Historical Events tagged with "calcutta"

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.

Social Movements & Civil Rights

Bijon Setu Massacre in Calcutta

April 30th, 1982 42 years ago

The Bijon Setu massacre occurred in Calcutta, where state police opened fire on a group of protesters. The protestors demanded the establishment of a separate state for the Gorkhas in West Bengal. The brutal clash resulted in several deaths and numerous injuries, highlighting the tensions between the local government and Gorkha activists. The outburst led to widespread unrest in the state, raising questions about law enforcement's response to civil dissent.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Communist Party of India (Marxist–Leninist) Formation

April 22nd, 1969 55 years ago

A mass rally in Calcutta marked the announcement of the formation of the Communist Party of India (Marxist–Leninist), an ideological splinter from the more moderate Communist Party of India. This event was characterized by a significant gathering of supporters advocating for a more revolutionary approach to communism, inspired by Maoist principles and the political climate of the time.

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Politics & Government

Calcutta Experiences Violent Anti-Muslim Riots

January 13th, 1964 61 years ago

In Calcutta, escalating tensions led to violent anti-Muslim riots, driven by the communal unrest in East Pakistan. Approximately one hundred individuals lost their lives amid the chaos. The violence was triggered by recent anti-Hindu riots over the border. The situation rapidly deteriorated as rioters engaged in destructive confrontations, leading to property damage and loss of lives. The intense communal conflict highlighted the fragile state of Hindu-Muslim relations during this period.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Mother Teresa Founds Missionaries of Charity

October 7th, 1950 74 years ago

In Calcutta, India, Mother Teresa established the Missionaries of Charity, a religious congregation aimed at serving the poorest of the poor. With the primary goal of caring for the sick, hungry, and dying, she built this organization on her commitment to faith and love for humanity. This small group began its work with a modest mission in the slums of Calcutta, rapidly expanding its reach to provide support to those in need across the globe.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Southeast Asian Youth Conference in Calcutta

February 19th, 1948 77 years ago

A landmark convening of young leaders from Southeast Asia took place in Calcutta, focusing on the struggles for freedom and independence in their respective nations. This gathering brought together student representatives from various countries, who discussed colonialism, nationalism, and strategies for achieving self-governance. It served as an important platform for these youths to collaborate and share their aspirations for a liberated future, marking a significant moment in the region's socio-political landscape.

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Military & Warfare

Japanese Air Forces Bomb Calcutta, India

December 20th, 1942 82 years ago

On this day, Japanese air forces launched a raid over Calcutta, India, marking a significant act of aggression during World War II. The attack targeted military installations and transport hubs to disrupt British supply lines. The bombing caused considerable panic among the civilian population, resulted in material damage, and demonstrated Japan's expanding military reach in the region. This event was part of a broader strategy to weaken British control in Southeast Asia and hinder allied operations.

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Politics & Government

Subhas Chandra Bose Arrested in Calcutta

July 2nd, 1940 84 years ago

Subhas Chandra Bose was arrested in Calcutta while addressing a public meeting organized by the All India Forward Bloc. His detention stemmed from his opposition to British rule and his call for complete independence for India. This event highlighted the intensifying struggle against colonial rule. It was a significant moment that galvanized the Indian independence movement and underscored the British government's crackdown on dissent.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Mother Teresa's Arrival in Calcutta, India

January 6th, 1929 96 years ago

Mother Teresa, an Albanian-Indian nun, arrived by sea in Calcutta to begin her mission of helping the poorest and sickest individuals. She would soon dedicate her life to serving the most vulnerable members of society, focusing on the marginalized and destitute who lived on the streets of the city. With a deep commitment to her faith and humanitarian values, she took her first steps toward establishing her mission in a place where suffering was prevalent.

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Cultural Traditions

First Singing of Jana Gana Mana

December 27th, 1911 113 years ago

Jana Gana Mana, composed by Rabindranath Tagore, was first sung in Calcutta during the Indian National Congress session. This anthem, which later became the national anthem of India, resonated with the aspirations of the Indian populace. The Congress session provided a platform for expressions of national pride and unity, and the anthem captured the spirit of the movement for independence from British rule. Tagore's music and lyrics were embraced by attendees as a symbol of cultural identity.

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