20 November - Leo Tolstoy death anniversary

 

Leo Tolstoy, full name Lev Nikolayevich Tolstoy, was a Russian writer, philosopher, and social reformer, born on September 9, 1828, at the family estate of Yasnaya Polyana in the Tula Province of Russia. He is best known for his novels, which are considered among the greatest works of fiction ever written. Tolstoy's most famous novels include "War and Peace" and "Anna Karenina."

Here are some key points about Leo Tolstoy:

1. Literary Works:

   • "War and Peace" (1869): A monumental epic that explores the impact of the Napoleonic Wars on Russian society.
   • "Anna Karenina" (1877): A tragic novel depicting the consequences of an extramarital affair.
   • "The Death of Ivan Ilyich" (1886): A novella that reflects on the nature of life and death.
   • "Resurrection" (1899): A novel that addresses moral and spiritual issues.

2. Philosophical and Religious Views:

   • Tolstoy underwent a spiritual and philosophical transformation later in life, turning away from the aristocratic lifestyle and embracing a simpler, more ascetic existence.
   • He developed a form of Christian anarchism and espoused nonviolent resistance to injustice, influencing figures such as Mahatma Gandhi.

3. Educational and Social Reforms:

   • Tolstoy was passionate about education and implemented educational reforms on his estate at Yasnaya Polyana, emphasizing a more practical and hands-on approach to learning.

4. Legacy:

   • Leo Tolstoy is considered one of the greatest novelists in world literature.
   • His works have been translated into numerous languages and adapted into various forms of media.

5. Death:

   • Tolstoy passed away on 20 November  1910, at the age of 82, at the Astapovo train station in Russia, while attempting to leave his estate in a self-imposed exile.

Tolstoy's literary and philosophical contributions continue to be studied and appreciated for their profound insights into human nature, morality, and the complexities of society.

28 August - King Cetshwayo last king of the Zulus, is captured by the British in 1879

 

Cetshwayo kaMpande (1826 – 8 February 1884) was the king of the Zulu Kingdom from 1873 to 1879 and its leader during the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879. His name has been transliterated as Cetawayo, Cetewayo, Cetywajo and Ketchwayo. He famously led the Zulu nation to victory against the British in the Battle of Isandlwana, but was defeated and exiled following that war.

King Cetshwayo, the last great ruler of Zululand, is captured by the British following his defeat in the British-Zulu War. He was subsequently sent into exile. Cetshwayo’s defiance of British rule in southern Africa led to Britain’s invasion of Zululand in 1879.

In 1872, King Mpande died and was succeeded by his son Cetshwayo, who was determined to resist European domination in his territory. In December 1878, Cetshwayo rejected the British demand that he disband his troops, and in January British forces invaded Zululand to suppress Cetshwayo. The British suffered grave defeats at Isandlwana, where 1,300 British soldiers were killed or wounded, and at Hlobane Mountain, but on March 29 the tide turned in favor of the British at the Battle of Khambula.

King Cetshwayo was subsequently captured and sent into exile, but in 1883 he was reinstated to rule over part of his former territory. However, because of his defeats he was discredited in the eyes of his subjects, and they soon drove him out of Zululand. He died in exile in the next year.

In 1887, faced with continuing Zulu rebellions, the British formally annexed Zululand, and in 1897 it became a part of Natal, which joined the Union of South Africa in 1910.