Therefore, the Koregaon memorial “has become an iconic site for the former untouchables because it serves as a reminder of the bravery and strength shown by their ancestors— the very virtues the caste system claimed they lacked [Kumbhojkar].” Especially in the late 19th century, when the British stopped recruiting Mahars into their armies, the memorial served as a reminder of the valour and sacrifice of the Mahar soldiers who had died fighting for the British cause in 1818. For the Dalits, writes Kumbhojkar, “Military service was perceived to help open the doors to economic as well as social emancipation.” For several of the early Dalit leaders like Gopal Baba Valangkar and Shivram Janba Kamble, “the Koregaon memorial had become a focal point; various meetings were held at the obelisk during which Kamble and other leaders invariably reminded the untouchables of the valour and prowess exhibited by their forefathers [Kumbhojkar].” It was the same Kamble, Kumbhojkar notes in her paper, who had invited BR Ambedkar in 1927, on the anniversary of the Battle of Koregaon, to address a gathering of Dalits. Ambedkar, Kumbhojkar writes, “Could not fail to appreciate the significance of the memorial for advancing the cause of emancipation of the untouchables and not only made an inspiring speech before the gathering but also supported the idea of reviving the memory of the valour of their forefathers by visiting the memorial annually on the anniversary of the battle.”