Second Battle of Panipat (1556)

The Mughal empire was a Muslim imperial power that ruled most of the Asian subcontinent between the 16th and 19th centuries. Led by Babur, the dynasty’s founder, Mughal forces made an inroad into India in 1526, occupying Delhi in the first Battle of Panipat. Babur was succeeded by his son, who soon lost the empire to the Afghan Sher Khan. In 1556, Babur’s grandson came to power and defeated the army of Hemu in the Second Battle of Panipat. What became of Hemu? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Día del Puno

Each year a festival takes place in Puno, Peru, during the first week in November to mark the legendary birth of the first Inca ruler, Manco Capac, and his wife, Mama Ocllo. On November 5, the date associated with their birth, a parade of reed boats, called balsas, accompanies an elaborately decorated boat that takes a couple playing the roles of Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo to an island in the lake. There, the birth is dramatically reenacted. Festivities include performances by traditional dance and musical groups, sporting events, exhibits, and a crafts fair. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Roy Rogers (1911)

A former fruit picker and cowboy, the guitar-strumming Rogers—born Leonard Franklin Slye—began his musical career in the 1930s as a radio performer. He later founded the Sons of the Pioneers, a singing trio that began appearing in movies in 1935, and soon succeeded Gene Autry as America’s favorite singing cowboy in movies of the mid-1940s. Rogers appeared in dozens of B movies with his wife, Dale Evans, and his famous horse, Trigger. What was the theme song of their television program? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Nauvoo Temple

After Joseph Smith, Jr., founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints, and his Mormon followers were forced to flee Missouri in 1839, they established a new community in Nauvoo, Illinois. They soon set to building a grandiose temple, but construction was only half complete when Smith was assassinated in 1844. Two years later, the Mormons were driven from that city as well. They tried to sell their temple for $200,000, but it ultimately sold for what greatly reduced price? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Japanese Prime Minister Hara Takashi Assassinated (1921)

Cofounder of one of Japan’s first political parties, Hara served as prime minister of Japan from 1918 to 1921, becoming the first commoner to be appointed to that office. During that time, he suppressed labor organization while extending suffrage to small landholders by lowering the property qualifications for voting. Hara also attempted to reduce the power of the military, which led to his assassination by a fanatic. Which of his possessions did he describe as his most valuable in his will? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Mischief Night

The idea of letting children have a “lawless night” originated in England, and was often celebrated on May Day Eve (April 30) or on Halloween. But in the mid-17th century, when Guy Fawkes Day (November 5) became a national holiday, Guy Fawkes Eve became the most popular night for mischief in England, Australia, and New Zealand, where it is sometimes called Mischievous Night or Danger Night. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Will Rogers (1879)

Rogers was an American humorist and actor. A cowboy in his youth, Rogers traveled the world before returning to the US to perform in vaudeville and Wild West shows as a rider and trick roper. The “cowboy philosopher’s” homespun wit and salty commentary on current political and social events soon earned him a following through movies, books, radio, and a syndicated newspaper column. A champion of airplane travel, Rogers made several long plane trips, but died in a crash with what famous aviator? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Ibn Battuta

In 1325, Ibn Battuta embarked on an extraordinary 75,000-mile (120,675-km) journey via Mecca to Egypt, East Africa, India, and China. He set out at age 21 and returned home some 30 years later. No other medieval traveler is known to have journeyed so extensively. The details of his travels are recorded in a narrative titled The Adventures of Ibn Battuta. His inventions and academic work are also renowned. What nearly cost Ibn Battuta his life en route to China? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary