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Rani Velu Nachiyar Birth Anniversary – First Queen to Resist British Rule | Key Facts

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Rani Velu Nachiyar on her birth anniversary, recognizing her as a pioneer of armed resistance against British rule.

rani velu nachiyar
Rani Velu Nachiyar:
  • Rani Velu Nachiyar was the Queen of Sivaganga (Tamil Nadu).
  • First Indian queen to launch an organized revolt against the British East India Company (EIC).
  • Udaiyaal Women’s Army:Β She established one of the first all-women army units in world history, namedΒ “Udaiyaal”Β in honor of her adopted daughter.
  • Pioneer of Suicide Tactics:Β In 1780, her commanderΒ KuyiliΒ performed the first recorded suicide attack in Indian history by setting herself on fire to destroy a British ammunition depot, enabling the queen’s forces to recapture Sivaganga.
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2210996&reg=3&lang=1: Rani Velu Nachiyar Birth Anniversary – First Queen to Resist British Rule | Key Facts

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Savitribai Phule Birth Anniversary – First Female Teacher, Reforms & Key Facts for Exams

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Savitribai Phule on her 195th birth anniversary, recognizing her contributions to women’s education and social reform.

savitribai phule

Savitribai Phule:

Savitribai Phule was a pioneering Indian social reformer, educator, and poet from Maharashtra. she is often hailed as the “Mother of Indian Feminism” for her tireless work in advancing women’s rights and education.

  • Savitribai Phule is regarded as India’s first female teacher.
  • Along with her husband, Jyotirao Phule, she founded India’s first school for girls at Bhide Wada in Pune in 1848.
  • She played a vital role in theΒ Satyashodhak SamajΒ (“Society of Truth Seekers”) to promote social equality and challenge the caste hierarchy.
  • She founded Mahila Seva Mandal Β to raise awareness about women’s rights, the dignity of life, and human rights.
https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/gk-current-affairs/story/savitribai-phule-10-facts-first-female-teacher-india-pioneered-womens-education-social-reform-2879679-2026-03-10: Savitribai Phule Birth Anniversary – First Female Teacher, Reforms & Key Facts for Exams

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World Hindi Day 2026 – Date, Article 343, Official Language Explained

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World Hindi Day 2026 is observed on January 10 to promote the global significance of the Hindi language and strengthen its international presence.

world hindi day

World Hindi Day was first celebrated in 2006. It commemorates the first World Hindi Conference (1975, Nagpur).

  • World Hindi Day: January 10 (Global promotion)
  • National Hindi Day: September 14 (Adoption of Hindi as official language in 1949)
Article 343:

Article 343 states:

  • Official language of the Union β†’ Hindi in Devanagari script
  • English allowed for 15 years (1950–1965) for official purposes

After 1965, English continued through

  • Official Languages Act, 1963

Ensures bilingual functioning (Hindi + English) in Union administration

https://indianexpress.com/article/when-is/vishwa-hindi-divas-2025-date-history-significance-theme-9770905/: World Hindi Day 2026 – Date, Article 343, Official Language Explained

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Somnath Temple 1000 Years Since 1026 Attack – History, Mahmud of Ghazni & Key Facts

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India is commemorating 1,000 years since the first recorded attack (1026 CE) on the Somnath Temple by Mahmud of Ghazni through events titled Somnath Swabhiman Parv (2026).

somnath temple

Somnath Temple:

The Somnath Temple, located in Prabhas Patan, Gujarat, is revered as the first of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva. Often called the “Eternal Shrine,” it is famous for its resilience, having been destroyed and rebuilt many times throughout history.

1026 attack:
  • Led by Mahmud of Ghazni, ruler of the Ghaznavid Dynasty.
  • One of his 17 invasions into India (1000–1025 CE).
  • Targeted wealthy temples for plunder and religious motives

About Mahmud of Ghazni:

  • Ruler of Ghazni (present-day Afghanistan)
  • Conducted 17 raids into the Indian subcontinent
  • Focused on rich temple cities like Somnath
  • Al-Biruni accompanied Mahmud of Ghazni. Authored β€œKitab-ul-Hind”, a detailed account of Indian society and culture
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2213128&reg=3&lang=2#:~:text=A%20Thousand%20Years%20of%20Deep%2Drooted%20Faith%20and%20Civilisational%20Pride&text=Somnath%20Swabhiman%20Parv%20(8%E2%80%9311,rich%20cultural%20and%20spiritual%20heritage.: Somnath Temple 1000 Years Since 1026 Attack – History, Mahmud of Ghazni & Key Facts

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Veer Bal Diwas – History, Significance & Key Facts for exams

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India observed Veer Bal Diwas to commemorate the bravery and sacrifice of the sons of Guru Gobind Singh, highlighting their unwavering commitment to faith and courage.

veer bal diwas

Veer Bal Diwas honors the martyrdom of

  • Sahibzada Zorawar Singh (aged 9)
  • Sahibzada Fateh Singh (aged 7)
  • They were the youngest sons of Guru Gobind Singh.
  • The day highlights extraordinary courage and sacrifice at a young age.
  • Observed annually on December 26.

Β In 1704, the two young boys were captured by the Mughal Governor of Sirhind, Wazir Khan. Despite facing extreme pressure and the threat of death, they refused to renounce their faith and were eventually executed by being bricked alive into a wall.

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=156743&ModuleId=3&reg=3&lang=2: Veer Bal Diwas – History, Significance & Key Facts for exams

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