September 20: An Important day in Indian History
Do you know the reason behind the Mutiny Memorial Day in the history of Delhi?
1857 – The Final Siege of Delhi
The Delhi that we know today is a huge expanded city which has now spilled over onto surrounding areas known as NCR. The glories of Delhi are heard by everyone in terms of Culture, Monuments, and rulers.
The changes we see in this region are the changes which have witnessed many remarkable events. Coming to them, the first known city of Delhi started in the Aravalli hills in the area now known as Mehrauli now. It was under King Tomar as evidence of his strong defensive position. As the Successors came the changes started taking place and Delhi became the matter of showing power and prosperity. It also meant the dismantling of the old city to build the new one. The nobles and courtiers shifted with their ruler, the rest of the residents remained if they so wished in the 14th century.
Read more: September 18: Famous Personalities and their Contribution to History
( Kashmere Gate in 1857)
Till now, no battles had been fought in Delhi rather than small conflicts over palaces and monuments. Then came the first war of independence in 1857 which had taken place due to the conflicts between Indian sepoys of the Bengal Presidency and the British officers of the East India Company.
After a four-month-long bloody siege of Delhi, the British forces were victorious and on September 14, 1857, Delhi fell into their hands.
On September 17, Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar left the Qila to avoid further bloodshed. On September 20, he was persuaded to surrender and ‘captured’ by Major Hodson who brought him back as a prisoner to Shahjahanabad.
Hence, 20 September 1857, was the day known as Mutiny Memorial Day, “ 20th September the city was evacuated of the enemy” in which the enemy elaborates on those who rose against the colonial rule and fought bravely for liberation in 1857.
Do you know today is the birthday of George R.R. Martin (1948)
He is an American Novelist, short story writer, screenwriter, and television producer. He has written the series of epic fantasy novels A Song of Ice and Fire, which was adapted into the HBO series Game of Thrones.
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