History of 10th May- from Agra to London
In this episode of the series, we shall discover the diverse history of May 10th, from the entry of Babur into Agra in 1526 to the founding of the National Gallery of London in 1824, the beginning of the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857, and the remarkable story of a 70-year-old woman’s successful IVF pregnancy.
Today, we are commemorating the birth anniversary of a remarkable individual named Pankaj Mullick. You will find a detailed story on the legendary artist shortly. In the meantime, let me share the history of 10th May.
Recently, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) made a decision to remove certain chapters related to the Mughal Empire from class 12 history textbooks. It remains to be seen whether this decision will prove to be beneficial or not. Meanwhile, let me share a history of this day from the time of the Mughal Empire. My first story.
Akbarabad Beckons: Babur’s Entry into Agra
The history of 10th May takes us to the year 1526. Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire, entered the city of Akbarabad (now known as Agra). This historic event took place after Babur’s decisive victory in the First Battle of Panipat, which was fought between his army and the combined forces of the Lodi Sultanate and the Rajput Confederacy.
Babur, who was a Timurid prince from Central Asia, had been seeking to establish his rule in India for several years. He had previously captured several cities in northern India, but the victory at Panipat was a turning point in his campaign. With the defeat of the Lodi Sultanate, Babur was able to consolidate his power and establish the Mughal Empire in India.
Upon entering Akbarabad, Babur was struck by the city’s beauty and grandeur. He was particularly impressed by the magnificent fortress of Agra, which he later expanded and made into his main residence. Babur also commissioned several notable architectural works in the city, including the Babri Masjid and the Garden of Paradise (Bagh-i-Nur Afshan).
The Mughal Empire would go on to become one of the most powerful and influential dynasties in Mughal history, lasting for over three centuries until the arrival of the British in the 19th century. Babur’s conquest of India marked the beginning of the Mughal Empire, and his entry into Akbarabad on 10 May 1526 is an important milestone in that story.
With this, I come to my second story, and now we travel to London.
A Legacy of Masterpieces: Reflecting on the National Gallery of London’s Founding
History of 10th May, the year 1824. It was on this day that the National Gallery of London was opened to the public for the first time. The National Gallery is an art museum in Trafalgar Square in the City of Westminster, London. It houses a collection of over 2,300 paintings dating from the mid-13th century to 1900. The idea of creating a national art gallery was proposed by the British government in the early 19th century in response to the growing interest in art and culture among the general public.
The National Gallery’s collection includes works by some of the most celebrated artists in history, including Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, Rembrandt, Vermeer, Turner, and Van Gogh, among others. The gallery’s collection is constantly expanding, with new works being added regularly through purchases and donations.
Today, the National Gallery is one of the most popular and visited art museums in the world, attracting millions of visitors each year. It is a testament to the enduring power and influence of art and culture, and a reminder of the importance of preserving and promoting the arts for future generations.
From art and culture to the first rebellion of Indian independence, my 3rd story.
Sepoy Mutiny
May 10th, 1857 was a significant date in the history of India, as it marked the beginning of the Indian Rebellion of 1857, also known as the First War of Indian Independence or the Sepoy Mutiny. On this day, the first battle against the British took place in Meerut, a city located about 60 kilometers from Delhi.
The heroes of Bharat Mata, who were Indian soldiers serving in the British army, rose against their British officers and killed about 50 British soldiers. The revolt quickly spread throughout northern and central India, as Indian soldiers and civilians alike rose against British rule.
There were many causes of the rebellion, including economic, political, and cultural grievances. Less pay than their British counterparts was received by Indian soldiers and they were often subject to discrimination and disrespect. Additionally, the imposition of British cultural and religious practices on Indian soldiers, which was deeply resented, was sought.
One of the main reasons for the Sepoy Mutiny was the widespread resentment among Indian soldiers, known as sepoys, over the introduction of the new Enfield rifle cartridges. These cartridges were greased with animal fat, which was offensive to both Hindu and Muslim sepoys who had to bite them open to load the rifles. This led to rumors that the British were trying to force Indians to convert to Christianity and break their caste and religious taboos.
The rebellion ultimately failed, but it marked a turning point in India’s struggle for independence from British colonial rule. It brought to light the deep-seated grievances of the Indian people and helped to galvanize the Indian independence movement. The heroes of Bharat Mata who fought for India’s freedom and against British imperialism will always be remembered as national heroes.
The third and concluding event for the day is the fascinating story of a 70 years old lady giving birth to a baby boy.
Breaking Barriers: 70-Year-Old Woman Proves Age is Just a Number with Successful IVF Pregnancy
On May 10, 2016, an Indian fertility clinic made headlines by announcing that a 70-year-old woman had given birth to a baby boy. The woman, named Daljinder Kaur, had been trying to conceive for nearly five decades with her husband, who was 79 years old at the time of the birth.
The couple underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments at the National Fertility and Test Tube Baby Centre in Haryana, India, and were successful in achieving a pregnancy. The baby boy was delivered via C-section and weighed 2.2 kg (4.8 pounds) at birth.
The news of a woman giving birth at such an advanced age sparked controversy and debate around the world, with many questioning the ethics and safety of fertility treatments for women in their 60s and 70s. Some also raised concerns about the potential risks to the child’s health, given the increased likelihood of genetic abnormalities and other complications associated with older mothers.
Despite the controversy, the birth of Daljinder Kaur’s baby boy was seen by many as a testament to the power of modern medicine and the desire of some couples to have children later in life.
That’s all for the day. See you tomorrow.
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