Tag: history

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was affectionately called 'Bapu' (father) and 'Mahatma' (great soul). He is also officially recognized as the 'Father of the Nation' in India. 'Mahamana' was the title given to Madan Mohan Malaviya, not Gandhi.

Napoleon Bonaparte was nicknamed 'The Little Corporal' (Le Petit Caporal) affectionately by his soldiers, and later called 'The Man of Destiny' as his rise seemed foreordained. 'Gurudev' was Rabindranath Tagore's title.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was known as the 'Man of Iron' for his firm decisiveness in integrating princely states, and 'Strong Man of India' for his political strength. 'Bangabandhu' was Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's title.

Lala Lajpat Rai was given the titles 'Sher-E-Punjab' (Lion of Punjab) and 'Punjab Kesari' (also meaning Lion of Punjab) for his courage and leadership in the freedom movement. He was not known as 'Man of Peace' or 'King Maker'.

Abdul Ghaffar Khan, also known as Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, was called 'Badshah Khan' (King of Khans) and 'Frontier Gandhi' for his Gandhian philosophy in the Northwest Frontier Province. 'Fuehrer' was Hitler's title.

Bal Gangadhar Tilak was given the title 'Lokmanya' (meaning 'accepted by the people' or 'renowned by the people') in recognition of his leadership and the public's admiration for him.

C. N. Annadurai, the first Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and leader of the DMK, was affectionately called 'Anna' (meaning elder brother) by his followers and the people of Tamil Nadu.

Sarojini Naidu was called the 'Nightingale of India' for her poetry and oratory skills. 'Lady with the Lamp' refers to Florence Nightingale. 'G.B.S.' was George Bernard Shaw's initials.

William Shakespeare is famously known as the 'Bard of Avon' because he was born in Stratford-upon-Avon and is England's greatest poet-playwright. 'Bard' means poet.