Historical Events tagged with "bengal"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Politics & Government

Partition of Bengal Sparks Nationalism in India

October 16th, 1905 119 years ago

The Partition of Bengal in 1905 was an administrative action taken by the British colonial government to divide the large province of Bengal into two separate entities. This move, purportedly aimed at improving administrative efficiency, was conducted under the pretext of easing Hindu-Muslim tensions by creating a Muslim-majority Eastern Bengal. However, it was widely viewed as a deliberate attempt to weaken the growing nationalist movement among Indians by creating divisions between different religious communities, particularly between Hindus and Muslims, leading to widespread protests and agitation against British rule.

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Military & Warfare

British Victory Over Rajab Ali Khan of Chittagong

January 9th, 1858 167 years ago

The British forces achieved a decisive victory against Rajab Ali Khan in Chittagong, marking a critical turning point in their efforts to consolidate control over Bengal. Rajab Ali Khan, a prominent local leader, had resisted British rule and rallied significant local support. The confrontation culminated in a battle that showcased British military prowess and brought an end to local resistance in the region, reaffirming British dominance in East Bengal.

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Military & Warfare

Disbandment of the 34th Regiment of Bengal Native Infantry

May 6th, 1857 167 years ago

The East India Company disbanded the 34th Regiment of Bengal Native Infantry, partly due to the revolt led by sepoy Mangal Pandey. The regiment was involved in critical unrest preceding the War of Indian Independence. The decision reflected the Company's efforts to maintain order and assert control over its troops. This action marked a significant step in the escalating tensions between British authorities and Indian sepoys, showcasing the deep-seated grievances that would fuel the larger rebellion.

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Military & Warfare

Mangal Pandey's Revolt Against British Rule

March 29th, 1857 167 years ago

Mangal Pandey, a soldier in the British East India Company's army, sparked a rebellion against colonial rule in India. On March 29, 1857, in Barrackpore, near Calcutta, he violently opposed the use of the new Enfield rifle which was rumored to be greased with cow and pig fat, offending both Hindu and Muslim soldiers. His actions inspired a widespread uprising against the British, leading to a major struggle for independence.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Lord William Bentinck Battles Sati in Bengal

December 4th, 1829 195 years ago

In response to local opposition, British Governor-General Lord William Bentinck enacted a regulation criminalizing the practice of sati, marking a significant turning point in colonial India. The regulation targeted those who aided in the practice, which involved a widow self-immolating on her husband's funeral pyre. Sati, viewed by many as a barbaric custom, faced growing criticism, leading to Bentinck's decisive action to protect women's rights and restrict this tradition against fierce local sentiment.

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Politics & Government

Treaty of Allahabad Marks Company Rule in India

August 12th, 1765 259 years ago

The Treaty of Allahabad established the British East India Company's political authority in India following the defeat of the Mughal Emperor, Shah Alam II, against the forces led by Robert Clive. The treaty was signed at Allahabad, granting the Company the rights to collect revenue from Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa. This marked a significant shift in power in the Indian subcontinent, transforming the East India Company from a commercial enterprise into a political entity and setting the stage for the expansion of British rule in India.

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Military & Warfare

British Victory Over Indian Forces at Plassey

June 23rd, 1757 267 years ago

In a decisive clash at Plassey, British forces commanded by Robert Clive confronted the army of Siraj ud-Daulah. Despite a significant numerical disadvantage, with Clive leading only 3,000 men against a force of 50,000, strategic maneuvers and betrayals among the Indian ranks contributed to the British victory. The battle laid the foundation for British dominance in India.

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Military & Warfare

Imprisonment of British Garrison in Calcutta

June 20th, 1756 268 years ago

A British garrison of approximately 146 men, along with civilians, was imprisoned in the Black Hole of Calcutta following the capture of Fort William. The event occurred in the context of increasing tensions between the British East India Company and the Nawab of Bengal, Siraj ud-Daulah. After a brief battle, the surrender of the fort resulted in the captives being crammed into an overcrowded 14 by 18 foot dungeon, with limited ventilation and unbearable conditions.

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Military & Warfare

Marathas Triumph Over Mughal Coalition at Bhopal

December 24th, 1737 287 years ago

In a significant clash, the Marathas achieved a decisive victory against a formidable coalition of the Mughal Empire, the Rajputs of Jaipur, the Nizam of Hyderabad, the Nawab of Awadh, and the Nawab of Bengal. This confrontation occurred in Bhopal, where the Maratha forces demonstrated exceptional tactics and leadership. Amidst a growing rise of the Maratha power, this battle highlighted their military prowess and ambition while challenging the Mughal dominance in the region.

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