Historical Events tagged with "india"

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

Indira Gandhi Assassinated, Riots Erupt Nationwide

October 31st, 1984 40 years ago

Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards, Satwant Singh and Beant Singh, in New Delhi. Following her death, widespread riots occurred across the nation, particularly targeting the Sikh community, leading to the deaths of around 3,000 Sikhs. The violence was fueled by long-standing tensions between the Sikh community and the Indian government, exacerbated by the earlier Operation Blue Star, which aimed to eliminate Sikh militancy in the Golden Temple. The tragic events unfolded quickly, resulting in significant loss of life and property.

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Military & Warfare

Military Action at the Golden Temple

June 5th, 1984 40 years ago

Under the orders of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, the Indian Army launched Operation Blue Star to clear Sikh militants holed up in the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The operation aimed to capture Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and his associates, who were accused of promoting secessionist movements. The military action, which took place in the holiest shrine of Sikhism, was marked by a significant loss of life and damage to the temple's structure, igniting widespread outrage among Sikhs worldwide.

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Military & Warfare

Indian Military Offensive at Golden Temple

June 3rd, 1984 40 years ago

Operation Blue Star was a military operation initiated by the Indian government to remove Sikh militants from the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar. This operation took place in June, led by Major General Kuldip Singh Brar. The Indian Army aimed to eliminate the armed resistance led by insurgent leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. As the operation unfolded, it resulted in significant casualties, with estimates suggesting over 5,000 individuals, predominantly civilians, were affected.

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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

Mother Teresa Receives Bharat Ratna Award

January 25th, 1980 45 years ago

Mother Teresa was honored with India's highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna, recognizing her lifelong dedication to humanitarian work and service to the poor. The award was presented in a ceremony held in New Delhi, attended by dignitaries and government officials, highlighting her impact on society and her global reputation as a symbol of compassion. This prestigious recognition underscored not only her contributions to India but also her influence worldwide in promoting charitable work and love for humanity, making her a revered figure in both the country and around the globe.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Mother Teresa Receives Nobel Peace Prize

October 17th, 1979 45 years ago

Mother Teresa was honored with the Nobel Peace Prize for her dedication to humanitarian work in 1979. Recognized for her tireless efforts to alleviate the suffering of the poor and sick through her Missionaries of Charity organization, she traveled to Norway for the award ceremony. Her speech emphasized the importance of love in our lives, drawing attention to the issues of poverty and hunger around the world.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Air India Flight 855 Crashes into Arabian Sea

January 1st, 1978 47 years ago

Air India Flight 855, a Boeing 747, crashed into the Arabian Sea off Bombay due to issues related to instrument failure, spatial disorientation, and pilot error. All 213 individuals aboard lost their lives in this catastrophic accident. The flight was on its way to Dubai when it encountered severe difficulties during its approach, leading to a tragic end just moments after takeoff. Investigators later attributed the incident to a combination of factors that contributed to the crew's inability to maintain control.

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Politics & Government

Morarji Desai Became India's Prime Minister

March 24th, 1977 47 years ago

Morarji Desai was sworn in as the Prime Minister of India, representating the Janata Party. His election marked a significant shift in Indian politics as he became the first Prime Minister not affiliated with the Indian National Congress. Desai's ascension followed the defeat of the Indira Gandhi-led Congress party in the national elections, a result of widespread disillusionment among voters after the Emergency period. The Janata Party coalition, which included several former Congress members, aimed to restore democracy and civil liberties.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Indian Airlines Flight 171 Collision at Santacruz Airport

October 12th, 1976 48 years ago

Indian Airlines Flight 171, a domestic passenger flight, crashed at Santacruz Airport in Bombay, India, resulting in the deaths of 95 individuals aboard. The aircraft collided with a building during approach, leading to a catastrophic fire and loss of life, primarily among passengers and crew. The incident raised significant concerns regarding aviation safety and led to increased regulatory scrutiny on air travel in the region.

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