Premchand

Indian author and playwright

Premchand - Indian author and playwright
Born

July 31st, 1880
144 years ago

Died

October 8th, 1936
88 years ago — 56 years old

Category

Artists & Creatives

Country

India

Links & References

A prominent author and playwright, contributed significantly to Hindi and Urdu literature. Published many novels, stories, and plays that explored social issues and the lives of the common man. His notable works included 'Godaan', 'Gaban', and 'Nirmala', which depicted the struggles of the rural poor in India. The literary movement initiated by him emphasized realism and social reform in literature, inspiring many subsequent writers.

Authored the novel 'Godaan'

Wrote the story 'Nirmala'

Produced the play 'Karmabhoomi'

Other People Born on July 31st

Maximilian II

Holy Roman Emperor
Born
July 31st, 1527 497 years ago
Died
October 12th, 1576 448 years ago — 49 years old

Ruled as Holy Roman Emperor from 1564 until 1576. Maximilian II pursued policies that promoted religious tolerance, supporting both Catholicism and Protestantism within the Holy Roman Empire. His reign was marked by efforts to strengthen the empire's eastern defenses against the Ottoman Empire and to centralize authority. A patron of the arts, he encouraged cultural developments and maintained a court that attracted many artists and philosophers of the time.

Continue Reading

S. S. Kresge

Businessman, founder of Kmart
Born
July 31st, 1867 157 years ago
Died
1966 59 years ago — 99 years old

Founder of Kmart, a discount store chain, established Kresge & Company in 1899. Expanded the business into a national chain, which became a significant competitor in the retail market. Kmart revolutionized discount retailing by offering a wide range of products at lower prices. The first Kmart store opened in 1962, marking the company as a key player in the retail industry.

Continue Reading

Paul Du Chaillu

Anthropologist and zoologist, explorer
Born
July 31st, 1835 189 years ago
Died
April 29th, 1903 122 years ago — 67 years old

Contributed to the understanding of African cultures and wildlife. Conducted extensive explorations in Equatorial Africa, bringing back significant information and specimens. Published works on gorillas, which spurred interest in primate studies, including 'Explorations and Adventures in Equatorial Africa'. Engaged in debates regarding the existence of gorillas and played a role in disseminating knowledge about the region's biodiversity and indigenous peoples.

Continue Reading

Bill Callahan

American football coach and player
Born
July 31st, 1956 68 years ago

A successful football player and coach, contributed significantly to American football at both collegiate and professional levels. Played quarterback for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Coached various teams, including the Oakland Raiders, where reached Super Bowl XXXVII. Also served as head coach at the University of Nebraska, leading the team to several bowl games and winning the Big 12 North title. Held coaching positions in the NFL and college football for multiple teams, including the Washington Football Team and Michigan.

Continue Reading

Dean Cain

Actor and producer, starred in Lois & Clark
Born
July 31st, 1966 58 years ago

An American actor, producer, and screenwriter, gained prominence through the role of Clark Kent in the television series 'Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman'. This series aired from 1993 to 1997 and garnered a significant fanbase. Participated in various television projects and films, effectively transitioning into production work. In addition, engaged in sports before pursuing an acting career, playing football at Princeton University.

Continue Reading

Hubert Védrine

French politician and former Minister of Foreign Affairs
Born
July 31st, 1947 77 years ago

Held the position of Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1997 to 2002, contributing to French foreign policy during a pivotal period. Played a significant role in European Union affairs and international diplomatic negotiations. Engaged in various international forums and discussions, advocating for France's influence in global matters. After leaving office, continued to engage in political commentary and analysis, participating in the public discourse on international relations.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on October 8th

Ahmet Tevfik Pasha

Ottoman Grand Vizier and soldier
Born
February 11th, 1845 180 years ago
Died
October 8th, 1936 88 years ago — 91 years old

Served as the Grand Vizier of the Ottoman Empire during a significant transition period in the early 20th century. Played a key role in efforts to modernize the military and administrative structures of the Empire. Held the office during World War I and faced challenges associated with the Empire's declining power. Engaged in diplomatic efforts to navigate the complexities of wartime alliances and internal strife.

Continue Reading

James Elphinston

Scottish philologist and linguist
Born
December 6th, 1721 303 years ago
Died
October 8th, 1809 215 years ago — 87 years old

Born in Scotland, this individual contributed significantly to the study of language and phonetics. Focused on the correct pronunciation of English, engaged in efforts to reform English spelling. Developed a system of phonetic notation, aiding in the teaching of pronunciation. Published works such as 'The Universal Grammar' and 'A New and Accurate Method of Teaching Pronunciation' that influenced language education. Held the position of a schoolmaster and was involved in various educational reforms during his career.

Continue Reading

Robert Berdella

American serial killer and rapist
Born
1949 76 years ago
Died
October 8th, 1992 32 years ago — 43 years old

A resident of Kansas City, Berdella gained infamy as a serial killer and torturer. During the 1980s, he operated a household where numerous young men were abducted, tortured, and murdered. Berdella's methods included drugging and binding his victims while subjecting them to various forms of physical and psychological torture. His criminal activities came to light in 1988 following the disappearance of a man, leading to investigations resulting in his arrest. In 1992, he was convicted of several counts of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.

Continue Reading

Henry Fielding

English novelist and playwright, Tom Jones
Born
April 22nd, 1707 318 years ago
Died
October 8th, 1754 270 years ago — 47 years old

Fielding was an English novelist and playwright during the 18th century. His most acclaimed work, 'The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling', published in 1749, is considered one of the first English novels, establishing the form's early conventions. He also wrote significant plays, contributing to the development of the theatre during the time. Fielding was a prominent figure in the literary scene and critiqued social issues through his writings. Additionally, he was involved in law and public service, serving as a magistrate in London.

Continue Reading

Paul Prudhomme

Chef and author of Cajun cuisine
Born
July 13th, 1940 84 years ago
Died
October 8th, 2015 9 years ago — 75 years old

An influential figure in the culinary world, this chef popularized Cajun and Creole cuisine across the United States. After training at a young age, he opened his restaurant, K-Paul's Louisiana Kitchen, in New Orleans, which became well-known for its flavorful dishes. The chef authored several cookbooks, contributing to the increased popularity of Cajun cooking. He appeared on television cooking shows, sharing his recipes and techniques with a broader audience. Through innovative cooking methods, he played a significant role in the emergence of Cajun cuisine in mainstream American cooking.

Continue Reading

Constantine Andreou

Greek painter and sculptor
Born
March 24th, 1917 108 years ago
Died
October 8th, 2007 17 years ago — 90 years old

A prominent Greek painter and sculptor, contributions to modern art include works that reflect a profound dedication to abstraction and form. Studied at the Athens School of Fine Arts and later moved to Paris, where extensive interactions with the European avant-garde took place. Works often featured a combination of painting and sculpture, utilizing various materials to explore spatial relationships and color dynamics. Andreou's works were showcased in numerous exhibitions throughout Europe and the United States, solidifying a significant place in the modern art scene.

Continue Reading