Think you know everything about Indian Independence? Here are some interesting facts about Indian Independence you probably din’t study in school..
The Man Who Inspired Bhagat Singh
You’ve heard of Mangal Pandey, Bhagat Singh and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. But did you know that one of the first acts of revolution in the 20th century Independence movement was carried out by a man named Madan Lal Dhingra? While studying in England, Dhingra murdered Sir Cuzron Wyllie, a prominent British Member of Parliament. Dhingra was immediately arrested and sentenced to death. Before heading for the gallows, Dhingra spoke these memorable words:
“I believe that a nation held down by foreign bayonets is in a perpetual state of war. Since open battle is rendered impossible to a disarmed race, I attacked by surprise. Since guns were denied to me I drew forth my pistol and fired. Poor in health and intellect, a son like myself has nothing else to offer to the mother but his own blood. And so I have sacrificed the same on her altar. The only lesson required in India at present is to learn how to die, and the only way to teach it is by dying ourselves. My only prayer to God is that I may be re-born of the same mother and I may re-die in the same sacred cause till the cause is successful. Hail Bande Matram! Hail Bande Matram !”
Gandhiji’s Mizaru, Kikazaru and Iwazaru
We have all seen images of Gandhiji’s three monkeys who hear, speak and see no evil. Though these monkeys were popularised in India by Gandhiji, their origin actually lies in Japan where they are called Mizaru, Kikazaru, Iwazaru and can be seen at the Nikko Toshogu Shrine.
Indian Currency in Pakistan?
Soon after the India-Pakistan partition, Indian currency with ‘Pakistan’ stamped on it, was used as currency in Pakistan. After a few months, when there was sufficient circulation of Pakistani currency, the use of Inidan currency was discontinued.
Moutbatten’s Dilemma
After India and Pakistan were divided into two separate nations, Lord Mountbatten was asked to attend two ‘Transfer of Power’ ceremonies, one in Delhi and the other in Karachi. Since he could not attend both ceremonies on the same date, Pakistan’s Independence Day was decided as the 14th of August while India’s became the 15th.
The Line That displaced Millions
The India-Pakistan border was drawn by a lawyer named Sir Cyril Radcliffe. The international border, therefore, is named after him and called the ‘Radcliffe line’. Sir Cyril Radcliffe had, until he was called to divide the two nations, never been to India and had no experience is making borders. What followed was a hasty division which resulted in the border dividing villages and even living rooms in some instances! Horrified by the riots that followed, which killed more than a million people and displaced thousands of families, Radcliffe burned his papers and left the country, refusing to accept payment for his work.
Volume 2 Issue 2
