Forgotten Heroes: The Chapekar brothers and their role in Bharat’s freedom struggle

On June 22, 127 years ago, the course of Indian history was altered by a courageous act of resistance against British oppression. In the year 1897, amidst the tumultuous backdrop of a raging plague in Pune, India, the Chapekar brothers—Damodar, Balkrishna, and Vasudev—decided to confront the tyranny of colonial rule in a manner that would echo through the annals of time.

On the historic day of June 22, 1897, the Chapekar brothers took decisive action by assassinating Englishman Walter Rand, marking a pivotal moment in India’s struggle against colonial rule. Their target, Walter Rand, had become notorious for his harsh and culturally insensitive methods in dealing with the plague ravaging the Poona region. His approach deemed ruthless and demeaning by locals, involved intrusive searches, forcible quarantines, and desecration of sacred spaces, which sparked widespread discontent and outrage among the Indian people.

This event not only sparked a renewed fervour among nationalists but also underscored a resurgence of revolutionary sentiment, reminiscent of the spirit of the 1857 revolt for Indian independence, as later described by Savarkar.

During the late 19th century, the Poona region was reeling under the grip of a horrific plague outbreak. The British administration, in an effort to control the epidemic, appointed officers known for their harsh and arbitrary measures. Walter Rand epitomised this approach with his brutal tactics, which included intrusive searches, desecration of sacred places, and the humiliation of local communities, particularly Indian women. The Chapekar brothers, already disenchanted with British rule, found a compelling reason to challenge this tyranny head-on.

Born into a modest household, the Chapekar brothers were raised under the tutelage of their father, Hari Vinayak, a devout man known for his kirtans and modest earnings. Their upbringing, steeped in traditional values and a deep love for their motherland, instilled in them a sense of duty towards their fellow Indians.

The turning point came when Damodar, Balkrishna, and Vasudev resolved to take action against the tyrannical rule symbolised by Rand.

On June 22, 1897, the brothers chose to execute their plan on the occasion of Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee celebration. Armed with swords and firearms, they awaited Rand’s carriage on Senapati Bapat Marg, intending to deliver retribution for his atrocities. Despite initial confusion about Rand’s vehicle, Damodar Hari seized the moment and fired the fatal shot, while Balkrishna Hari neutralised Rand’s military escort. Although Rand initially survived the attack, he succumbed to his injuries days later, marking a symbolic victory for the Chapekar brothers and a stark warning to the British administration.

The aftermath was swift and brutal. Damodar was captured and hanged in April 1898, while Balkrishna, though initially evading capture, was betrayed and apprehended in January 1899, meeting the same fate in May of that year. Vasudev, undeterred by the fate of his brothers, sought vengeance against those who had betrayed them, further deepening the saga of resistance and sacrifice.

Despite their sacrifice and courage, the legacy of the Chapekar brothers has often been overshadowed by the dominant narrative of non-violent resistance propagated after India’s independence. Historians, influenced by the Nehruvian-Marxist perspective, have marginalised the contributions of revolutionaries like the Chapekars, focusing instead on leaders associated with the Indian National Congress. This selective retelling has obscured the broader impact and strategic significance of armed resistance in India’s struggle for freedom.

The story of the Chapekar brothers is not just a tale of courage in the face of tyranny; it is a reminder of the multifaceted nature of India’s struggle for independence. While figures like Vinayak Savarkar and Bhagat Singh are celebrated for their contributions to the freedom movement, lesser-known heroes like the Chapekars deserve equal recognition for their sacrifices.

Their daring act against injustice serves as a beacon of inspiration for generations to come, reminding us that the fight for freedom often demands extraordinary courage and unwavering determination.

As we reflect on their story, let us honour their memory and acknowledge their place in India’s quest for independence—a quest that was shaped not only by the pens and speeches but also by the swords and sacrifices of its brave sons and daughters.