History Current Affairs – February 2026

 ### History Current Affairs – February 2026

Important historical events, anniversaries, personalities, cultural heritage and historical developments for APSC, UPSC, ADRE, SSC, Railway, Banking, CUET PG and UGC NET.

February 2026 featured several important historical commemorations, including the centenary of the Ol Chiki script, renewed recognition of C. Rajagopalachari's legacy, and the 80th anniversary of the Royal Indian Navy Revolt of 1946. These topics are useful for modern Indian history, freedom struggle, tribal history and cultural heritage.

### 1\. Centenary of the Ol Chiki Script

16 February 2026 • New Delhi

The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, inaugurated the centenary celebrations of the Ol Chiki script on 16 February 2026. The event marked 100 years of the writing system developed by Pandit Raghunath Murmu in 1925 for the Santhali language.

### Historical background

Santhali is a language belonging to the Austroasiatic language family and is spoken by Santal communities in India and neighbouring regions. Before the development of Ol Chiki, Santhali was written using several scripts, including Roman, Devanagari, Bengali and Odia. Ol Chiki was designed to represent Santhali sounds more systematically.

The script contains 30 letters and became an important symbol of Santhali cultural identity, education and literary development.

### Constitutional significance

Santhali was included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution through the 92nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003, along with Bodo, Dogri and Maithili.

The recognition strengthened the status of Santhali in India's linguistic and cultural landscape. The centenary celebration also highlighted the importance of preserving tribal languages and indigenous knowledge.

### Important facts for examinations

* Script: Ol Chiki.

* Language: Santhali.

* Creator: Pandit Raghunath Murmu.

* Year of development: 1925.

* Centenary year: 2025, with major celebrations continuing in 2026.

* Number of letters: 30.

* Constitutional recognition of Santhali: 92nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003.

* Relevant constitutional provision: Eighth Schedule.

Source: President of India; official government reports.

### 2\. 80th Anniversary of the Royal Indian Navy Revolt

February 1946 – February 2026

The Royal Indian Navy Revolt of February 1946 was a major event in the final phase of India's freedom struggle. Its 80th anniversary in February 2026 provided an opportunity to revisit the contribution of naval ratings and the wider public to the movement against British colonial rule.

### Background

During the Second World War, Indian personnel in the British Indian armed forces experienced racial discrimination, poor living conditions, unequal treatment and dissatisfaction with colonial authority. These grievances contributed to unrest among naval ratings.

### Beginning of the revolt

The revolt began on 18 February 1946 among ratings of HMIS Talwar, a shore establishment in Bombay (now Mumbai). Their grievances included poor food, discriminatory treatment and wider opposition to British rule.

The protest spread to other naval establishments and ships. Ratings used slogans and demonstrations to express their demands, while solidarity actions occurred in several parts of India.

### Public participation and response

The revolt developed beyond a purely naval dispute. Workers, students and members of the public in Bombay and other places showed support. Strikes and clashes followed, and the British authorities took steps to suppress the uprising.

Political leaders differed over how the revolt should proceed. The ratings eventually surrendered after appeals and negotiations, but the event demonstrated the depth of anti-colonial sentiment within sections of the armed forces.

### Historical significance

* It revealed growing dissatisfaction with British authority among Indian military personnel.

* It demonstrated the relationship between military unrest and mass political mobilisation.

* It occurred after the Indian National Army trials and alongside wider demands for independence.

* It contributed to the atmosphere of crisis facing British rule in India in the final years before independence.

Exam facts

* Event: Royal Indian Navy Revolt, also called the Naval Mutiny of 1946.

* Beginning: 18 February 1946.

* Main location at the outset: Bombay.

* Establishment associated with its beginning: HMIS Talwar.

* Historical context: The final phase of the Indian freedom struggle.

* Anniversary in 2026: 80 years.

Source: Historical studies of the Indian freedom movement and contemporary history references.

### 3\. C. Rajagopalachari and Rajaji Utsav 2026

23 February 2026 • Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi

President Droupadi Murmu unveiled a bust of Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, popularly known as Rajaji, at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 23 February 2026. The event formed part of Rajaji Utsav, which celebrated his life, work and historical contribution. The bust replaced that of Edwin Lutyens at the Grand Open Staircase near Ashok Mandap.

### Who was C. Rajagopalachari?

C. Rajagopalachari (1878–1972) was a freedom fighter, lawyer, writer and political leader. He participated in the Indian independence movement and became one of the prominent figures in India's political history.

His major contributions included:

* Participation in the national movement against British colonial rule.

* Leadership in the Vedaranyam Salt Satyagraha of 1930, inspired by Gandhi's Salt March.

* Service as Premier of the Madras Presidency from 1937 to 1939.

* Service as Governor-General of India from 1948 to 1950.

* Service as Union Home Minister in independent India.

* Founding the Swatantra Party in 1959, which advocated individual liberty and a market-oriented economy.

* Contributions to Indian literature and interpretations of the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

### Historical importance

Rajagopalachari was the first and only Indian Governor-General of independent India. He held the position from June 1948 until India became a republic on 26 January 1950.

His career connected the nationalist movement, the transfer of power, the early years of independent India and debates about economic policy and individual liberty.

The 2026 commemoration also formed part of efforts to highlight Indian historical figures and reconsider colonial-era symbols in public institutions.

Exam facts

* Popular name: Rajaji.

* Born: 10 December 1878.

* Died: 25 December 1972.

* First and only Indian Governor-General: C. Rajagopalachari.

* Swatantra Party founded: 1959.

* Vedaranyam Salt Satyagraha: 1930.

* Rajaji Utsav event at Rashtrapati Bhavan: 23 February 2026.

### 4\. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti

19 February 2026

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti was observed on 19 February 2026, commemorating the birth anniversary of Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha state. The anniversary is especially significant in Maharashtra and is also observed in other parts of India.

### Historical background

Shivaji was born at Shivneri Fort in 1630, according to the date traditionally observed for his birth anniversary. He established a powerful Maratha state through military campaigns, strategic alliances and an administrative system designed to consolidate his authority.

He was crowned at Raigad Fort in 1674, adopting the title of Chhatrapati.

### Major contributions

Military strategy: Shivaji made effective use of forts, mobile forces and knowledge of local terrain. His military methods are frequently associated with guerrilla warfare.

Administration: He developed a structured system of government, including revenue administration and a council of ministers known as the Ashta Pradhan.

Maritime strength: He recognised the importance of coastal defence and developed naval capabilities to protect the Konkan coast and Maratha interests.

Political legacy: His concept of Swarajya became central to his historical legacy and later nationalist interpretations of Indian history.

### Historical significance

Shivaji's state-building efforts challenged the established powers of the Deccan and the Mughal Empire. His legacy remains important in studies of early modern Indian political history, military organisation, regional identity and administration.

Exam facts

* Birthplace: Shivneri Fort, Maharashtra.

* Birth year: 1630.

* Coronation: 1674, at Raigad Fort.

* Capital associated with his coronation: Raigad.

* Council of ministers: Ashta Pradhan.

* Jayanti observed: 19 February.

Source: Government of India current-affairs reports and standard Indian history references.

### 5\. Serengsia Battle and Tribal Resistance

The Battle of Serengsia is remembered in the history of tribal resistance against colonial authority in eastern India. It is associated with the struggle of tribal communities against British expansion, exploitation and interference in traditional systems of land and governance.

For competitive examinations, tribal resistance movements are important because they show that opposition to colonial rule developed in many regions and took different forms, including armed uprisings, peasant movements and campaigns to protect customary rights.

Study tip: When preparing this topic, distinguish the Battle of Serengsia from major tribal movements such as the Santhal Rebellion (1855–56), the Munda Ulgulan (1899–1900) and the Kol uprising (1831–32). Check a reliable regional-history source for the battle's exact date, leaders and location before memorising detailed claims.

### 6\. Fifty Years of the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976

February 2026 also provided an opportunity to revisit the history of the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976, which completed 50 years since its enactment on 9 February 1976.

### Historical background

Bonded labour is a system in which a person is compelled to work to repay a debt or fulfil an obligation. Such systems have historically been associated with poverty, caste-based discrimination, landlessness and exploitative social relationships.

The 1976 Act sought to abolish bonded labour throughout India and prohibit the continuation of bonded obligations.

### Major provisions

* Abolished the bonded labour system.

* Extinguished bonded debts covered by the Act.

* Released bonded labourers from obligations arising from the bonded system.

* Prohibited the creation or continuation of bonded labour arrangements.

* Established mechanisms for enforcement and rehabilitation.

### Historical significance

The legislation represents an important stage in India's post-independence efforts to address social exploitation. It should be studied alongside constitutional protections against forced labour, particularly Article 23 of the Constitution, which prohibits trafficking in human beings, begar and other similar forms of forced labour.

### 7\. Important Historical Dates in February

| Date             | Historical event or commemoration                                                                                                                     | Importance                                                       |

| ---------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------- |

| 1 February       | Birth anniversary of historian and public figure Dr. Zakir Husain is not observed on this date; avoid confusing it with other February anniversaries. | Verify individual birth anniversaries from reliable biographies. |

| 18 February      | Beginning of the Royal Indian Navy Revolt, 1946                                                                                                       | Important event in the final phase of the freedom struggle       |

| 19 February      | Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti                                                                                                                   | Commemorates the Maratha ruler's birth                           |

| 21 February      | International Mother Language Day                                                                                                                     | Recognition of linguistic rights and cultural diversity          |

| 23 February      | Rajaji Utsav and unveiling of C. Rajagopalachari's bust in 2026                                                                                       | Recognition of the first and only Indian Governor-General        |

| 16 February 2026 | Centenary celebrations of the Ol Chiki script inaugurated                                                                                             | Tribal language and cultural heritage                            |

### 8\. Quick Revision: History Current Affairs February 2026

* Ol Chiki: Script developed by Pandit Raghunath Murmu for Santhali.

* Santhali: Added to the Eighth Schedule by the 92nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003.

* Royal Indian Navy Revolt: Began on 18 February 1946 at HMIS Talwar, Bombay.

* C. Rajagopalachari: First and only Indian Governor-General of independent India.

* Shivaji Maharaj: Crowned at Raigad Fort in 1674.

* Ashta Pradhan: Council of ministers associated with Shivaji's administration.

* Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act: Enacted in 1976.

* Article 23: Prohibits trafficking in human beings, begar and other similar forms of forced labour.

### 9\. Multiple-Choice Questions

1\. Who developed the Ol Chiki script?

A. Jyotirao Phule B. Pandit Raghunath Murmu C. Birsa Munda D. Gopal Krishna Gokhale

Answer: B. Pandit Raghunath Murmu.

2\. The Royal Indian Navy Revolt began in which year?

A. 1919 B. 1930 C. 1942 D. 1946

Answer: D. 1946.

3\. Who was the first and only Indian Governor-General of independent India?

A. Jawaharlal Nehru B. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel C. C. Rajagopalachari D. Rajendra Prasad

Answer: C. C. Rajagopalachari.

4\. Shivaji Maharaj was crowned at which fort?

A. Shivneri B. Raigad C. Sinhagad D. Pratapgad

Answer: B. Raigad.

5\. In which year was the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act enacted?

A. 1950 B. 1965 C. 1976 D. 1986

Answer: C. 1976.

6\. Santhali was included in the Eighth Schedule by which Constitutional Amendment?

A. 42nd Amendment B. 52nd Amendment C. 73rd Amendment D. 92nd Amendment

Answer: D. 92nd Amendment.

7\. Article 23 of the Indian Constitution concerns:

A. Freedom of religion B. Protection against exploitation C. Right to education D. Cultural and educational rights

Answer: B. Protection against exploitation.

### Sources and further reading

* President of India — official press releases on the Ol Chiki centenary and Rajaji Utsav.

* Ministry of Home Affairs — official February 2026 announcements.

* Press Information Bureau — historical and government backgrounders.

* SATHEE, IIT Kanpur — competitive-examination current-affairs material.

* Standard Indian history textbooks and authoritative regional histories for the freedom struggle, Maratha history and tribal resistance.