In the pages of India’s struggle for independence, the story of the Chapekar brothers stands as a bold chapter of revolutionary fervor. These three young men from Pune Damodar, Balkrishna, and Vasudev Chapekar took a drastic step that made ripples across colonial India. Their decision to kill a high-ranking British official was driven by deep-seated anger against colonial oppression, religious insensitivity, and the humiliating treatment of Indians under British rule. The Chapekar brothers’ assassination of a British officer was not just a criminal act, but a symbolic protest, sparking a fire in the hearts of many Indian patriots who followed. Understanding who the Chapekar brothers killed, and why, sheds light on the early phase of armed resistance in India’s fight for freedom.
Who Were the Chapekar Brothers?
The Chapekar brothers were born into a conservative Chitpavan Brahmin family in Pune, Maharashtra. Raised with a strong sense of nationalism, they were deeply influenced by the teachings of Lokmanya Tilak and other contemporary leaders who advocated for Hindu revivalism and resistance against British imperialism. The eldest brother, Damodar Hari Chapekar, was known for his intellect and passionate speeches. Balkrishna and Vasudev, his younger siblings, shared his ideals and vision for a free India.
They formed the basis of a small but determined revolutionary cell. Their activities primarily involved spreading nationalist literature, holding secret meetings, and planning acts of defiance against British authorities. As discontent grew in the country due to increasing oppression, they were further drawn to taking direct action.
Political Context of the Time
The 1890s in British India were marked by rising tensions. The British response to the outbreak of the bubonic plague in Pune in 189697 was highly insensitive and brutal. In their attempts to contain the plague, British officers entered homes without permission, disrespected women, and disregarded religious customs. These actions sparked widespread resentment among the locals. The Chapekar brothers were particularly disturbed by the conduct of one officer Walter Charles Rand, the British Plague Commissioner of Pune.
Who Did the Chapekar Brothers Kill?
The Chapekar brothers assassinated Walter Charles Rand, the then Special Plague Committee Chairman, and Lieutenant Charles Egerton Ayerst, his military escort. On the night of June 22, 1897, the brothers carried out their daring plan. The attack took place when Rand and Ayerst were returning from the Government House after attending the Queen Victoria Jubilee celebrations. Ayerst was shot first and died on the spot. Rand was critically injured and succumbed to his wounds a few days later.
This act was not random violence. It was a premeditated strike meant to avenge the humiliation and pain caused by the British administration. The Chapekar brothers saw Rand as a symbol of tyranny, and his killing was intended as a warning to other colonial officials who showed no regard for Indian dignity.
Why Was Walter Charles Rand Targeted?
Walter Rand had become infamous among the residents of Pune due to the authoritarian measures he adopted during the plague epidemic. Although the plague itself was deadly, the British response exacerbated the suffering. Armed soldiers stormed homes, forced people out, destroyed belongings, and ignored all cultural and religious sensitivities. Women were especially targeted, with several reports of assault and molestation surfacing during the crackdown.
Rand’s methods, though praised by some British officials, were widely condemned by Indian leaders and citizens. Lokmanya Tilak, through his writings in Kesari, criticized the plague measures and indirectly held British policies responsible for the unrest. The Chapekar brothers, inspired by Tilak’s nationalistic views, saw Rand as the primary executor of this colonial injustice and decided he must be eliminated.
The Assassination Plan
The planning of the assassination was meticulous. The brothers tracked Rand’s movements and waited for a suitable opportunity. On June 22, 1897, the perfect occasion arose. The grand jubilee celebration provided cover, as many people were distracted by the festivities. As Rand’s horse-drawn carriage moved along Ganeshkhind Road, Damodar Chapekar fired the fatal shot. Vasudev and Balkrishna assisted in the mission by ensuring no immediate pursuit could take place.
Though initially the British struggled to find the perpetrators, an informant eventually led them to the Chapekars. Their arrest soon followed, and the brothers never denied their involvement. In fact, they proudly admitted their role, emphasizing that their actions were for the nation’s honor.
Trial and Execution
The British colonial court sentenced Damodar Chapekar to death. He was hanged on April 18, 1898. Balkrishna was captured later and executed on May 12, 1899. Vasudev Chapekar, the youngest, was also tried and hanged shortly afterward. Their martyrdom became a rallying cry for many freedom fighters who came after them.
The Chapekar brothers’ sacrifice marked one of the earliest acts of armed resistance in modern India’s freedom struggle. Though the Indian National Congress at the time followed a more moderate approach, the brothers’ action laid the foundation for future revolutionaries like Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Chandrashekhar Azad.
Legacy of the Chapekar Brothers
The story of the Chapekar brothers continues to inspire generations. Their act demonstrated that Indians were no longer willing to silently endure British oppression. Although their methods were controversial, they were guided by a deep love for their country and a desire to protect its cultural integrity.
In modern India, various films, books, and plays have commemorated their bravery. Streets and public institutions have been named after them. Their home in Pune has been preserved, and efforts have been made to recognize their contribution to India’s independence movement.
To answer the question the Chapekar brothers killed Walter Charles Rand and Lieutenant Charles Egerton Ayerst is to only scratch the surface. Behind that act was a story of resistance, of pain, and of a burning desire for freedom. The assassination was not born of hatred alone, but of national pride, indignation at injustice, and the unwillingness to accept humiliation. The Chapekar brothers stand as early symbols of India’s armed resistance, lighting a spark that would later grow into a nationwide movement. Their names may not always be as widely recognized as others, but their legacy lives on in the spirit of India’s fight for dignity and independence.