There are some moments which are fleeting however maintain inside them the ability to alter the course of occasions. As we step into this time machine and embark on a journey that takes us by means of the portals of the previous, right here’s a glimpse at eight such moments — daring, compelling and introspective.
1. When a queen offered her jewelry for her folks
Ascending the throne at 26 after her husband’s premature loss of life was solely one of many feathers within the cap of Rani Kempananjammanni of Mysuru. Fixing the general public’s core points earned her the others.
Whereas gaps in healthcare, lack of entry to wash water, and sanitation issues crescendoed by means of her reign, she refused to be boggled down by them. As a substitute, she championed options. The rani was applauded for her ingenuity and the numerous initiatives she oversaw.
Historical past factors to one of the crucial vital ones being the Cauvery River challenge which led to the technology of electrical energy. The Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS) dam that wanted to be constructed throughout the river required funds and the rani fulfilled the necessity by promoting her jewelry.
2. When free India voted for the primary time
Spanning from 25 October 1951 to 21 February 1952, free India held its first basic elections. One would marvel why the four-year delay since Independence. The explanation lies in the truth that throughout this time, India was seeing a constitutional monarchy beneath King George VI, with Louis Mountbatten because the Governor-Normal.
So, the primary basic elections had been naturally trigger for celebration. The truth is, they made headlines for being the biggest elections that had been held on the earth on the time — averaging 2,24,000 polling cubicles, 1,874 candidates, and 53 political events.
These included the Indian Nationwide Congress (INC), the Communist Social gathering of India, the Socialist Social gathering, the Kisan Mazdoor Praja Social gathering, and Akhil Bharatiya Hindu Mahasabha. The INC gained with a thumping majority and Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru grew to become Impartial India’s first democratically elected prime minister.
3. When voting grew to become a basic proper
As Chairman of the Structure’s Drafting Committee, Dr B R Ambedkar strongly advocated for the voting rights of Indian residents, significantly ladies. His advocacy was backed by the argument that voting was important to citizenship.
At a time when ladies, minorities, and the poor weren’t trusted with the “accountability” of such a critical activity, Dr Ambedkar pushed for the ‘common grownup franchise’ — an equal proper to vote for all grownup residents — to develop into part of the Structure.
He’s credited with inserting Article 326 into the Structure, which offered that elections could be held primarily based on common grownup franchise.
4. When India rose to worldwide fame
The skills of Pt Ravi Shankar — sitarist and composer — are instructed all over the world. However regardless of his extraordinary prowess, the legend remained humble. This nature of his was underscored by an anecdote shared by his daughter Anoushka Shankar.
She recalled how her mom, Sukanya, as soon as referred to as the Recording Academy to inquire about making a duplicate of Pt Ravi Shankar’s Grammy award, as he had forgotten it at a pal’s place. This was a short time after the maestro had gained his first Grammy. She was stunned when requested which specific Grammy she was referring to.
Seems, Pt Ravi Shankar had gained two! A testomony to how awards by no means eclipsed the legend’s love for his ardour.
5. When elephants flew
A surprised viewers watched as a mammoth form rose into the skies on the 1977 Republic Day Parade. It gave the impression to be an elephant. However a more in-depth look would reveal that it was a helicopter.
In 1969, India began constructing a licensed model of the favored French Aérospatiale Alouette III. Named ‘Chetak’, a reputation borrowed from a warhorse belonging to the sixteenth century King Maharana Pratap, the colorful adaptation was full with a swaying trunk, ears flopping, and ornately adorned cloth draped over its physique. A real embuing of Indian tradition getting wings.
6. When a barber saved Shivaji’s life
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s life was threatened many a time throughout his reign. And he managed to flee every time. Nevertheless, one such occasion has made it to the archives for its sheer ingenuity.
In 1660, when Normal Siddi Johar laid siege to Panhalgad Fort, the Maharaj was trapped inside. The one possibility was to flee to Vishalgad by means of a secret passage, however he couldn’t do it with out diverting the enemy’s consideration.
And it was a barber Shiva Kashid who volunteered to do that. Kashid bore a putting resemblance to the Maratha chief and his look took the forces aback, giving Shivaji time to get away. The courageous barber laid down his life for his ruler.
7. When India gave 12 villages to Pakistan
Hussainiwala, a village close to Firozpur metropolis in Punjab was so treasured to India that she was prepared to present 12 villages to Pakistan in change for it. However why?
Do you recall the martyrs Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru being hanged to loss of life on the Lahore Central Jail on 23 March 1931? Following this ugly act, the British transported the our bodies secretly to Hussainiwala the place they deliberate to cremate them. However the locals acquired wind of it and gathered on the web site, forcing the British to flee. They then gave the martyrs a dignified cremation.
After the Partition of 1947, the village of Hussainiwala fell into Pakistan territory. And that is when India made the historic change.
8. When a Maharaja launched 500 public libraries
Right this moment, travelling libraries are widespread, and a cherished idea. However over 130 years in the past, they had been nothing wanting a marvel, a miracle if you’ll. It wouldn’t be a stretch to say that it was Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III who began first-of-its-kind cell libraries when he launched the idea within the erstwhile Baroda state to encourage studying.
He went on to reform the state along with his initiatives. An fascinating story typically instructed is how the Maharaja was a humble boy who ascended the throne due to his fast wit. In 1870, Maharaja Khanderao Gaekwad II handed away, forsaking his widow who determined to start out searching for an inheritor. She referred to as the heads of the prolonged household of Gaekwad to Baroda deciding to display the children with a check.
When Shrimant Kashirao Gaekwad offered himself earlier than the queen along with his three sons, she requested them the aim of their arrival. It was Gopalrao’s reply, “I’ve come right here to rule”, that amused the queen and he or she made him inheritor to the throne. The younger boy got here to be often called Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III.
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Edited by Pranita Bhat.
