British started trade by asking Emperor Jahangir for permission to do business through Gujrat’s Porbandar and Surat. Emperor Jahangir was much delighted to get England’s fine wine, diamonds, fine gems etc. and Britishers got permission.
Then in sixteenth century, the southern and eastern states like East Bengal, Madras, Cochin, Travancore, became ports for the ships coming from England. Gondwana region at the centre was rich and prosperous.
By this time British rule began with their control putting Marathas in front. Bahamani of Pune, they attacked, destroyed and occupied many fortresses in Gondwana kingdoms.
By 1751 entire Gondwana was taken over by Marathas and changed its culture, language, religion were destroyed and Sanskrit was imposed in two districts Satara and Rantagiri. In place of Gondi language and script, Marathi was promoted in each and every village by Brahmins from Pune. British managed to take over Gondwana by 1853 British Empire was fully established.
Baburao Puleshwar Shedmake was born on 12th March, 1833. He was the eldest son of Poolaisur Bapu and Jurja Kunwar. Poolaisur Bapu was Up Zamindar of Molampalli of Ghot Zamindari under District Chanda OP and Berar, Maharashtra. As per the tradition of Gond tribe, Shedmake got his initial education from Ghotul Sanskar Kendra where he learnt Hindi, Gondi and Telugu along with music and dance. English was getting prominence Shedmake’s father sent him to Raipur, Chhatisgarh for learning English. After completing his education at Raipur, Shedmake came back to Molampalli. He was 18 years old when he as per his tribe tradition got married to Raj Kunwar.
During 1857, when entire India declared war of independence against the British rule, Shedmake consolidated 500 tribal youth from the region and prepared an army and with this army he was able to capture Rajghad area. When this information reached Chandrapur, the Deputy Collector, Mr.Krikton sent British army to curb it, but near Nandgaon Ghosari the British army was defeated. Mr.Krikton sent another troop which fought battle at Sanganapur and Bamanpet but they also lost the battle.
These two victories encouraged Shedmake and he attacked telephone camp at Chinchgudi on 29th April, 1858 in which Telegraph Operators Mr.Hall and Mr.Gartland were killed but Mr.Peter managed to escape and reported the incident to Mr.Krikton. Mr.Krikton then used his diplomatic tactics for arresting Shedmake. On one side he asked Captain Shakespeare from Nagpur to assist him and on the other side he forced Rani Laxmi Bai, Zamindarini of Aheri to help them. His tactics worked and Rani Laxmi Bai conspired against Shedmake which he was not aware of. On 18th September, 1858 Shedmake was arrested. He was brought to Chanda Central Jail. On 21st October, 1858 Baburao Puleshwar Shedmake was hanged at open ground in Chanda.
Baburao Shedmake remains an icon of bravery and leader of his tribe, who did everything to protect his homeland from outsiders. 12th March is celebrated as Birth Anniversary of Vir Baburao Shedmake throughout Gondwana region, and especially in Chandrapur.
On his memory, Department of Posts released a commemorative stamp on
Baburao Puleshwar Shedmake.
Issued Date : 12. 03.2009
Denomination : 500 Paise
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