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PM to participate in programme marking Parakram Diwas (Day of Valor) at Red Fort. The programme will commemorate the legacy of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and the Azad Hind Fauj. January 23, 2024 was commemorated as the 126th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.
04 February, 2024
Significant Events
Savitribai Phule Savitribai Phule (1831 - 1897) was a social reformer, poet in Maharastra. She is considered the 1st female teacher in India and is known as the mother of Indian feminism. Rani Velu Nachiyar Rani Velu Nachiyar was the 1st queen to fight against the British colonial power in India. She is known by Tamils as Veeramangai, who was the princess of Ramanathapuram.
09 January, 2024
Personalities
The Kharsawan massacre occurred on January 1, 1948 in the town of Kharsawan, which is now part of Jharkhand. The massacre was similar to the Jallianwala Bagh incident in 1919. The massacre occurred during a protest against the merger of Kharsawan with Odisha. Police opened fire on a crowd of Adivasis, killing hundreds or possibly thousands.
07 January, 2024
Significant Events
Veer Baal Diwas is commemmorated to honour the martyrdom of Baba Fateh Singh and Zorawar Singh, sons of 10th Guru Govind Singh Ji on 26th December every year. On this day Mughal forces under Aurangzeb's order killed Sahibzada Zorawar Singh, who was just 6 years old, and Fateh Singh, who was only 9.
30 December, 2023
Significant Events
Madan Mohan Malaviya was an Indian educationist, freedom fighter and the thrice president of Indian National Congress. He was born on 25 December 1861, Prayagraj and died on 12 November 1946. He was addressed as 'Mahamana', he was the founder of Banaras Hindu University (BHU) at Varanasi in 1916, also founded an English-newspaper, “The Leader”. Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya was posthumously conferred with Bharat Ratna.
29 December, 2023
Personalities
Thakkar Bapa (1869 - 1951) was an Indian social worker and freedom fighter who worked to improve the lives of tribal people in Gujarat. Thakkar Bapa was a strong believer in universal education and the abolition of untouchability. He was the Chairman of the Excluded and Partially Excluded Areas Sub-Committee of the Constituent Assembly. In 1922, he established the Bhil Seva Mandal and in 1949, he established the "Adim Jati Sevak Sangh".
29 December, 2023
Personalities
Baba Saheb Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar was born on 14th April, 1891 and died on 6th Dec, 1956 his death anniversary is observed as Mahaparinirvan Diwas across the country. His important works - In 1924 he started All India depressed classes association with Sir Chimanlal Setalvad. The Bahiskrit Bharat, newspaper was started in 1927 to address the cause of the depressed classes in view of the new reform. He was conferred with the Title of Bodhisattva while he was alive.
06 December, 2023
Personalities
PM unveils Statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Rajkot Fort, Sindhudurg, Maharashtra recently. Chhatrapati Shivaji (1630-1680) was the founder of the Maratha kingdom of India. Victories - Shivaji’s conflict with the Adil Shahi Sultanate of Bijapur began when he was only 16. Ashta Pradhan - He promoted the use of Marathi and Sanskrit in his courts and created an elaborate administrative system with a council of ministers known as Ashta Pradhan.
05 December, 2023
Personalities
The Maski rock edict is a minor rock edict of Emperor Ashoka. It was discovered in 1915 by C. Beadon at the archaeological site of Maski in the Raichur district of Karnataka, India. The Maski rock edict is important because it was the 1st edict of Emperor Ashoka to include his name. Earlier edicts referred to him as Devanampiye Piyadasi.
01 December, 2023
Modern India
Lachit Borphukan was the commander of the Ahom forces and an icon of Assamese nationalism. In the Battle of Saraighat (Naval battle) on the River Brahmaputra, he thwarted an invasion by the Mughal Forces under the command of Ramsingh I. On 24th November each year, Lachit Diwas is celebrated in Assam to commemorate the heroism of Lachit Borphukan and the victory of the Assamese army at the Battle of Saraighat.
24 November, 2023
Personalities
Saint Meera Bai is one of the famous Hindu mystic poetess of 16th century and a great devotee of lord Krishna. Meera Bai was born into a royal family in Kudki, now Pali district of Rajasthan in 1498 CE. Her childhood name was Yashodha. Bhaktmal, a poetry collection that describes the biography of Meera Bai, is written by Guru Nabha Dass ji in 1585 CE in Braja language.
23 November, 2023
Personalities
It commemorates the adoption of the Constitution of India by the Constituent Assembly of India on November 26, 1949. The Constitution came into effect on January 26, 1950.
21 November, 2023
Significant Events
Rani Lakshmi Bai, also known as the Rani of Jhansi, was a queen and freedom fighter in India. Her original name was Manikarnika Tambe. She was born on November 19, 1828 in Varanasi. She was the Maharani of the princely state of Jhansi from 1843 to 1853. The British East India Company refused to accept their adopted son as legal heir through Doctrine of Lapse and decided to annex Jhansi. So, Rani Lakshmi Bai took part in the Indian Rebellion of 1857 and died on the battlefield in June 1858.
21 November, 2023
Personalities
Savitribai Phule The 192nd birth anniversary of Savitribai Phule, India's first women teacher, occur on January 3, 2023. About Savitribai Phule: On January 3, 1831, Savitribai Phule was born in Naigaon, in the Satara district of Maharashtra. She was the oldest child of Lakshmi and Khandoji Neveshe Patil, who were both of the Other Backward Caste (Mali) community (OBC). She wed Jyotirao Phule when she was nine years old and he was thirteen. Savitribai Phule died on 10 March 1897, while caring for a patient in the clinic she had opened for the treatment of those affected by the bubonic plague. Principal Contributions: There were…
04 January, 2023
Personalities
Bhima-Koregaon Battle Recently, the Battle of Koregaon Bhima celebrated its 205th anniversary. What was the Battle of Bhima Koregaon? On January 1, 1818, 800 British East India Company soldiers and 800 Maratha warriors fought in the Battle of Koregaon in the village of Koregaon, Maharashtra. The Peshwa army were effectively repelled by the East India Company soldiers, who also stopped them from entering Pune. Baji Rao II withdrew his troops from Koregaon and abandoned his plans to attack Pune after a 12-hour battle in which 600 men were lost and he feared reinforcements from Pune. What Motivated the Battle's Conduct?…
03 January, 2023
Significant Events
Birth Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda Every year on January 12th, Swami Vivekananda's birth anniversary is commemorated as National Youth Day. About Swami Vivekananda: On January 12, 1863, he was born in Calcutta to a Bengali family and was given the name Narendranath Datta. In his honor, the Indian government designated his birthday National Youth Day in 1984. He had an early interest in Western philosophy, history, religion, spirituality, and theology. He was well-versed in a variety of disciplines and would meditate in front of representations of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. He encountered the religious leader Ramakrishna Paramhansa, who became his…
12 January, 2023
Personalities
Mangarh Massacre On November 17, 1913, a horrible disaster that killed more than 1,500 Bhil tribal people, took place in Mangarh (Banswada, Rajasthan). The Adivasi Jallianwala is another name for the Mangrah hilltop, which is located near the boundary between Gujarat and Rajasthan. What caused the massacre in Mangarh? The Bhils, a tribal people, experienced severe hardships at the hands of the British and princely state tyrants. The Bhils living in Rajasthan and Gujarat were forced into bonded labour around the turn of the 20th century. The Deccan and Bombay Presidency's severe famine of 1899–1900, which claimed the lives of…
19 November, 2022
Significant Events
Acharya Kripalani The Indian Prime Minister recently honoured Acharya Kripalani on his Jayanti. About Acharya Kripalani: He was born in Hyderabad, Sindh, on November 11th, 1888. Although Acharya Kripalani was his more well-known moniker, his real name was Jivatram Bhagwandas Kripalani. He was an advocate for Indian independence, a politician, and an educator. Educationist: He taught at numerous locations between 1912 and 1927 before fully committing to the independence cause. Around 1922, while he was a teacher at the Gujarat Vidyapith, which had been established by the Mahatma a few years earlier, he acquired the title "Acharya." He was an…
16 November, 2022
Personalities
National Unity Day 2022 The Union Home Minister of India paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on National Unity Day in 2022, the 147th anniversary of his birth, noting that through his foresight, the latter was able to realize the dream of a powerful and united India. Why Do We Celebrate National Unity Day? Every year on October 31st, National Unity Day is observed to honor Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's birthday. Rashtriya Ekta Diwas is an alternative name for it. The purpose of this day's celebration is to spread the message that society can be improved by sticking together. In 2014,…
31 October, 2022
Personalities
Arattupuzha Velayudha Panicker Arattupuzha Velayudha Panicker is the subject of the recently released Malayalam film Pathonpatham Noottandu, which is also known as "Nineteenth Century." Image Source - Journals of India About Arattupuzha Velayudha Panicker He was a nineteenth-century social reformer from Kerala's Ezhava community. He was born in Kerala's Alappuzha district to a wealthy family of merchants. In 1869, the then-king of Travancore bestowed upon him the title of "Panicker." Social Reforms: He fought against the Savarnas' dominance over the higher castes and changed the lives of both men and women. He made some of his most important contributions while…
15 September, 2022
Personalities
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose The Indian Prime Minister unveils a large statue honouring Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. The 28-foot-tall jet-black granite statue will be positioned close to India Gate under the Canopy. One of the tallest, most lifelike, monolithic, and hand-crafted sculptures in India is the 28 feet tall towering statue of Netaji. Image Source - The Interview Times About Subhas Chandra Bose, Netaji On January 23, 1897, he was born in Cuttack, Orissa. His mother Prabhavati Devi was a devout and religious woman, and his father Janaki Nath Bose was a well-known lawyer. He excelled academically from a young…
12 September, 2022
Personalities
Dara Shikoh Dara Shikoh is referred to as a torchbearer for societal unity by the Vice President. Image Source - Storyofpakiatan About Dara Shikoh He was the heir apparent and oldest child of Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor. He was made the Crown Prince by his father, the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, in 1655; on August 30, 1659, he was slain by his younger brother, Aurangzeb, in a bloody succession dispute. Dara was chosen to succeed his father and his older sister, Princess Jahanara Begum, and given the title Padshahzada-i-Buzurg Martaba (Prince of High Rank). Dara was beaten by his…
10 September, 2022
Personalities
V. O. Chidambaram Pillai Recently, the Prime Minister paid tribute to V. O. Chidambaram Pillai, the legendary freedom fighter on his 151st birth anniversary on 5th September 2022. He was also known as Sekkizuththa Semmal and Kappalottiya Tamilan (The Tamil Helmsman) (scholarly gentry who suffered at the oil press). About Chidambaram Pillai Birth: Vallinayagam Olaganathan Chidambaram Pillai (VOC) was born on September 5, 1872, in Ottapidaram, Tamil Nadu's Tirunelveli district, to renowned attorney Olaganathan Pillai and Paramyee Ammai. Early Years: Tuticorin's Caldwell College is where VOC earned his degree. He had a brief stint as a taluk office clerk before…
07 September, 2022
Personalities
Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan In India, September 5th is recognized as Teachers' Day. Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan's birthday is honoured on this day. Image Source - Zee News About Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Date of Birth: He was born on September 5, 1888. He was India's second president from 1962 to 1967 and its first vice president from 1952 to 1962. He was raised by Telugu Brahmins. He was also a distinguished thinker, academic, and recipient of the Bharat Ratna award. Authorial Works Advaita Vedanta served as the philosophical foundation for Radhakrishnan. In 1917, he also wrote the book "The Philosophy of Rabindranath…
05 September, 2022
Personalities
V.D. Savarkar In Mysore, the Savarkar Rath Yatra was launched by the former Chief Minister. About V.D . Savarkar He was born on May 28, 1883, into a Hindu Marathi family in Nashik, Maharashtra, and went by the name Swatantryaveer Savarkar, or "Veer," because of his bravery. He was a social reformer, politician, lawyer, writer, and founder of the Hindutva movement. Contribution to the Freedom Movement: He promoted Swadeshi and opposed imported commodities. On Dussehra in 1905, he set fire to every piece of foreign merchandise. In 1909, he was detained on suspicion of planning an armed uprising against the…
25 August, 2022
Personalities
Lord Curzon and his policies The West Bengal government recently made the decision to install a statue of Radharani, the wife of Maharaja Bijay Chand Mahatab of Bardhaman, in front of the Lord Curzon Gate. When Curzon visited the town in 1903, Mahtab had already completed the gate. From 1887 till his passing in 1941, Maharajadhiraja Bijay Chand Mahtab (1881–1941) ruled over Burdwan Estate in Bengal, British India. About Lord Curzon Early Age: Born in 1859 into British nobility. He received his education at Oxford University and the exclusive Eton College school. He assumed the position of Under-Secretary of…
22 August, 2022
Personalities
Veer Durgadas Rathore In Jodhpur, the statue of Veer Durgadas Rathore was recently unveiled by India's defence minister. About Veer Durgadas Rathore (1638-1718) He had defied Aurangzeb and was the Rathore Rajput General of the Kingdom of Marwar. A well-known warrior who is credited with leading the rebellion against the Mughals. During the Rajput War, Durgadas Rathore oversaw the Rathore army (1679–1707) Played a significant part in the Rajput Rebellion (1708–1710), which was one of the key causes of the Mughal Empire's downfall. Along with Raja Jai Singh II of Jaipur, he was chosen as the revolt's leader. He rebuilt…
19 August, 2022
Personalities
PIN Code History Postal Index Number (PIN) completed 50 Years. About PIN code At the time of Independence, India had 23,344 post offices, most of which were located in urban areas. The postal system had to keep up with the nation's fast growth. As a result, it was first made available in India on August 15, 1972. Shriram Bhikaji Velankar, a senior member of the Posts and Telegraphs Board and additional secretary in the Union Ministry of Communications, was the person in charge of the endeavor. Objective It was meant to ease the process of mail sorting and delivery in…
17 August, 2022
Modern India
Aurobindo Ghose The 150th birth anniversary of Aurobindo Ghose will be observed on 15th August. About Aurobindo Ghose Often referred to as Yogi Rishi Aurobindo, this revolutionary, patriot, poet, educator, and philosopher was also well-known. Date of birth: August 15, 1872. When he was seven years old, his education was transferred to England. Contributions: Upon his return to India in 1893, he was appointed a state service officer. He was a professor at Baroda College. He also became a member of a revolutionary society and played a key role in the covert planning of an insurrection against the Indian government…
15 August, 2022
Personalities
Lachit Borphukan The Assam government made a request to include Lachit Borphukan’s valour in textbooks. About Lachit Borphukan In Charaideo, the first seat of the Ahom monarchs was born on November 24, 1622. He commanded two combats against an ally Mughal army. Battle of Alaboi: This conflict took place on August 5, 1669, in North Guwahati, close to Dadara. A joint Mughal and Rajput army were led by Rajput Raja Ram Singh I, an ally of Aurangzeb who had authorized the invasion in 1669. Ram Singh, I used all of his forces to defeat the Ahoms in the Battle of…
08 August, 2022
Personalities
PINGALI VENKAYYA: DESIGNER OF INDIA'S NATIONAL FLAG The Ministry of Culture organized ‘Tiranga Utsav’ to celebrate Pingali Venkayya’s 146th Birth Anniversary. About Pingali Venkayya He was born on August 2, in a Telugu Brahmin family at Bhatlapenumarru, near Machilipatnam, in what is now the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. He was not just the creator of the historic flag, but in his life, he also worked as a teacher, author, agriculturist, and linguist. At the age of 19, Venkayya joined the British Indian Army where he participated in the Boer War in South Africa, and he meet with Mahatma Gandhi.…
04 August, 2022
Personalities
STATUE OF PEACE OF SWAMY RAMANUJACHARYA Home Minister, Amit Shah virtually unveiled the Statue of Peace of Swamy Ramanujacharya in Srinagar, located in the temple in the Sonwar region. About Swamy Ramanujacharya He is also known as Ramanuja and is considered to be a great thinker, philosopher, and social reformer. He is a south Indian Brahmin born in 1017 in Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu. He travelled across India, spreading equality and social justice. He Brought the treasure of Vedic literature to the doorsteps of the common person. Advocated the philosophy of Visistadvaitha, qualified monism. He dispelled the Mayavada concept, that the world is illusionary.…
12 July, 2022
Personalities
ACHARYA PRAFULLA CHANDRA RAY Ministry of Culture along with the Department of Chemistry, University of Delhi, and Vigyan Bharati organized a curtain raiser for two days of International Conference on the “Contributions of Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray as a Chemist and Freedom Fighter”, at Delhi University. About the conference The Conference will be held on the 161st birth anniversary of Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray on the 2nd-3rd August 2022, under the aegis of “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav”. Objective: Expand the legacy and the contribution of Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray in Society, to increase general awareness and background of ancient chemistry along…
15 July, 2022
Personalities
DR. SHYAMA PRASAD MUKHERJEE Union home minister paid tribute to Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee on his birth anniversary. He was an Indian politician, barrister, and academician who served as the Minister for Industry and Supply in Jawaharlal Nehru’s cabinet He was born on 6th July 1901 in a Bengali Brahmin family in Calcutta. He demanded the partition of Bengal in the year 1946 to prevent the inclusion of its Hindu majority area in a Muslim-dominated East Pakistan. At the age of 33, Shyama Prasad Mukherjee became the youngest vice-chancellor of Kolkata university in 1934. During his term as the Vice-Chancellor,…
06 July, 2022
Personalities
RAMPA REBELLION Prime Minister left for Andhra Pradesh's Bhimavaram to attend the 125th birth anniversary celebrations of freedom fighter Alluri Sitarama Raju. About Alluri Sitarama Raju Born on July 4 in the year 1897, Alluri Sitarama Raju is remembered for his fight against the British administration to safeguard the interests of the tribal communities in the Eastern Ghats region. In the year 1922, Indian revolutionary Alluri Sitaram Raju with more than 500 tribal people led the Rampa Rebellion against the British raj for their imposition of the 1882 Madras Forest Act, which restricted the free movement of the tribal community…
03 July, 2022
Personalities
ANJALI PONNUSAMY The Prime Minister has condoled the passing away of the distinguished Indian National Army Veteran Anjalai Ponnusamy from Malaysia. Though she was not born in India (but in Malaysia), she joined the INA’s Rani of Jhansi regiment, at the age of 21 (1943). [INA’s Rani of Jhansi regiment is the first Women’s army in the world.] She has the experience of following the troops up to the Burma-India Border in the effort to free India from British Rule. She was also awarded the title “Veera Thaai” (Valiant Mother) by the Netaji Subash Chandra Bose Service Centre, Malaysia.
17 June, 2022
Personalities
Abanindranath Tagore Why In News? Year-long celebrations marking 150 years of Abanindranath Tagore, titled Abanindranath at 150: Bichitra Revisited, is being organised jointly by Victoria Memorial Hall, Kolkata, and DAG. Nationalist Artist Abanindranath Tagore was the principal artist and creator of the "Indian Society of Oriental Art". He was also the first major exponent of Swadeshi values in Indian art, thereby finding the influential Bengal school of art, which led to the development of modern Indian painting. Writer He was also a noted writer, particularly for children. Popularly known as 'Aban Thakur', his books Rajkahini, Buro Angla, Nalak, and Khirer…
07 August, 2021
Personalities
Emergence of Gandhi Why Nationalist Upsurge at End of First World War Post-War economic hardship. Expectations of Political Gains for Cooperation in the War Nationalist disillusionment with imperialism worldwide. Impact of Russian Revolution. Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms Dyarchy in provinces. Two lists—reserved and transferred—for administration. Reserved subjects to be administered by governor through executive council and transferred subjects to be administered by ministers from legislative council. Extensive powers to governor, governor-general and secretary of state for interference. Franchise expanded, powers also extended. Governor-general to administer with an executive council of 8—three to be Indians. Two lists for administration—central and provincial. Bicameral central…
21 July, 2021
Modern India
First Phase of Revolutionary Activities (1907-1917) Reasons for emergence Younger elements not ready to retreat after the decline of open phase. Leadership’s failure to tap revolutionary energies of the youth. Government repression left no peaceful avenues open for protest. Ideology Assassinate unpopular officials to strike terror and arouse people to expel the British with force; based on individual heroic actions on lines of Irish nationalists or Russian nihilists and not a mass-based countrywide struggle. Revolutionary Activities * Bengal 1902—First revolutionary groups in Midnapore and Calcutta (The Anushilan Samiti) 1906—Yugantar, the revolutionary weekly started By 1905-06—Several newspapers started advocating revolutionary terrorism.…
13 July, 2021
Modern India
Assessment of Social Reform Movements - Positive and Negative Aspects Positive Aspects The orthodox sections of society could not accept the scientific ideological onslaught of the socio-religious rebels. As a result of this, the reformers were subjected to abuse, persecution, issuing of fatwas and even assassination attempts by the reactionaries. However, in spite of opposition, these movements managed to contribute towards the liberation of the individual from the conformity born out of fear and from uncritical submission to exploitation by the priests and other classes. The translation of religious texts into vernacular languages, emphasis on an individual’s right to interpret the…
10 July, 2021
Modern India
Advent of the Europeans in India Why a Sea Route to India European economy growing rapidly, demand for luxury goods. Spirit of renaissance in the 15th-century Europe Capture of Constantinople in 1453, and Syria and Egypt later by the Ottoman Turks calling for a new route to reach India without dealing with Arabs and Turks. Venice and Genoa, too small to stand up to the Turks. Spain and Portugal aided with money and men by the North Europeans and by ships and technical knowledge by the Genoese. The Portuguese the pioneers followed by the Dutch, English, Danes and the French…
04 July, 2021
Modern India
First World War and Nationalist Response In the First World War (1914-1919), Britain allied with France, Russia, USA, Italy and Japan against Germany, Austria-Hungary and Turkey. The nationalist response to British participation in the First World War was three-fold: Moderates supported as a matter of duty; Extremists, including Tilak (who was released in June 1914), supported the war efforts in the mistaken belief that Britain would repay India’s loyalty with gratitude in the form of self-government; and Revolutionaries decided to utilise the opportunity to wage a war on British rule and liberate the country. Home Rule League Movement A trend…
12 July, 2021
Modern India
Indian National Congress - Foundation and the Moderate Phase Foundation of Indian National Congress First session held in 1885 (Bombay). Indian National Union, formed by A.O. Hume, became Indian National Congress. Foundational theories of INC and prominent believers: Safety Valve Theory —Lala Lajpat Rai Conspiracy Theory—R.P. Dutt Lightning conductor Theory—G.K. Gokhale Important leaders of Moderate Phase: Dadabhai Naoroji, Badruddin Tyabji, Pherozeshah Mehta, P.Ananda Charlu, Surendranath Banerjea, Romesh Chandra Dutt, Ananda Mohan Bose, G.K. Gokhale, etc. Early Nationalist Methodology Constitutional agitation within four walls of law Create public opinion in India and campaign for support to Indian demands in England Political…
17 July, 2021
Modern India
Era of Militant Nationalism Why Militant Nationalism Grew 1. Realisation that the true nature of British rule was exploitative, and that the British India government, instead of conceding more, was taking away even what existed. 2. Growth of self-confidence and self-respect. 3. Impact of growth of education—increase in awareness and Unemployment. 4. International influences and events which demolished the myth of white/European supremacy. These included emergence of Japan—an Asian country—as an industrial power Abyssinia’s (Ethiopia) victory over Italy. Boer Wars (1899-1902) in which the British faced reverses. Japan’s victory over Russia (1905). nationalist…
16 July, 2021
Modern India
Beginning of Modern Nationalism in India The rise and growth of Indian nationalism has been traditionally explained in terms of Indian response to the stimulus generated by the British Raj through creation of new institutions, new opportunities, resources, etc. Factors in Growth of Modern Nationalism Understanding of contradictions in Indian and colonial interests People came to realize that colonial rule was the major cause of India’s economic backwardness Political, administrative and economic unification of the country For administrative convenience, considerations of military defense and the urge for economic penetration and commercial exploitation were the driving forces behind the planned development…
15 July, 2021
Modern India
Survey of Socio-Cultural Reform Movements Reform Movements: Among Hindus Bengal Raja Rammohan Roy and Brahmo Samaj- Raja Rammohan Roy Believed in the modern scientific approach and principles of human dignity and social equality and aimed at political uplift of the masses through social reform. Literary Contribution: Gift to Monotheists (1809), Precepts of Jesus (1820), Translated into Bengali the Vedas and the five Upanishads to prove his conviction that ancient Hindu texts support monotheism. Brahmo Samaj—to purify Hinduism and to preach monotheism—was based on the twin pillars of reason and the Vedas and Upanishads. Vedanta is based on reason and that,…
14 July, 2021
Modern India
Socio religious reform movements Basically, there were two kinds of reform movements in the 19th century in India: Reformist- These movements responded with the time and scientific temper of the modern era. Brahmo Samaj, the Prarthana Samaj, the Aligarh Movement. Revivalist- These movements started reviving ancient Indian traditions and thoughts and believed that the western thinking ruined Indian culture and ethos. Arya Samaj and the Deoband movement. The only difference between movements lay in the degree to which it relied on tradition or on reason and conscience. Factors which gave Rise to Reform Movements Presence of colonial government on Indian…
09 July, 2021
Modern India
1857 Revolt The revolt is a product of character and policies of colonial rule. Economic causes- The colonial policies destroyed the traditional economic fabric of Indian society. Heavy Taxation under New Revenue Settlement, Summary evictions for non-payment of debts, Discriminatory tariff policy against Indian products, Destruction of traditional handicrafts industry, and free trade for imports but not for exports . Forfeiture of Zamindari land Absence of concomitant industrialisation on modern lines that hit peasants, artisans and small zamindars. Political causes- Colonial policies led to Collapse of earlier aristocracy , affecting those who derived sustenance through religious and cultural pursuits.…
01 July, 2021
Modern India
Peasant and Non-Tribal Movements during British India Name of the movement Main cause(s) Course of the movement and consequences Sanyasi Rebellion Region: Bengal Year: 1763-1800 Displaced peasants, Demobilized Soldiers, disposed Zamindars, Participated led By Sanyasis. It was made famous by Bankim Chandra Chaterjee. In his novel: Anandmath Titu Mir Peasant Movement Region: Bengal Year: 1782-1831 Against Hindu landlords who imosed beard tax on Faraizis Leadership of Mir Nathar Ali Attempts of the British to force Katabomman to accept their suzerainty and his refusal Defiance of the British by Kattabomman for 7 years; his final capture and execution by the British (1779);…
18 June, 2021
Modern India
Important Newspapers associated with the freedom Struggle The evolution of Indian press was fraught with developmental difficulties, illiteracy, colonial constraints and repression. It disseminated the ideas of freedom and became prominent tool for freedom struggle. Name of the Paper/journal Year and Place of Publication Name of the Founder or Editor Bengal Gazette 1780, Calcutta James Augustus Hicky India Gazette 1787, Calcutta Henry Louis Vivian Derozio was associated with it Bombay Herald (First Paper from Bombay) 1789, Bombay ———— Digdarshana (First Bengali Monthly) 1818, Calcutta ———– Bengal Gazette (First Bengali Newspaper) 1818, Calcutta Harishchandra Ray…
15 June, 2021
Modern India
Annual Sessions of Indian National Congress Allan Octavian Hume, Dadabhai Naoroji and Dinshaw Edulji Wacha founded Indian National Congress on 28 December 1885 Year Place President Details 1885 Bombay W C Bonnerjee 1st session attended by 72 delegates 1886 Calcutta Dadabhai Naoroji National Congress and National Conference 1887 Madras Syed Badruddin Tyabji Appeal made to Muslims to join hands with other national leaders 1888 Allahabad George Yule First English president 1889 Bombay Sir William Wedderburn – 1890 Calcutta Feroz Shah Mehta – 1891 Nagpur P. Ananda Charlu – 1892 Allahabad W C Bonnerjee – 1893 Lahore Dadabhai Naoroji – 1894…
16 June, 2021
Modern India
Governor Generals and Viceroys of India --Significant Events in their Rule Sl. No. Governor Generals Acts Wars/Treaties Reforms Introduced/ Established 1 Warren Hastings 1773-1785 1773 Regulating act Act of 1781- powers of jurisdiction between the governor-general-in-council and the Supreme Court at Calcutta, were clearly divided. Pitt’s India Act of 1784. The Rohilla War of 1774. The First Maratha War in 1775-82 and the Treaty of Salbai in 1782. Second Mysore War in 1780-84. Strained relationships with Chait Singh, the Maharaja of Benaras, which led to Hastings’ subsequent impeachment in England. Found Asiatic Society of Bengal 2 Lord Cornwallis…
13 June, 2021
Modern India
Tribal Movements in India The Tribal population is conservative and is always interested in retaining the features of their society. Tribal movements were inspired by revolutionary tendencies. They tend to fight and eliminate ill-tendencies that attempt to change the structure of the tribal society. A summary of the Tribal Rebellions during British rule in India is given below. Causes of Movements Extension of settled agriculture led to influx of non tribals in the tribal areas. These outsiders exploited them and extension of settled agriculture led to the loss of land by the tribals which reduced them to agricultural labourers.…
17 June, 2021
Modern India
Commemorative Dandi March to mark 75 years of Independence The Prime Minister flagged off a commemorative 2021 Dandi March to launch the celebrations of the 75th year of Independence – ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’. About the Dandi March: It was a 24-day march from March 12 to April 5, 1930. It was a tax resistance campaign against the British salt monopoly. The march was based on Gandhi’s principle of non-violence or Satyagraha. Why did Gandhiji call for the Dandi March? The 1882 Salt Act gave the British a monopoly in the manufacture and sale of salt. Indians were forced to buy…
14 March, 2021
Significant Events
Sri Nankana Sahib Massacre Nankana Sahib is the birthplace of the first Sikh guru, Guru Nanak Dev. The centenary of the Sri Nankana Sahib Massacre (Saka Nankana Sahib) is being marked in an event in Nankana Sahib on February 21, 2021. It was also the site of the first big agitation by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to take back control of gurdwaras from priests (mahants) backed by the British. Sikh leaders made attempts to bring mahant to the negotiation table but their efforts failed. On February 21, 1921, the unarmed Sikh leaders (jatha) entered Nankana Sahib to take…
22 February, 2021
Significant Events
Vijay Diwas-50 years celebration India will celebrate 50 Years of the Indo-Pak War, also called Swarnim Vijay Varsh on 16th December 2020. The inaugural event of the celebration will be held at the National War Memorial (NWM) in New Delhi which will be attended by the Prime Minister. The National War Memorial is a tribute to the soldiers who laid down their lives defending the nation, post-independence it also commemorates the soldiers who participated and made the supreme sacrifice in Peacekeeping Missions and Counter Insurgency Operations. Facts: Vijay Diwas is observed on 16th December every year to mark India's victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war. The Government of India decided on 3rd December 1971, that India would go to…
17 December, 2020
Significant Events
Anniversary of Lokmanya Tilak: 100th GS-Paper-1 History personality (PT-MAINS) Recently, the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) conducted a webinar to observe the 100th death anniversary of Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak on the 1st August 2020. Background: Born on 23rd July 1856 in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra. Lawyer by profession and also known as Lokmanya Tilak. Gave the slogan of “Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it!” during the Indian struggle for independence. He died on 1st August 1920. Contribution to Indian Struggle for Independence: One of the earliest and the most vocal proponents of complete independence or swarajya (self-rule). Along with Lala Lajpat Rai and Bipin Chandra Pal, he was part of the Lal-Bal-Pal trio of leaders with extremist outlooks. The book ‘Indian Unrest’ written by…
05 August, 2020
Modern India
Privy Purses Introduction With the passage of the Indian Independence Act, of 1947, the British Government granted independence to the areas that were directly under their rule (British India) and left the choice to the princely states to decide their future course of action. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel persuaded these princely states to join Indian Union after independence. In consideration of such princely states signing the Instrument of Accession, the Government of India granted to them a ‘privy purse’, which was a specified sum of money that was payable annually to the rulers of such States. Relevance of ‘privy purse’…
14 July, 2020
Modern India
The Mapillah uprising By, Mohammed Ayoob is University Distinguished Professor Emeritus of International Relations, Michigan State University Context With the centenary of the Mapillah rebellion of 1921 fast approaching, controversy has erupted over Malayalam movie projects commemorating what was arguably the greatest challenge to British rule between the great uprising of 1857 and the Quit India movement of 1942. Conflicting narratives The controversy surrounding the Mapillah uprising demonstrates that in the case of most important historical events no single narrative is accepted by all sections of society. There are multiple narratives propounded by people of different ideological persuasions.…
29 June, 2020
Modern India
Skeletal remains of a child found in Tamil Nadu’s Keeladi The skeletal remains of a child were excavated from Konthagai village, part of the sixth phase of ongoing excavations in the ancient site of Keeladi here on Friday. The skeleton was found buried between two terracotta urns that were also found on the same day. It was 75 cm in height and was found 0.5 m below surface level. Excavations are currently taking place at Keeladi, Konthagai, Manalur and Agaram villages in the Sivaganga district. Wonthaggi village, located around 2 km from Keeladi, is believed to be a burial site. Two…
20 June, 2020
Ancient History
Megaliths While “megalith” is often used to describe a single piece of stone, it also can be used to denote one or more rocks hewn in definite shapes for special purposes. It has been used to describe structures built by people from many parts of the world living in many different periods. Types of Megalith structures Menhir: Menhir is the name used in Western Europe for a single upright stone erected in prehistoric times; sometimes called a “standing stone”. Monolith: Any single standing stone erected in prehistoric times. Sometimes synonymous with “megalith” and “menhir”; for later periods, the word monolith is more likely…
19 June, 2020
Ancient History
Kodumanal Kodumanal reveals a megalithic belief in the afterlife The Kodumanal excavation of 10 pots and bowls, instead of the usual three or four pots, placed outside three-chambered burial cists and inside the cairn circle, threw light on burial rituals and the concept of an afterlife in megalithic culture. A team from the State Department of Archaeology, Chennai, led by J. Ranjith, Archaeology Officer and Project Director for the Kodumanal excavation, has identified 250 cairn circles at the village in Erode district. Earlier excavations revealed that the site served as a trade-cum-industrial centre from the 5th century BCE to the 1st century…
19 June, 2020
Ancient History
Vinayak Damodar Savarkar (28 May 1883 – 26 February 1966) Context The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has paid tributes to Veer Savarkar on his jayanti on May 28th. "On his Jayanti, I bow to the courageous Veer Savarkar. We remember him for his bravery, motivating several others to join the freedom struggle and emphasis on social reform", the Prime Minister said. About Vinayak Damodar Savarkar Cause of Death: Fasting (Sallekhana Prayopavesa) He was commonly known as Veer Savarkar (“brave” in his native Marathi language) An Indian independence activist, politician, lawyer, writer, and the formulator of the Hindutva philosophy Championed…
29 May, 2020
Modern India
Buddha Purnima-All about Buddhism Context President’s Greetings on The Eve of Buddha Purnima on May 6th Vesak Day Vesak Day, spelt “Wesak Day” until the 1970s, commemorates the birth, enlightenment and attainment of nirvana of Siddharta Gautama Shakyamuni (Sakyamuni) Buddha.The day falls on the full moon of the fourth lunar month. It falls on 7th May,2020. About Buddhism The religion is based upon the teachings, life experiences of its founder Siddhartha Gautam, born in circa 563 BCE. He was born into royal family of Sakya clan who ruled from Kapilvastu, in Lumbini which is situated near the Indo-Nepal Border. At…
07 May, 2020
Ancient History
159th birth anniversary of Gurudev -All about Rabindranath Tagore Context National Gallery of Modern Artwill organise the Virtual Tour titled “Gurudev – Journey of the Maestro through his visual vocabulary” from 7th May 2020 to commemorate the 159th birth anniversary of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore Modern art of the Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore (1861-1941), popularly known as ‘Gurudev’, was born in an affluent Family. The maestro was fascinated by the worlds of literature, art, music and dance at an early age. In 1913, he became the first Indian to receive a Nobel Prize in Literature for his novel 'Geetanjali'. He also wrote…
07 May, 2020
Modern India
Context: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi paid homage to Lord Basaveshwara and greeted the people on the occasion of Basava Jayanthi, the Birth anniversary of Lord Basaveshwara, in a video message on 26th April,2020. Basava Jayanthi is an annual event celebrated in the honour of the birth of Vishwaguru Basaveshwara, the 12th century philosopher and social reformer. Global Basava Jayanthi – 2020 is being held digitally today, connecting followers in India and abroad. Lord Basaveshwara Lord Basaveshwara is a 12th Century Kannada social reformer, poet and philosopher, who is considered as one of the most revered saints by the Lingayat…
Harappan site of Rakhigarhi in Haryana Syllabus subtopic: Indian Culture - Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times. Government Policies and Interventions for Development in various sectors and Issues arising out of their Design and Implementation. Prelims and Mains focus: about the move and its implications; about Harappan sites mentioned News: The Centre is moving ahead with its plan to develop Rakhigarhi in Haryana as a tourist hub and set up a museum, and this has got residents in two villages in Haryana’s Hisar district — Rakhi Khas and Rakhi Shahpur —…
27 February, 2020
Ancient History
Syllabus subtopic: Indian Culture - Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times. Prelims and Mains focus: about the move and its significance; about Vittala temple; about Hampi world heritage site News: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is contemplating installing a wooden barricade around the stone chariot inside Vittala Temple complex at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hampi. Reason for the move According to a few officials in the ASI wooden barricade has been thought of since a long time to protect it from vandalism given the behaviour of some…
Syllabus subtopic: Indian Culture - Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times. Prelims and Mains focus: about the SC judgement; about Hampi and its monuments News: The Supreme Court confirmed the Karnataka government authorities’ decision to demolish restaurants, hotels, guest houses and other buildings constructed in Virupapura Gaddi, an oval islet formed by the Tungabhadra river and located west of the Hampi World Heritage site. Reason Spelling relief for conservationists and a victory for the State government, the SC Bench concluded that the constructions were in violation of the Mysore Ancient…
Syllabus subtopic: History of the World will include events from 18th century such as Industrial Revolution, world wars, Redrawal of National Boundaries, Colonization, Decolonization, political philosophies like Communism, Capitalism, Socialism etc.— their forms and effect on the society. Prelims and Mains focus: about the revolution; its causes and aftermath News: Hundreds of thousands across Iran marked the anniversary of its 1979 Islamic Revolution on February 11 amid growing tensions between Tehran and the U.S. About the 1979 Islamic Revolution Iranian Revolution, also called Islamic Revolution, was a popular uprising in Iran in 1978–79 that resulted in the…
Nagoba jatara Syllabus subtopic: Indian Culture - Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times. Prelims and Mains focus: about Nagoba jatara and the rituals associated with it News: The month-long Nagoba jatara recently concluded in Telangana’s Adilabad district. Key highlights The Betal puja involved display of martial art, in this case sword wielding, by the Adivasi Raj Gond and Pardhans from the Mesram clan near the Govad. The practised exercise has the ‘warrior’ jumping into the air wielding a thin bamboo stick like a sword. According to elders, the Adivasis…
30 January, 2020
Ancient History
Syllabus subtopic: History of the World will include events from 18th century such as Industrial Revolution, world wars, Redrawal of National Boundaries, Colonization, Decolonization, political philosophies like Communism, Capitalism, Socialism etc.— their forms and effect on the society. Prelims and Mains focus: about Auschwitz concentration camp and its significance in WWII News: Survivors of the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp gathered Monday for commemorations marking the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the camp. About During the Second World War, the government of Nazi Germany killed approximately 17 million people across Europe in half a dozen camps specifically designated…
Syllabus subtopic: Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues Prelims and Mains focus: about the controversy around Tipu Sultan of Mysore; his administration and religious policies News: Even though the Karnataka State government is yet to officially announce its decision on whether lessons pertaining to Mysuru king Tipu Sultan should be dropped or retained, it is clear that the lessons will be retained for the 2020-2021 academic year. Background The controversy regarding the lessons on Tipu Sultan was raised by Madikeri MLA Appachu Ranjan who had…
17 January, 2020
Modern India
Bojjannakonda: Buddhist Site Syllabus subtopic: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times. Prelims and Mains focus: on the ritual and the Buddhist sites associated; on INTACH and its role in conserving Indian heritage News: After a sustained campaign, heritage lovers and officials have been successful in almost stopping the stone-pelting ritual at Bojjannakonda, a famous Buddhist site at Sankaram, 3.5 km from Anakapalle and 41 km from Visakhapatnam. About the ritual on Kanuma day The villagers, as a part of an ancient ritual, would throw stones…
13 January, 2020
Ancient History
Syllabus subtopic: Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues Prelims and Mains focus: About the Bhima Koregaon conflict; its outcome and significane News: Lakhs of devotees, neo-Buddhists, members of Ambedkarite outfits, politicians, students and other visitors are expected to congregate near the ransthamb or victory pillar in Bhima-Koregaon village for the 202nd anniversary of the Bhima-Koregaon battle of 1818 on New Year’s Day on Wednesday. About Bhima-Koregaon conflict The battle was fought in Bhima Koregaon, a district in Pune with a strong historical Dalit connection, between the Peshwa…
01 January, 2020
Modern India
The earliest Sanskrit inscription in South India was found in A.P Syllabus subtopic: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times. Prelims and Mains focus: on the recent discovery by ASI and its significance; about Saptamatrikas; the need for conservation of our culture and heritage News: In a significant find, the Epigraphy Branch of the Archaeological Survey of India has discovered the earliest epigraphic evidence so far for the Saptamatrika cult. It is also the earliest Sanskrit inscription to have been discovered in South India as on date. Background So…
26 December, 2019
Ancient History
Context: Almost 500 years after saint-reformer Srimanta Sankardeva experimented with the literary language of Brajavali, Assam’s Bhaona has now reached foreign shores in an English avatar. Bhaono: Entertainment played a major role in the neo-Vaishnavite movement that Sankardeva started in Assam. He wrote his prose in Sanskrit but used Assamese and Brajavali to develop Borgeet, a new form of spiritual music, and Bhaona, a mythology-based theatrical performance, and monastic dances that evolved into the classical Sattriya. Why Brajavali? Sankardeva needed to connect with his Assamese masses, who did not expect the divine characters of his plays…
Vishwa Shanti Stupa (World peace pagoda) Constructed atop the Ratnagiri Hill, it is the world’s highest peace pagoda. Conceptualised by renowned Buddhist monk Nipponzan Myohoji and built by Japanese monk Fujii Guruji. Built completely with marble, the stupa comprises four golden statues of Lord Buddha with each representing his life periods of birth, enlightenment, preaching and death. There are 7 Peace Pagoda or Shanti Stupas in India, other Stupas are Global Vipassana Pagoda Mumbai, Deekshabhoomi Stupa Nagpur and Buddha Smriti Park Stupa Patna. Rajgir: The first Buddhist Council, immediately after the Mahaparinirvana of Lord Buddha, was convened at this place which presently is called Rajgir. It was at the Gridhakuta, the hill…
25 October, 2019
Ancient History
Pending dues: visitor centres at Ajanta, Ellora shut Syllabus subtopic: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times. Prelims and Mains focus: About Ajanta and Ellora Caves, UNESCO World Heritage Sites; ecological and other threats faced by our historical monuments News: Two tourist visitor centres set up at Ajanta and Ellora caves by the Maharashtra government with funding from the Japanese International Cooperation Agency ( JICA) have been shut due to their pending water and electricity dues worth ?5 crore, an official said. About the two centres and their…
16 December, 2019
Ancient History
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