Subject: Modern History

Central Idea

• The recent controversy surrounding West Bengal’s ‘Foundation Day’ has brought attention to the partition of Bengal in 1947.
• This event marked a significant chapter in the history of the state, leading to the creation of West Bengal and East Pakistan (later Bangladesh).

Partition of Bengal in 1947: An overview

• Demand for a separate Muslim nation-state: The partition of Bengal was a consequence of the Muslim League’s demand for a separate nation-state for Indian Muslims.
• Communal violence in Calcutta: The society became deeply divided along religious lines, leading to severe communal violence, particularly in Calcutta in August 1946.

Contours of East Pakistan’s Formation

• Partition of India and Pakistan: In June 1947, it was decided to partition India into India and Pakistan. Punjab and Bengal, both with significant non-Muslim minorities, were also partitioned along religious lines.
• Boundary Commission and the Radcliffe Line: A boundary commission, chaired by Sir Cyril Radcliffe, was established to demarcate separate districts with Hindu and Muslim majorities. The resulting boundary line is known as the Radcliffe Line.

Concentration of Muslims in East Pakistan

• Demographic composition: Bengal had a Hindu majority in the western districts and a Muslim majority in the eastern districts.
• Grouping under East Pakistan: The eastern districts were grouped together to form East Pakistan, similar to how Muslims were concentrated in the western districts of Punjab.

Precursor: Curzon’s Partition of Bengal in 1905

• Historical context: Lord Curzon partitioned Bengal in 1905, aiming to break the unity of the Bengali-speaking population and create a separate province with a Muslim majority.
• Reversal of partition: The partition of 1905 was withdrawn in 1911, restoring the linguistic unity of Bengal while separating Bihar and Orissa from Bengal.

Aftermath of the 1947 Partition

• Communal violence and Gandhi’s influence: Bengal witnessed significant communal violence in 1946, particularly in Calcutta and Noakhali. However, the presence of Mahatma Gandhi helped prevent large-scale violence during the partition.
• Migration and displacement: Unlike Punjab, migration in Bengal occurred gradually over time, resulting in a continuous trickle of people moving from East to West and vice versa. This led to a large refugee population and the need for rehabilitation and settlements.

Conclusion

• The partition of Bengal in 1947 was a complex event with far-reaching consequences.
• Understanding this historical context helps shed light on the impact it had on the population and the socio-economic landscape of West Bengal and todays Bangladesh.

Central Idea: This article revolves around the life, contributions, and legacy of Ram Prasad Bismil, a revolutionary figure in India’s freedom struggle against British colonial rule.

Ram Prasad Bismil

• Birth: Ram Prasad Bismil was born on June 11, 1897, in Shahjahanpur district, UP.
• Revolutionary activities: He actively fought against British Raj and participated in notable events like the Mainpuri Conspiracy of 1918 and the Kakori Train Action of 1925.
• Founding of Hindustan Republican Association: Bismil established the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA, later known as the Hindustan Socialist RA) and played a pivotal role in the organization.
• Sacrifice and execution: Bismil was hanged for his revolutionary activities on December 19, 1927, at the age of 30.

Early life and Arya Samaj connections

• Upbringing and linguistic influences: Bismil was born into a Rajput Tomar family and learned Hindi from his father, Urdu from a nearby maulvi, and also studied in an English medium school in Shahjahanpur.
• Association with Arya Samaj: Bismil joined the Arya Samaj during his childhood, becoming a prolific writer and poet. He used pen names such as ‘Agyat’, ‘Ram’, and the well-known ‘Bismil’.
• Poem “Mera Janm”: At the age of 18, Bismil wrote the poem “Mera Janm” expressing his anger over the death sentence of Arya Samaj missionary Bhai Parmanand.

Major events associated to Bismil

(1) Mainpuri Conspiracy

• Political disillusionment: Bismil became disillusioned with the moderate wing of the Congress Party and rejected negotiation or appeasement with the British.
• Formation of Matrivedi: Bismil established the revolutionary organization Matrivedi and collaborated with Genda Lal Dixit, who had connections with dacoits and sought to utilize them in the armed struggle.
• Mainpuri Ki Pratigya: Bismil’s famous poem, “Mainpuri Ki Pratigya,” was widely distributed in pamphlets across the United Provinces. He carried out acts of looting to gather funds for his organization.

(2) Founding the Hindustan Republican Association

• Return to Shahjahanpur: After being underground for several years, Bismil returned to Shahjahanpur in February 1920.
• Formation of HRA: Bismil, along with Ashfaqullah Khan, Sachindra Nath Bakshi, and Jogesh Chandra Chatterjee, founded the Hindustan Republican Association. Later, Chandra Shekhar Azad and Bhagat Singh joined the organization.
• Release of the manifesto: Bismil played a significant role in penning the manifesto titled “Krantikari,” which was officially released on January 1, 1925. The manifesto called for an organized and armed revolution to establish a federal Republic of United States of India.

(3) Kakori Train Action

• Objective and planning: The Kakori Train Action aimed to rob a train carrying treasury bags between Shahjahanpur and Lucknow.
• Execution of the action: On August 9, 1925, around ten revolutionaries, including Bismil and Ashfaqullah Khan, stopped the train at Kakori station, overpowered the guard, and looted the treasury bags containing approximately Rs 4,600.
• Consequences and crackdown: The action drew both British outrage and mixed responses from the Indian public. The misfiring of a gun resulted in the accidental killing of a passenger, Ahmad Ali, dampening public support. Subsequently, a violent crackdown led to the arrest of most involved, excluding Chandrashekhar Azad.

Death and legacy

• Trial and sentencing: Bismil, along with Ashfaqullah Khan and Rajendranath Lahiri, faced a long trial and were ultimately sentenced to death.
• Execution and martyrdom: On December 19, 1927, Bismil was executed at the age of 30, leaving behind a legacy of sacrifice and dedication to the cause of freedom.
• Enduring influence and remembrance: Bismil’s poetry continues to inspire and his call for Hindu-Muslim unity serves as a symbol of communal harmony. He is remembered for his revolutionary spirit and deep concern for society, justice, and equality.

Central Idea: Naidu Hospital in Kottar (Nagercoil, TN), stands as a symbol of the forgotten heroes of the freedom movement, spearheaded by Dr. M. Emperumal Naidu, and their enduring impact on social justice

Who was Dr. M. Emperumal Naidu (1880-1958)?

• Introduction to Naidu Hospital: Naidu Hospital, located in Kottar is a significant hospital with historical ties to the freedom movement and the fight for social justice.
• Founder: M. Emperumal Naidu, a freedom fighter and associate of Mahatma Gandhi, established the hospital.
• Contribution to Vaikom Movement: Naidu actively participated in the Vaikom temple street entry movement, following the footsteps of Periyar E.V. Ramasamy and his wife Nagammal.
• Enduring the Struggle: Naidu faced adversity during the movement, including being splattered with limestone powder and standing in waist-deep rainwater with Gandhidas Muthusamy.

His Life and Achievements

• Family and Education: Naidu’s ancestors hailed from Andhra Pradesh, and his father served as an artiste in the court of Travancore. Naidu studied at Scott Christian College in Nagercoil and later attended the Madras Medical College.
• Involvement in Freedom Movement: Naidu became actively involved in the freedom movement while studying in England and declined a medical college offer to pursue a degree in Glasgow, aligning himself with the ideals of Gandhi.
• Contributions to Healthcare: In 1914, Naidu established a hospital in Kottar, one of the first private hospitals providing modern medical treatment. He offered free treatment to Dalits and marked prescriptions with ‘HF’ (Harijan Free).
• Leadership and Connections: Naidu played a crucial role in the Indian National Congress and hosted prominent leaders like Lala Lajpat Rai, C.F. Andrews, Sarojini Naidu, and Jawaharlal Nehru in Nagercoil.
• Link to Gandhi: Naidu served as a vital link to Gandhi in Travancore and actively participated in various campaigns and Congress meetings alongside him.

Major contribution: Temple Entry Movement

• Vaikom Temple Street Movement: Naidu, along with his wife and other volunteers, actively participated in the Vaikom temple street movement, advocating for equal rights and facing arrests and restrictions.
• Continued Activism: Naidu continued organizing protests and campaigns, leading a protest in Suchindram to open temple streets to all communities in the Kanniyakumari district.
• Achievements: Naidu’s relentless efforts for temple entry and the welfare of Dalits led to the Travancore government issuing a proclamation in 1936, opening temple doors and streets to all communities.

Central Idea

• The article announces that Santiniketan, the home of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore in West Bengal, has been recommended for inclusion in UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

About Santiniketan

Santiniketan is a renowned cultural and heritage place located in Birbhum District, West Bengal, India. It holds historical significance and is known for its association with Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. Here are key points about Santiniketan:

• It was the home of Rabindranath Tagore, where he lived and composed many of his literary works, including songs, poems, and novels.
• The Santiniketan campus is adorned with splendid sculptures, frescoes, murals, and paintings created by renowned artists such as Rabindranath Tagore, Nandalal Bose, Ramkinkar, Binodbehari Mukhopadhyay, and others.
• The region of Birbhum District, where Santiniketan is located, is also famous for its fairs and festivals. Some notable ones are Poush Mela (December), Joydev Mela (January), Basanta Utsav (Holi) in March, and the famous mystic Baul Singers.
• Special cultural events are held during Bengali New Year and Rabindra Janmotsav (birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore) in the Bengali month of Boisakh with great enthusiasm.
• Santiniketan celebrates unique festivals like Briksharopan (festival of Planting Saplings) and Halakarshan (festival of Plowing the Fields) on the 22nd and 23rd days of Sravana (August), respectively.
• Varshamangal, the festival of rains, is celebrated during August/September.
• Poush Mela is an annual fair and festival held in Santiniketan, starting on the 7th day of the month of Poush. The fair officially lasts for three days, but vendors may stay until the end of the month. It is known for live performances of Bengali folk music, particularly by bauls (traditional wandering minstrels), and also features tribal dances like Santali.

Recommendation by ICOMOS

• The recommendation for Santiniketan’s inclusion was made by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), which is the advisory body to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre.
• ICOMOS is a France-based international cultural body dedicated to the conservation and enhancement of global architectural and landscape heritage.

West Bengal’s Representation in World Heritage List

• If selected, Santiniketan would be the second cultural symbol from West Bengal to be included in the UNESCO list.
• In 2021, UNESCO included ‘Durga Puja in Kolkata’ in its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Back2Basics: UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Note: “States parties” refer to the countries that have ratified the World Heritage Convention and participate in the decision-making process.

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Central Idea

• The article highlights the historical significance of Meerut, a city in western Uttar Pradesh.
• Alamgirpur, the easternmost settlement of the Harappa civilization, is located in Meerut and has archaeological importance.
• However, Meerut gained fame for its role in India’s First War of Independence on May 10, 1857, also known as the Indian Mutiny or Revolt.

Meerut: Historical origins and name

• Meerut has historical origins, possibly deriving its name from Mayarashtra, the capital of Mayasura, who was Ravana’s father-in-law.
• The archaeological site of Vidura-ka-tila, located northeast of Meerut, is believed to be the remains of Hastinapur, the ancient capital of the Kauravas and Pandavas from the Mahabharata.
• Meerut was ruled by the Scindias before being ceded to the British in 1803, which eventually paved the way for the British exit from India.

The 1857 Rebellion

• The rebellion in Meerut was sparked by the introduction of the Enfield rifle and the use of cartridges rumored to be greased with a mixture of cow and pig fat.
• Sepoys (Indian soldiers) who refused to use the cartridges were punished and stripped of their uniforms.
• This incident led to a rebellion among the sepoys and a call for the uprising against British rule.

Outbreak of the Mutiny

• On May 10, 1857, while the European residents of Meerut were attending church, the sound of musketry and columns of smoke signalled the revolt of the native troops.
• The sepoys, having revolted, marched towards Delhi, considering it the power center and the capital of Mughal India.

Meerut’s Significance

• Meerut played a crucial role in the Indian Mutiny, serving as the starting point for the rebellion that spread across the country.
• The mutiny in Meerut inspired and influenced the subsequent events of the uprising.
• D. Savarkar later referred to the Mutiny as the First War of Independence.

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PM Modi referred to an over 1,100-year-old inscription found in Uthirameur, Tamil Nadu, which talks about rules for a local body, including provisions for disqualifying a member.

What are Uthiramerur inscriptions?

• Uthiramerur inscriptions are a set of ancient Tamil inscriptions found in Uthiramerur, a town in the Kanchipuram district of Tamil Nadu.
• These inscriptions date back to the 10th century CE and were created during the reign of the Chola dynasty, which ruled over a large part of South India.
• It was crafted under the rule of Parantaka Chola I (907 – 956 AD.)

What does the inscription say?

The temple inscriptions of Uthiramerur provide historical descriptions of rural self-governance.

(1) Sabha and Ur

• Uthiramerur had two village assemblies: Gram Sabha and Ur.
• Sabha was exclusively a Brahmin assembly, while the Ur was made up of people belonging to all classes.
• Sabha managed land sales, endowment fund for dredging a tank, and assigned duties to the Ur for managing deserted land.
• Sabha assembled in the hall of the local temple and was summoned through beating of the drums.
• The inscriptions contained references to variyars, the executive officers subordinate to the Sabha.

(2) Administrative System

• The executive powers were given to committees called Variyams during the Chola king Parantaka I’s reign (907–955).
• Each variyam constituted 6 to 12 members, depending on the importance of its functions.
• The first inscription (dated 919 CE) described the rules for electing committee members.
• The second inscription (dated 921 CE) described some amendments to these rules to make them more practical.

(3) Committees and Qualifications

• The village had 30 kudumbus or wards, from which the members of various committees were selected annually.
• The inscription lays down the qualifications for a nominee, including ownership of tax-paying land, residence on self-owned land, age between 35 and 70 years, knowledge of mantras and the Brahmanas, and not being associated with certain offenses or activities.
• The candidates were selected via Kudavoloi (pot of palm leaf tickets) system.
• The tenure of a committee member was 360 days.
• Anyone found guilty of an offense was immediately removed from the office.

(4) Punishments

• The Uthiramerur inscriptions indicate that parading on a donkey was a punishment for offenses such as incest, adultery, theft, and forgery.