Discover amazing historical events from 22nd June — from Mughal battles and Galileo’s house arrest to Disney classics and cricket at Lord’s!
Dear Students,
Before we jump into the exciting events from 22nd June, take a peek at this picture…
Do you think you’re seeing an owl or a monkey? Look again! It’s actually a flower — the Dracula Simia Orchid, better known as the Monkey Orchid, because it looks just like a monkey’s face! This rare flower lives high up in the cloud forests of Ecuador, Peru, and Colombia. See? Nature loves to surprise us!
Now, time to board our time machine… let’s travel through 22nd June in history!
🏹 22nd June, 1555 — Battle of Sirhind
On this day, the Mughal army led by Humayun defeated the Suri Empire at Sirhind, bringing the Mughal Empire back to power in India.
Fun Fact: The Suri ruler, Sher Shah Suri, was the man behind the Grand Trunk Road — one of Asia’s oldest and longest roads, stretching 3,655 kilometres from Bangladesh to Afghanistan!
☀️ 22nd June, 1633 — Galileo’s Big Trouble
Long ago, people believed the Earth was the centre of the universe. Then, a clever Polish scientist named Copernicus said, “Nope! The Sun is the centre!”
Galileo Galilei, an Italian scientist, agreed — but the powerful Church didn’t like this at all. On 22nd June 1633, Galileo recanted his “heretical” position but the Church forced Galileo to say he was wrong (even though he was right!). Poor Galileo was then put under house arrest! It took the Vatican over 350 years — until 1992! — to say sorry.
Did you know? Ancient Eastern texts already mentioned the Sun’s central place in the universe, way before Galileo!
🔭 22nd June, 1675 — Royal Greenwich Observatory
This was the day King Charles II founded the Royal Greenwich Observatory in England — the home of modern astronomy. It’s the place where the Prime Meridian Line runs — dividing the Earth into East and West!
👣 22nd June, 1813 — Laura Secord’s Secret Walk
Meet Laura Secord, a Canadian hero! On this day, she walked 32 kilometres through wild forests to warn British soldiers about an American attack. Because of her bravery, the British won the Battle of Beaver Dams!
🏏 22nd June, 1814 — Cricket at Lord’s
Do you love cricket? Well, the very first match at the current Lord’s Cricket Ground was played on this day — MCC vs Herefordshire. Lord’s is still called the ‘Home of Cricket’ today!
✊ 22nd June, 1897 — The Chapekar Brothers
During India’s freedom struggle, on this day, the brave Chapekar brothers, Damodar Hari, Balkrishna Hari, and Vasudev Hari, stood up to British injustice in Pune by assassinating an oppressive officer, Walter Charles Rand, who had been cruel during a plague epidemic.
🎹 22nd June, 1911 — World’s Largest Pipe Organ
On this day, the world’s biggest pipe organ made its grand debut at Wanamaker’s department store in Philadelphia. It was so big it needed 13 train cars to transport and 2 years to install!
⚔️ 22nd June, 1941 — Operation Barbarossa
During World War II, on this day, Nazi Germany invaded the Soviet Union in the largest military operation ever — called Operation Barbarossa.
🎬 22nd June, 1955 & 1977 — Disney Magic
Love Disney movies? On this day in 1955, Disney’s classic “Lady & the Tramp” was released. And exactly 22 years later, in 1977, Disney’s “The Rescuers” hit cinemas. It was so loved it even got a sequel — the first for a Disney animated film! Here is a clip for you.
🏏 22nd June, 1996 — Ganguly’s Lord’s Debut Century
On this day, Indian cricketer Sourav Ganguly scored a dazzling 131 runs at Lord’s on his Test debut — only his second day in Test cricket! Talk about a grand entrance!
🐱 22nd June, 2015 — Goodbye, Tama the Cat Stationmaster
Once upon a time, in Japan, there was a very special cat named Tama. She was not just a cat — she was the official stationmaster of Kishi Station! She wore a cute little hat and greeted passengers every day, saving the railway from closing. On 22nd June 2015, Tama passed away, but she remains a hero in Japan’s heart. Here is a video for you.
🍲 And now, a teaser — How did Kichuri travel to England?
Ever wondered how our humble Kichuri (Khichdi) made its way to the grand tables of British royalty? Hold that thought! Tomorrow, I’ll tell you the tasty tale of how this comforting Indian dish became a royal favourite in England. Stay tuned!
📚 See you tomorrow for another time-travel adventure!
