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.

Social Movements & Civil Rights

Mahatma Gandhi's Arrest and Imprisonment

March 10th, 1922 103 years ago

Mahatma Gandhi was arrested in India for his role in the Non-Cooperation Movement, accused of sedition against British rule. He was tried, found guilty, and sentenced to six years in prison. However, he served only around two years due to an appendicitis operation that required his release for medical treatment. This arrest was part of India's struggle for independence from British colonial rule and highlighted Gandhi's influence in the movement.

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Education & Academia

Inauguration of Visva-Bharati College

December 22nd, 1921 103 years ago

Visva-Bharati College, also known as Santiniketan College, opened its doors with the vision of Rabindranath Tagore to create a new educational paradigm. Founded in Santiniketan, West Bengal, India, the institution aimed to blend Indian and Western cultures while providing an immersive learning environment linked to nature. The inaugural ceremony was marked by speeches emphasizing creativity and holistic education, setting a foundation for future developments in the field. Tagore's aspiration was that the college would nurture a sense of unity amongst students while promoting the idea of global citizenship through its unique curriculum.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Striking Workers Demand Better Conditions

June 20th, 1921 103 years ago

In Chennai, workers from the Buckingham and Carnatic Mills initiated a significant four-month strike, seeking improved labor conditions and fair wages. The strike was a response to grievances regarding long working hours and insufficient pay, reflecting broader labor unrest in early 20th century India. It gained momentum as various labor unions rallied support, highlighting the challenges faced by industrial workers during this period.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Gandhi's Day of Prayer and Fasting Called

April 16th, 1919 105 years ago

In response to the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, Mohandas Gandhi organized a day of prayer and fasting, urging the Indian populace to unite in mourning for those killed by British troops. This act was a call for nonviolent protest and introspection amidst rising tensions with colonial authorities. It served to demonstrate the collective grief and the need for peaceful resistance against the oppressive measures felt by Indians.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Jallianwala Bagh Massacre in Amritsar

April 13th, 1919 105 years ago

British Army troops, under Brigadier-General Reginald Dyer, opened fire on a large crowd of unarmed demonstrators in Amritsar, India, resulting in numerous casualties. The gathering took place in Jallianwala Bagh, a public garden, during a period of rising unrest against British colonial rule. The troops targeted men, women, and children, leading to a tragic loss of life and injuries that profoundly shocked the Indian populace and drew international attention to the repressive measures of British authorities.

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Arts & Culture

Release of India's First Feature Film

May 3rd, 1913 111 years ago

Raja Harishchandra, directed by Dadasaheb Phalke, premiered in Bombay. This groundbreaking film, based on the legendary king Harishchandra, marked the inception of the Indian cinema industry. Phalke, inspired by silent films and Indian mythology, produced a silent film that was both a technical achievement and a cultural milestone. The film included innovative special effects and set a precedent for future filmmakers in India, cultivating a rich cinematic tradition.

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Education & Academia

Ramanujan's First Letter to G. H. Hardy

January 16th, 1913 112 years ago

Srinivasa Ramanujan wrote his first letter to G. H. Hardy in Cambridge, sharing several of his mathematical findings, which included intricate formulae related to integrals and infinite series. This communication marked the beginning of a significant collaboration that would lead to Ramanujan's growing reputation in the mathematical community.

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Arts & Culture

First Indian Film 'Shree Pundalik' Released

May 18th, 1912 112 years ago

'Shree Pundalik,' directed by Dadasaheb Torne, marked a significant milestone in Indian cinema as it was the first full-length Indian feature film released in Mumbai. The story revolves around the mythological character of Pundalik, highlighting themes of devotion and faith. The film drew an audience interested in the portrayal of Indian narratives on screen, and its release laid the groundwork for the burgeoning Indian film industry. Audiences were captivated by the blend of drama and cultural context presented through this innovative medium.

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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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