Damodar Hari Chapekar

July 8, 2018

A commemorative postage stamp on Kranti Veer Damodar Hari Chapekar, the senior brother of the Chapekar brothers, Indian freedom fighters from Pune :

Issued by India

Issued on Jul 8, 2018

Issued for : Department of Posts is pleased to issue a Commemorative Postage Stamp on Damodar Hari Chapekar on 120 years of his death.

Credits :
Stamp/FDC/Brochure : Smt. Vinita Sinha
Cancellation Cachet : Smt. Alka Sharma

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 530390

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

Name : Damodar Hari Chapekar

Born on 25 Jun, 1869 at Chinchwad, Pune district, Maharashtra, India

Died on 18 Apr, 1898

About :

Krantiveer Damodar Hari Chapekar was born on 25 June, 1869 as the eldest son of renowned Kirtankar Haripant Chapekar in Chinchwad Village of Maharashtra.
During 1896-1897, Pune was hit by Bubonic Plague. Under the chairmanship of W. C. Rand, an Indian Civil Service officer, a Special Plague Committee was formed. Troops were brought in to deal with the emergency. The measures employed included forced entry into private houses, evacuation to hospitals and segregation camps, removing and destroying personal possessions, and preventing movement from the city. These measures were considered oppressive by the populace of Pune and complaints were ignored by Rand. W. C. Rand and his Military escort, Lt. Ayerst, used to harass the people of the city. This led to widespread resentment against the two officers prompting Lokmanya Tilak to express his frustration.
On 22 June, 1897, the Diamond Jubilee of coronation of Queen Victoria was being observed at the Government house where these two British officers W.C. Rand and his military escort, Lt. Ayerst were also present. The three Chapekar brothers reached there and waited for these two British officers to come out of Government house. Around midnight, these officers boarded their respective wagons. Damodar Hari Chapekar shot W.C. Rand by claiming his wagon. Rand breathed his last on 3 July, 1897.
After this incident, Chapekar brothers became heroes in the eyes of the people of Pune. The Chapekar Brothers were charged with murder in various roles, shooting of two informants and an attempt to shoot a police officer. Lord Sandstone and the then Governor of Mumbai announced prize money of Rs. Ten Thousand and Rs. Twenty Thousand respectively for providing information about and arrest of Chapekar brothers. On 30^th September, British police officer Brewin arrested Damodar Hari Chapekar after receiving tips from an informant.
Session’s Judge awarded Damodar Hari Chapekar death sentence which he heard with a brave smile on his face. Lokmanya Tilak gifted him a copy of “Geeta” which he carried with him till the last day of his life i.e. 18 April, 1898, when he was hanged.
Krantiveer Damodar Hari Chapekar of Chinchwad village sacrificed his life for the freedom of the country and for the dignity of his countrymen.
Text : Based on information received from the proponent.