There are some moments which are fleeting however maintain inside them the facility to vary the course of occasions. As we step into this time machine and embark on a journey that takes us by way of the portals of the previous, right heres a glimpse at eight such moments daring, compelling and introspective.
1. When a queen bought her jewelry for her individuals
Ascending the throne at 26 after her husbands premature demise was solely one of many feathers within the cap of Rani Kempananjammanni of Mysuru. Fixing the general publics core points earned her the others.
Whereas gaps in healthcare, lack of entry to wash water, and sanitation issues crescendoed by way 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 various tasks she oversaw.
Historical past factors to one of the essential 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 common 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 common elections had been naturally trigger for celebration. In truth, they made headlines for being the most important elections that had been held on this planet 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 Indias first democratically elected prime minister.
3. When voting grew to become a basic proper
As Chairman of the Structures Drafting Committee, Dr B R Ambedkar strongly advocated for the voting rights of Indian residents, significantly girls. His advocacy was backed by the argument that voting was important to citizenship.
At a time when girls, minorities, and the poor weren’t trusted with the duty of such a severe 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 can be held primarily based on common grownup franchise.
4. When India rose to worldwide fame
The abilities of Pt Ravi Shankar sitarist and composer are informed around the globe. 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 replica of Pt Ravi Shankars Grammy award, as he had forgotten it at a buddys place. This was a short time after the maestro had gained his first Grammy. She was shocked when requested which explicit Grammy she was referring to.
Seems, Pt Ravi Shankar had gained two! A testomony to how awards by no means eclipsed the legends 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 better 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 material draped over its physique. A real embuing of Indian tradition getting wings.
6. When a barber saved Shivajis life
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharajs 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 way of a secret passage, however he couldnt do it with out diverting the enemys consideration.
And it was a barber Shiva Kashid who volunteered to do that. Kashid bore a placing 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 offer 12 villages to Pakistan in change for it. However why?
Do you recall the martyrs Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru being hanged to demise 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 received 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
At this time, travelling libraries are widespread, and a cherished idea. However over 130 years in the past, they had been nothing in need of a marvel, a miracle if you’ll. It wouldnt 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 together with his initiatives. An attention-grabbing story usually informed 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 on the lookout for an inheritor. She referred to as the heads of the prolonged household of Gaekwad to Baroda deciding to display screen the children with a take a look at.
When Shrimant Kashirao Gaekwad introduced himself earlier than the queen together with his three sons, she requested them the aim of their arrival. It was Gopalraos 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.
