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Baburao Shedmake: Gond Chieftain’s 1857 Rebellion in Gadchiroli againt the British

Baburao Shedmake: Gond Chieftain’s 1857 Rebellion in Gadchiroli againt the British
Baburao Shedmake: Gond Chieftain’s 1857 Rebellion in Gadchiroli againt the British

Every year, people in Gadchiroli come together at a simple memorial to honour Baburao Pullesur Shedmake, a Gond chieftain who stood against British colonial rule in 1857.


His name, etched into the stone, represents a chapter of resistance that remains vital to the region’s history.


Born in a small village, Baburao’s journey from a zamindar’s son to a rebel leader is a story of courage and determination. His fight, though brief, continues to inspire the Gond community and others who visit the site to remember his sacrifice.



Early Life of a Gond Leader


Baburao Pullesur Shedmake was born on 12 March 1833 in Kishtapur village, Aheri tehsil, Chanda district, now part of Vidarbha's Gadchiroli region.


He entered the world as the eldest son of Pullesur Bapu, a respected zamindar of Molampalli village, and Jurja Kunwar, a woman rooted in Gond traditions.


The Shedmake family held prominence among the Gond community, a tribal group with deep ties to the forests and lands of Central India. Baburao’s early years unfolded in this setting, shaped by the responsibilities of his lineage.


His education began in a ghotul, a traditional Gond institution where young members learned cultural practices, social norms, and community values.


The ghotul offered Baburao a foundation in Gond customs, but his learning extended beyond the village. He pursued English education in Raipur, a city that exposed him to new ideas and the broader political landscape of colonial India. This blend of traditional and modern learning equipped him with a unique perspective.


At 18, Baburao married Raj Kunwar, a union that strengthened his standing within the Gond community. His role as a young leader grew, with expectations to uphold his family’s zamindari duties while navigating the challenges of British rule.


By the mid-1850s, he was poised to step into a larger role, one that would soon test his courage and resolve.


Rebellion in Chanda District

Rebellion in Chanda District
Rebellion in Chanda District

The Indian Rebellion of 1857 marked a turning point for Baburao Shedmake. The uprising, sparked by widespread discontent with British policies, saw participation from diverse groups, including tribal communities.


In the Chanda district, Baburao emerged as a key figure, driven by the disruptions caused by colonial land revenue systems and administrative changes. These policies threatened the Gond way of life, pushing him to act.


In September 1857, Baburao formed the Jangom Dal, a militia of around 500 tribal men, to resist British control.

This group, drawn from the Gond and other local communities, became the backbone of his campaign. By March 1858, his forces captured Rajgarh pargana, a significant administrative region, signaling the strength of their movement. The takeover was a bold statement, challenging the British grip on the area.



Baburao’s militia engaged in several battles, showcasing his strategic leadership. On 13 March 1858, they fought at Nandgaon Ghosari, securing a victory that bolstered their momentum.

Further clashes followed on 19 April at Sagnapur, 27 April at Bamanpeth, and 10 May at Ghot. Each encounter demonstrated the determination of Baburao’s forces, despite their limited resources. These successes, though small in the broader rebellion, disrupted British operations in Chanda and inspired local support.


The Jangom Dal’s efforts, however, faced challenges. Coordination with other rebel groups was limited, and the British had superior firepower and organisation.


Baburao’s campaign relied heavily on local knowledge and guerrilla tactics, but the odds were steep. His leadership kept the militia united, but the rebellion’s momentum began to wane as British forces regrouped.


Capture and Final Days


Baburao’s campaign came to a tragic end in September 1858.


On 18 September, soldiers loyal to Laxmibai, the Rani of Jhansi, captured him. Despite sharing a common enemy in the British, differences in strategy among rebel factions led to his handover to Captain W. H. Crichton of the British forces.

The circumstances of his capture highlight the complex alliances and rivalries within the 1857 rebellion.

Following a swift trial for rebellion, Baburao was sentenced to death. On 21 October 1858, at the age of 25, he was hanged at Chanda jail, now part of Chandrapur. The execution took place under a peepal tree in front of the jail, a site that remains significant to the Gond community. His death marked the end of his brief but impactful resistance, but it did not erase his influence.



Each year, on 21 October, people from Gadchiroli and beyond gather at the peepal tree to honour Baburao’s sacrifice.

The site serves as a reminder of his stand against colonial oppression, drawing those who see him as a symbol of Gond pride and resistance.


Baburao Pullesur Shedmake’s contributions resonate in the Gondwana region, where he is celebrated as “Veer” Baburao, a title reflecting his bravery.


His birth anniversary on 12 March and death anniversary on 21 October are marked by events that bring together the Gond community and others to commemorate his role in the 1857 rebellion.


These gatherings include tributes, speeches, and rituals that keep his memory alive.

Several landmarks bear his name, ensuring his story reaches new generations. The Shahid Baburao Shedmake High School in Gadchiroli stands as a testament to his influence on education and community pride.


The Veer Baburao Shedmake Memorial at Ghot serves as a pilgrimage site for those who admire his courage. Additionally, the Veer Bapurao Pullesur Shedmake Flyover at Warora reflects his broader regional impact.


In 2009, India Post issued a postal stamp on 12 March, marking Baburao’s 176th birth anniversary.

This recognition placed him among other freedom fighters honoured by the nation, highlighting his role in the independence movement. Regional literature, including Prakash Gedam’s 2015 Marathi biography Veer Baburao Pullesurbapu Shedmake, and oral traditions within the Gond community further preserve his story.


Baburao’s resistance also holds historical significance. According to historian Bipin Chandra, British policies in the 19th century, including changes in land revenue and administration, caused widespread hardship, fueling revolts like Baburao’s.


His actions in the Chanda district reflect the broader unrest among tribal communities, whose contributions to the 1857 rebellion are often overshadowed by more prominent figures like Rani Laxmibai or Mangal Pandey. Baburao’s leadership underscores the decentralised nature of the uprising, with tribal leaders playing critical roles in their regions.



Documentation of Baburao’s life comes from a mix of sources. Prakash Gedam’s biography provides detailed insights, while B. Bhukya’s Subjugated Nomads: The Lambadas under the Raj (2013) offers context on tribal resistance.


The Chandrapur District Gazetteer details Chanda’s history under British rule, and articles by Shatali Shedmake (2018) and Amit Bhagat (2019) add perspectives on Baburao’s life. Some battle accounts vary across these sources, reflecting the challenges of recording tribal histories during colonial times. Together, they affirm Baburao’s role as a tribal hero.


The Gond community continues to draw inspiration from Baburao’s stand. His story, rooted in the forests of Gadchiroli, speaks to the strength of indigenous voices in India’s fight for freedom. Schools, memorials, and annual events ensure that his name remains a source of pride, connecting past struggles to present identities.


A young man’s defiance, born in a small village, still echoes through the hills of Gadchiroli, carried by those who walk the path to his memorial each year.


References




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