23 February - The siege of Chittorgarh

 

The siege of Chittorgarh (23 October 1567 – 23 February 1568) was the military expedition of the Mughal Empire under Akbar against the Mewar kingdom that commenced in 1567 during which the Mughals successfully captured the fort of Chittorgarh after a hard-pressed siege which lasted for several months.

Akbar under his expansionist policy, besieged the strategic Sisodia capital of Chittor in October 1567 and further gave a religious colour to the struggle by declaring it as a Jihād against the infidels. On Akbar's advance, Sisodia ruler Rana Udai Singh moved to the mountainous principality of his kingdom (on the advice of his war councils) and placed the fort under the command of Jaimal Rathore.

After over four months of seesaw action during which the Mughal forces suffered heavy casualties, the battle eventually broke the deadlock when Jaimal succumbed to a musket shot of Akbar on 22 February 1568. The fort was captured the next morning on the day of Holi after a gallant resistance by the Rajputs. The conquest of Chittor was proclaimed by Akbar as the victory of Islam over infidels.

After the subjugation of the fort, Akbar ordered a general massacre of Chittor's population in the course of which 30,000 Hindu civilians were slaughtered and a large number of women and children were enslaved. Akbar placed the fort under his general Asaf Khan and returned to Agra. 

23 February - James Watt's patent for a rotary motion

 

On 23 February 1782 ,Engineer James Watt's patent for a rotary motion for the steam engine (his sun and planet gear) was granted

23 February - The official independence of the Orange Free State, (South Africa) is declared.

 

The Orange Free State (Oranje Vrijstaat in Dutch) gained official independence on February 23, 1854. The region, situated in the central part of South Africa, was initially a British colony known as the Orange River Sovereignty. However, due to various factors, including disputes with local communities and the desire for self-governance, the British decided to withdraw their administration.

On February 23, 1854, the Bloemfontein Convention was signed, leading to the establishment of the Orange Free State as an independent Boer republic. The name "Orange Free State" reflected both the Orange River and the Boer desire for independence. The Boers, descendants of Dutch settlers, sought to govern themselves and establish their own republics.

The Orange Free State continued to exist as a sovereign state until the Second Boer War (1899–1902), during which it was annexed by the British Empire in 1900. After the war, the region became the Orange River Colony under British control until the establishment of the Union of South Africa in 1910. Today, the area corresponds largely to the Free State province of modern South Africa.

23 February - Birthday of Naruhito, the current Emperor of Japan (Japan)

Emperor Naruhito is the reigning emperor of Japan. He ascended to the Chrysanthemum Throne on May 1, 2019, following the abdication of his father, Emperor Akihito. Emperor Naruhito was born on February 23, 1960.

Emperor Naruhito is the 126th emperor of Japan in the traditional order of succession. His reign name, known as the "gengo" era, is "Reiwa," which began on May 1, 2019. The imperial role in Japan is largely ceremonial, and the emperor's duties include various official functions, ceremonies, and symbolic roles.

23 February - Brunei National Day

 

Brunei National Day is celebrated on February 23rd every year. This day commemorates the full independence of Brunei from British colonial rule, which was achieved on January 1, 1984. Brunei National Day is a significant occasion for the people of Brunei, and it is marked with various events and activities.

The celebrations typically include a grand parade, cultural performances, traditional music and dance, fireworks, and other festivities. The festivities aim to showcase Brunei's rich cultural heritage and national pride. It is a time for citizens to come together and celebrate their identity as a sovereign nation.

 

23 February - P C Sorcar an Indian magician

 

 

Protul Chandra Sorcar ( 23 February 1913 – 06 January 1971) was an Indian magician.He was an internationally active magician throughout the 1950s and 1960s, performing his Indrajal show before live audiences and on television. Sorcar died of a heart attack at the age of 57 in Asahikawa, Hokkaidō, Japan, on 06 January 1971, where he was performing.

At the age of 21, Sorcar decided to give up formal education (he was likely to study to become an engineer), and decided to become a conjuror despite the profession's low esteem in India.

Sorcar became famous in the mid-1930s, when he performed shows in Kolkata and also in Japan and several other countries. Among other routines, he performed a Floating Lady routine featuring aerial suspension in 1964.Ganapati Chakraborty was his mentor.

In 1956, he performed the sawing a woman in half illusion on the BBC's Panorama program.

His self-appointed title was "The World's Greatest Magician". Sorcar died in Japan in 1971.

23 February - USA celebrates Play Tennis Day

 

Play Tennis Day is officially observed on February 23rd of every year. Tennis is a racket sport that can be played individually against a single opponent or between two teams of two players each. Millions of players play tennis, and the game has spectaculars all around the world. Tennis is an Olympic sport, and it can be played at all levels of society and all ages. There is no age bar for this game; it can be performed by anyone who can hold a racket, including wheelchair users. Tennis is a great sport for both body and mind. Tennis has the most variety of all sports, one needs speed, strength, agility, touch, tactics, a high mental game, fast reaction, patience, and power.

23 February - USA celebrates Diesel Engine Day

 

Diesel Engine Day is celebrated annually on February 23. Did you know that diesel engines today, power all sorts of things including heavy construction machinery, farm tractors, trucks, marine vessels, buses, and locomotives? They are even turned into power generators at offices, airports, and hospitals. It is simply impossible to imagine our current world without this unique power system, hence the reason why it is more than deserving of its own day.

The invention of this engine is credited to Rudolf Diesel, an engineer, who was granted a patent for the diesel engine on February 23, 1893. He came up with the engine after setting out to improve the efficiency of the Otto engine, a large, single-cylinder, four-stroke engine developed back in the 1870s.

23 February - USA celebrates Pinocchio Day

 

Pinocchio Day is celebrated on February 23 every year. The day marks the anniversary of the release of the Disney film of the same name in 1940. Disney’s “Pinocchio” went on to become a global sensation due to its familiarity as a folk tale in Europe. It was based on the 1883 Italian book “The Adventures of Pinocchio” by Carlo Collodi. Pinocchio followed up as the studio’s second animated feature-length film after “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” The film follows a puppet named Pinocchio in his attempt to become a human boy.

22 February - USA celebrates National Walk Your Dog Day

 

National Walk Your Dog Day is an annual observance celebrated on February 22nd. The day encourages dog owners to take their furry companions for a walk, promoting the health and well-being of both the dogs and their owners. Walking is not only a great form of exercise for dogs but also an opportunity for them to explore their surroundings, socialize with other dogs, and enjoy the outdoors.

Participating in National Walk Your Dog Day can be a fun and rewarding experience for both pets and their owners. It fosters a stronger bond between dogs and their human companions while contributing to the overall health and happiness of the animals. So, on February 22nd, many people make an extra effort to take their dogs for a longer walk or engage in other outdoor activities to celebrate this special day dedicated to our canine friends.