Edmund Hailey   England : Astronomer Born : AD 1656                    Died : AD 1742 Edmund Hailey was a British Astronomer. Although astronomy was well-advanced by the 17th century and much progress had been done in spotting various planets, satellites, stars and ascertaining their movements and speed, astronomers were still puzzled by the comets appearing and disappearing suddenly. It was Hailey who solved this riddle for them. The comet he first...

Neville Chamberlain   England British Prime Minister Born : AD 1879                    Died : AD 1940 Chamberlain was born in a British political family. Initially, he was inclined towards business but at the age of 49 he entered politics, and at 58 became the Prime Minister of Great Britain in 1937. At that time Hitler and Musolini were already preparing for Second World War. In his opinion, many of Hitler’s demands...

Shivaji Bhosle   India : Founder of Hindu-Maratha Regime Born : AD 1627          Died : AD 1680   Shivaji is remembered in history with great veneration. Although a kJ couple of foreign historians have tried to downgrade him, it is now proved beyond doubt that theirs were partial and one-sided views meant to tarnish the image of a great ruler. No doubt, he dreamt of establishing. a Hindu-Maratha empire, but...

Aurangzeb   India : The last Mughal Emperor Born : AD 1618          Died : AD 1707 Aurangzeb, the last Mughal Emperor of Babar Dynasty is remembered  for many reasons. Whereas Babar was the founder of Mughal rule in India, Aurangzeb was the disintegrator. No doubt, Aurangzeb was a great Emperor and his period can be evaluated as a golden chapter in Mughal empires’ history in terms of expansion, but his...

Babar   India : Founder of Moghul Empire  Born : AD 1483          Died : AD 1530 The word “Babar”, by which name the first Moghul Emperor in India  is known, means a “lion”. Babar’s real name was Jahiruddin Mohammad. He was of Taimur  lung and Ghengis Khan, famous in history for their tales of cruelty as well as bravery. But Babar was a shade different from his illustrious ancestors. Whereas...

Charlemagne   Rome : First Roman Emperor Born : AD 742            Died : AD 814 Charlemagne was born in Frank tribe. His father, Pepin, was the king of the Northern province, Charlemagne ascended the throne on the death of his father in AD 768. He had a gigantic personality with well disposed nature. He was a brave and good warrior. Charlemagne’ is remembered for re-establishing German Empire and for his...

Harsh Vardhan   India : Emperor Born : AD 590            Death : AD 657 Harsh Vardhan ascended the throne in AD 606 when only 16, and the same year he started a new era popularly known as “Harsh Samvat”. He conquered the entire Northern region and annexed it to his kingdom to establish a strong empire. As an Emperor, he was well-loved by his public for his generosity, justice and...

Alfred, the Great   England : Great Emperor Born : AD 849     Died : AD 900 Though there have been about 60 odd Kings and Emperors in England,  nobody, except Alfred, has achieved greatness and that is why he is known as Alfred, the Great. In the early days, pirates from Denmark and Sweden used to attack England. Alfred fought them and though initially he suffered defeats, he ultimately defeated...