February 19 holds immense significance in history, marking the birth of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the father of Chhatrapati Sambhaji. As the founder of the Maratha Empire, Shivaji Maharaj envisioned the dream of Swaraj (self-governance), which his son Sambhaji passionately pursued. Recently, a film depicting Sambhaji’s life has been released, featuring Vicky Kaushal in the titular role, while Akshay Khanna plays the antagonist, Aurangzeb. Let’s delve deeper into the history of February 19 and explore other remarkable events and personalities associated with this date.
Historical Events of February 19
This day not only celebrates Shivaji Maharaj’s birth but also witnesses several significant events through the years. Below is a curated list of notable occurrences on this date:
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2007 | Launch of the popular website Tumblr by David Karp. |
| 1978 | The Egyptian army conducted a raid at Larnaca Airport, resulting in the death of 15 commandos. |
| 1945 | Over 30,000 U.S. Marines attacked Iwo Jima during the final stages of World War II. |
| 1942 | President Franklin D. Roosevelt ordered the internment of all Japanese Americans following the Pearl Harbor attack. |
| 1913 | Pedro Lascuráin served as President of Mexico for just 45 minutes, holding the record for the shortest presidency. |
| 1878 | Thomas Edison patented the phonograph, an important invention in the realm of sound recording. |
| 1600 | A catastrophic volcanic eruption in Peru claimed over 1,000 lives, marking one of the deadliest events in South American history. |
Notable Birthdays on February 19
This date is also marked by the birth of influential personalities who contributed significantly to society and politics:
- 1630: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, founder of the Maratha Empire and the first ruler who opposed Aurangzeb, heralding the establishment of Swaraj.
- 1922: Beant Singh, former Chief Minister of Punjab, who led the Congress government in Punjab from 1992 to 1995.
Prominent Deaths on February 19
February 19 also marks the passing of distinguished figures known for their impactful contributions:
- 1916: Ernst Mach, a physicist recognized for his study of shock waves and the speed of sound.
- 1915: Gopal Krishna Gokhale, a leading Indian political leader and social reformer who founded the Servants of India Society to protect the rights of the marginalized.
- 1997: Deng Xiaoping, a revolutionary leader who served as China’s paramount leader from 1978 to 1989, playing a pivotal role in China’s modernization.
Conclusion
February 19 is not just a day to remember the remarkable birth of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, but also a date embedded with historical events and influential personalities. Understanding the events associated with this day enriches our cultural heritage and highlights the significance of leadership, struggle for self-governance, and scientific advancements throughout history.