31 December - The incorporation of Baltimore as a city

 

Baltimore, a major city in the state of Maryland, United States, was officially incorporated on 31 December 1796. It was named after Cecilius Calvert, 2nd Baron Baltimore, who was a proprietor of the Province of Maryland. The city's early growth was fueled by its strategic location on the Patapsco River and its role as a major port.

 

31 December - The East India Company was established in 1600

 

The East India Company was officially established on December 31, 1600. It was granted a royal charter by Queen Elizabeth I of England, and its formation marked the beginning of formal English involvement in trade with the East Indies, particularly the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. The company played a significant role in the development of British trade and influence in the Indian Ocean region, eventually becoming a major political and economic power in India.

31 December - Maharaja Bhagyachandra's postage stamp released in 2000

Rajarshi Bhagyachandra, also known as Maharaja Bhagyachandra, was a significant ruler and cultural patron in the history of Manipur, a state in northeastern India. He reigned from 1763 to 1798 and is widely regarded as one of the most influential and enlightened kings of Manipur.

Rajarshi Bhagyachandra was born in 1734 as the son of King Pamheiba (Garib Niwaz) and Queen Thambalangoubi. He ascended to the throne after the death of his brother and faced numerous challenges during his reign.

One of Maharaja Bhagyachandra's notable contributions was his efforts to reform Manipuri literature and performing arts. He is credited with introducing the Ras Lila dance drama, a traditional dance form depicting the divine love of Lord Krishna and Radha. He also established the classical Manipuri dance style known as "Ras Mandal" and composed several devotional songs and poems.

Under his patronage, Manipuri arts and culture flourished, and he invited scholars, artists, and experts from various fields to the royal court. He played a crucial role in the revival and preservation of Manipuri traditions and arts during a time of cultural and political challenges.

Maharaja Bhagyachandra also undertook administrative reforms and aimed to modernize the state. He introduced a standardized script for the Manipuri language, known as the Meitei script or Meitei Mayek, which is still in use today.

Furthermore, he actively promoted trade and commerce, built infrastructure, and improved governance in his kingdom. His reign witnessed the construction of several significant structures, including the Kangla Palace, which remains an important historical site in Manipur.

Rajarshi Bhagyachandra's reign marked a period of cultural and artistic renaissance in Manipur. His contributions to literature, performing arts, language, and governance continue to be celebrated and revered in Manipuri society. He is remembered as a visionary ruler and cultural icon who left a lasting impact on the history and cultural heritage of Manipur.

31 December - Robert Boyle death anniversary

 

Robert Boyle was an influential figure in the field of natural philosophy and is often considered one of the founders of modern chemistry. Born on 25 January 1627, in Ireland, Boyle made significant contributions to various scientific disciplines during the 17th century.

Key points about Robert Boyle include:

1. Boyle's Law: He is most famous for Boyle's Law, which describes the relationship between the pressure and volume of a gas at constant temperature. It states that the pressure of a gas is inversely proportional to its volume if the temperature remains constant.

2. Scientific Method: Boyle was a strong advocate for the empirical method and is recognized for his contributions to the development of experimental scientific methods. His work emphasized the importance of rigorous experimentation and observation in scientific inquiry.

3. Chemistry and Alchemy: Boyle conducted extensive research in chemistry and alchemy. He was involved in experiments that laid the groundwork for modern chemistry, exploring concepts related to elements, compounds, and chemical reactions.

4. Boyle's Air Pump: He designed and built an air pump, known as the Boyle's air pump, which was used to conduct experiments on the properties of air and the vacuum. This device was instrumental in advancing scientific understanding in various fields.

5. Contributions to Philosophy: Boyle was also interested in natural philosophy and made significant contributions to the philosophical discussions of his time, particularly regarding the nature of matter and the relationship between science and religion.

Robert Boyle's work had a profound impact on the development of modern scientific thought. His emphasis on experimentation, his investigations into the properties of gases, and his contributions to the scientific method laid the groundwork for advancements in various scientific disciplines. He passed away on 31 December 1691, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence scientific inquiry.

 

31December - Edison demonstrated his incandescent light bulb for the first time

 

Edison demonstrated his incandescent light bulb for the first time on 31December 1879, in Menlo Park, New Jersey, but this demonstration was for a group of his associates.

The Menlo Park demonstration marked a crucial moment in the history of electric lighting. Edison's incandescent light bulb was a groundbreaking invention that eventually revolutionized the way people lit their homes and workplaces.

On 04 September 1882 Edison's Pearl Street Electric Power Station in New York City began operating, providing electrical power for customers in a square-mile area. This event is often considered the first public use of Edison's incandescent lighting system, marking the beginning of the widespread adoption of electric lighting.

 

31 December - Marie Curie received her 2nd Nobel Prize in 1911

 

Marie Curie did not receive her second Nobel Prize on December 31, 1911. However, a significant event related to Marie Curie did occur in 1911. In 1911, she was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for her discovery of radium and polonium, making her the first person to receive Nobel Prizes in two different scientific fields.

Marie Curie had previously received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1903, which she shared with her husband Pierre Curie and Henri Becquerel for their joint research on the radiation phenomena.

The Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1911 recognized Marie Curie's groundbreaking work in isolating radium and polonium and her investigation of their properties. Her contributions to the field of chemistry were instrumental in advancing the understanding of radioactivity.

Marie Curie remains the only individual to have received Nobel Prizes in two different scientific disciplines.

 

31 December - Rajiv Gandhi became the seventh Prime Minister of India

 

Rajiv Gandhi became the seventh Prime Minister of India. He assumed office on 31 October 1984, following the assassination of his mother, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Rajiv Gandhi's entry into politics was sudden and unexpected, as he had initially pursued a career as a professional pilot.

Rajiv Gandhi led the Indian National Congress to a decisive victory in the general elections held in December 1984. The party secured a massive majority in the Lok Sabha (the lower house of India's Parliament), and Rajiv Gandhi became the Prime Minister.He took his oath on 31 December 1984.

During his tenure, Rajiv Gandhi implemented several economic and technological reforms. He emphasized modernization, computerization, and the expansion of education and technology infrastructure. However, his government also faced challenges, including controversies related to the Bofors scandal and political unrest in Punjab.

Rajiv Gandhi served as the Prime Minister until 02 December 1989. After his term, he continued to be active in politics until his assassination on 21 May 1991, during an election campaign in Tamil Nadu. His wife, Sonia Gandhi, later entered politics, and his son, Rahul Gandhi, has also been involved in Indian politics.

 

31 December - Vishwanath Kashinath Rajwade death anniversary

 

Vishwanath Kashinath Rajwade (1863–1926) was an influential Indian historian, scholar, and social activist renowned for his significant contributions to the study of Maratha history and culture. Born on 24 July 1863, Rajwade dedicated his life to historical research, delving into various aspects of Maratha rule and contributing extensively to Marathi literature.

Rajwade's scholarly works covered socio-economic and political conditions during the Maratha period. His literary contributions included essays, critiques, and commentaries, reflecting his commitment to the promotion of the Marathi language.

Beyond his academic pursuits, Rajwade was a staunch advocate for the preservation and promotion of Marathi culture. He actively participated in social and cultural movements aimed at safeguarding Maharashtra's cultural heritage.

Vishwanath Kashinath Rajwade's legacy endures through his influential writings, which remain valuable sources for understanding the history and culture of the Maratha Empire. He passed away on 31 December 1926, leaving behind a lasting impact on Marathi historiography and literature.