up arms because the merchants, moneylenders and other rich people of Maharashtra were looting the poor people in connivance with the British. If the poor people were unable to pay back the money, the moneylenders and merchants would snatch their land, which was increasing anarchy in the society, due to which Dhavala Bhangre formed a revolutionary army and challenged the British authorities.[6]

Tribute

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  • In Akole city of Maharashtra, a region is named after Dhavala Bhangare as Dhavala Bhangare Wasti road.[7]

In 1889, Dhavala Bhangre was arrested by British troops and sent to Cellular Jail of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and there he was hanged.[5]

References

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  1. "Forest Ecology in India: Colonial Maharashtra, 1850-1950 9788175968394". ebin.pub. 2021-08-18. Retrieved 2024-06-23.
  2. Kolhe, R. B. (2001). Poverty and Violence in Maharashtra: With Special Reference to Nanded and Thane Districts. New Delhi, India, Asia: Nehru Institute of Social Sciences, Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth. pp. 124: Dhavala Bhangare with the help of Mahadeo Kolies founded a militant movement to protest bonded labour, exploitation and unlimited labour.
  3. Rao, Neena Ambre (2008). Forest Ecology in India: Colonial Maharashtra, 1850-1950. New Delhi, India, Asia: Foundation Books. pp. 166: Dhavala Bhangre organised the people of their own communities and tried to retaliate against the moneylenders and the establishment of Britishers. ISBN 978-81-7596-549-2.
  4. Tunte, V. "The perception of Aadivasi movements in Maharashtra, India" (PDF).
  5. 5.0 5.1 Langhu, Onhring (2021). "Land-Words-and-Resilient-Cultures-The-Ontological-Basis-of-Tribal-Identity". ResearchGate.
  6. Hangloo, Rattan Lal; Murali, A. (2007). New Themes in Indian History: Art, Politics, Gender, Environment, and Culture. New Delhi, India, Asia: Black & White. pp. 391–392. ISBN 978-81-89320-15-7.
  7. "Improovements To Main Road To Dhavala Bhangare Wasti Road At Ekadare, Tal- Akole". Mena Report: NA–NA. 2023-07-28.