History

Military Innovations of Afghans and Turks (10th–18th Century)

Context: From the 10th century, horse-breeding groups from Afghanistan and Central Asia invaded India, bringing not just cultural and religious changes but also transformative military technologies. These innovations reshaped India’s warfare for centuries and ultimately paved the way for British...

Self-Respect Movement, History, Objective and Significance

Context: This year marks the 100th year of the establishment of the Self-Respect Movement. Self-Respect Movement In 1925, E.V. Ramaswamy Naicker (commonly known as Periyar), a Balija Naidu, started the Self-Respect Movement. Naicker considered the brahmanical religion and culture as...

Partition Horrors Remembrance Day, History and Significance

Partition Horrors Remembrance Day is observed every year on 14th August to remember the struggles, sacrifices, and immense suffering endured during the Partition of India in 1947. The day serves as a solemn reminder of one of the largest mass...

List of Freedom Fighters of India (1857-1947) and their Contribution

India’s struggle for independence from British rule was marked by the efforts and sacrifices of numerous freedom fighters, who came from diverse backgrounds and ideologies. Their constant fight, sometimes at the expense of their lives and individual freedom, established the...

August Offer, Background, Proposal, Response and Evaluation

The August Offer 1940 was a major political development during India’s freedom struggle, introduced by Viceroy Lord Linlithgow to secure Indian support during World War II. However, the proposal failed to satisfy the aspirations of Indian leaders and ultimately led...

Quit India Movement 1942, Phases, Causes, Impact and Outcomes

On August 8, 1942, at the height of India’s fight for freedom, Mahatma Gandhi delivered the rallying cry that would forever change the course of history: “Do or Die. This was the beginning of the Quit India Movement, or August...

Was Jaisalmer even Part of Maratha Empire?

Context: A controversy erupted over an NCERT Class 8 textbook map showing Jaisalmer as part of the Maratha Empire in 1759, which historians and the former royal family say is historically incorrect. Maratha Expansion and Nature of Control Northern Expansion...

India’s achievements after 75 years of Independence

On August 15, 1947, India gained freedom after nearly two centuries of British colonial rule. With partition, poverty, illiteracy, and a struggling economy, the challenges were immense. However, over the last 75+ years, India has emerged as a vibrant democracy,...

Hero Stones (Nāṭukkal) of Tamil Nadu & South India: Meaning, History & Significance

Hero Stones, known as Nāṭukkal in Tamil and Vīragallu in Kannada, are ancient memorial stones erected to honor individuals who laid down their lives in acts of bravery. Unlike royal monuments or temple inscriptions, these stones reflect a grassroots tradition...

Balfour Declaration 1917: Origin and Historical Background

Context: The Balfour Declaration is back in focus as the U.K.'s possible recognition of Palestine—108 years after endorsing a Jewish homeland in Palestine. About the Balfour Declaration (1917) Issued by the British government during World War I. Declared support for...