Last Updated: September 12, 2026
Today in History – September 12 has witnessed several significant developments in world history, politics, science, technology, literature, sports, and culture. From the fall of the Bijapur Kingdom and major advances in space exploration to the invention of the microchip that powers the modern digital age and notable personalities, this date holds an important place in both Indian and global history.
This article covers:
- Major historical events on September 12
- Famous personalities born on September 12
- National and international observances
- Important current affairs and competitive exam facts
Table of Contents
🌟 Top Highlights of September 12
- Fall of the Bijapur Sultanate (1686): Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb annexed the Kingdom of Bijapur, putting an end to the centuries-old Adil Shahi Dynasty.
- Invention of the Microchip (1958): Jack Kilby of Texas Instruments successfully demonstrated the world’s first Integrated Circuit (IC), sparking the modern computing revolution.
- Battle of Saragarhi (1897): 21 Sikh soldiers of the British Indian Army gallantly fought against over 10,000 Afghan tribesmen in one of history’s greatest last stands.
- Passing of Dr. Norman Borlaug (2009): The Nobel Peace Prize laureate and “Father of the Green Revolution” passed away.
🗓️ Important Historical Events on September 12
1686 – Fall of Bijapur Kingdom to the Mughal Empire
Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, after an 18-month siege, captured the Bijapur fort, ending the rule of Sikandar Adil Shah. The Adil Shahi Dynasty officially collapsed, and Bijapur was annexed as a province (Subah) of the Mughal Empire. This victory paved the way for Mughal expansion across the Deccan plateau, leading directly to the Siege of Golconda.
1897 – The Legendary Battle of Saragarhi
21 soldiers of the 36th Sikh Regiment of the British Indian Army defended a military post at Saragarhi (now in Pakistan) against an estimated 10,000 to 14,000 Afghan and Pashtun tribesmen. Every soldier fought to the death. Recognized by UNESCO and military historians as one of the greatest collective last stands in world military history.
1940 – Discovery of the Lascaux Cave Paintings (France)
Four French teenagers accidentally discovered Paleolithic cave art in Lascaux, southwestern France. The caves contained over 600 painted animal figures dating back nearly 17,000 years. Provided unprecedented insight into prehistoric human culture, art, and wildlife.
1958 – First Integrated Circuit (IC) Demonstrated
Jack Kilby, an engineer at Texas Instruments, successfully tested the first working Integrated Circuit (IC). Kilby was later awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2000 for this groundbreaking invention. Laid the foundation for all modern electronics, microprocessors, smartphones, and computers.
1977 – Martyrdom of Anti-Apartheid Leader Steve Biko
Steve Biko, a prominent South African anti-apartheid activist and founder of the Black Consciousness Movement, died in police custody due to severe brutal injuries. His death sparked massive international outrage and catalyzed the global campaign against the Apartheid regime in South Africa.
1992 – Mae Jemison Becomes First African-American Woman in Space
Mae Carol Jemison flew into space aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour (STS-47), becoming the first African-American woman astronaut in history. Marked a major milestone for diversity and gender inclusion in space exploration.
Other Major Events
- 1910: Premiere of Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 8 (known as the “Symphony of a Thousand”) in Munich, Germany.
- 1953: Future US President John F. Kennedy married Jacqueline Bouvier in Newport, Rhode Island.
- 1959: The Soviet Union launched Luna 2, the first spacecraft to reach the surface of the Moon.
- 1974: Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia was deposed in a military coup d’état by the Derg, ending centuries of imperial rule.
🎂 Famous Birthdays on September 12
| Year | Personality | Domain / Notable Achievement |
| 1854 | Dr. Charles Godon | Founder of FDI World Dental Federation; pioneer in international dental education. |
| 1885 | Gaus Beg Saheb | Freedom fighter who actively participated in the Chirala-Perala Movement alongside Duggirala Gopalakrishnayya. |
| 1892 | Tallavajjhula Sivasankara Sastry | Eminent Telugu poet, literary scholar, and founder-president of the Navyasahitya Parishad. |
| 1897 | Irène Joliot-Curie | French scientist and Nobel Laureate in Chemistry; daughter of Marie Curie; co-discovered artificial radioactivity with her husband Frédéric Joliot-Curie. |
| 1913 | Jesse Owens | Iconic American track and field athlete who won 4 Gold Medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, defying Nazi racial propaganda. |
| 1920 | Dr. Perugu Siva Reddy | Internationally acclaimed ophthalmologist from Andhra Pradesh; Padma Bhushan recipient known for conducting thousands of free eye surgeries. |
| 1925 | Jolepalyam Mangamma | First female Telugu newsreader of All India Radio (AIR) and prominent historical researcher. |
| 1943 | Prof. Ravva Srihari | Renowned Telugu lexicographer, Sanskrit scholar, grammarian, and former Vice-Chancellor of Dravidian University. |
| 1967 | Amala Akkineni | Indian film actress, animal welfare activist, and co-founder of Blue Cross of Hyderabad. |
🕯️ Notable Death Anniversaries on September 12
- 2009 – Dr. Norman Borlaug: American agronomist and humanitarian, known worldwide as the “Father of the Green Revolution”. Developed high-yielding, disease-resistant wheat varieties that saved over a billion people from starvation, especially in India and Pakistan. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1970.
- 2009 – Raj Singh Dungarpur: Former first-class cricketer and former President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Played a pivotal role in selecting Sachin Tendulkar for the Indian national team and establishing the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.
- 2010 – Swarnalatha: Renowned South Indian playback singer (Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada). Won the National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer for the song “Poraale Ponnuthayi” in the movie Karuththamma.
📢 National & International Days Observed on September 12
- United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation: Designated by the United Nations General Assembly to commemorate the adoption of the Buenos Aires Plan of Action (BAPA) for promoting technical cooperation among developing countries. To highlight the economic, social, political, and technological cooperation among countries in the Global South.
- National Day of Encouragement (USA): Initiated in 2007 in the United States and recognized internationally on an informal basis. This day encourages people to uplift and inspire others through positive actions, kindness, and motivational support.
- Defenders Day (Maryland, USA): Commemorates the successful defense of Baltimore against invading British forces during the War of 1812. To honor military personnel and local citizens who defended the country during the conflict. The Battle of Baltimore during this event directly inspired Francis Scott Key to write the lyrics of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” the US National Anthem.
💡Did You Know?
- Defying Hitler’s Ideology: Jesse Owens won 4 Gold Medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. His dominant performance publicly shattered Adolf Hitler’s belief in “Aryan racial superiority.”
- The World’s Most Protected Cave: The Lascaux caves, discovered on September 12, 1940, were permanently closed to the general public in 1963 because carbon dioxide exhaled by visitors was degrading the 17,000-year-old Paleolithic artwork.
- The Microchip Revolution: The very first working Integrated Circuit (IC) chip was successfully demonstrated by Jack Kilby on September 12, 1958. It measured less than a square inch.
❓Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Which Mughal Emperor annexed the Kingdom of Bijapur on September 12, 1686?
Ans: Emperor Aurangzeb annexed the Kingdom of Bijapur, ending the rule of the Adil Shahi Dynasty.
Q2: What is the historical significance of the Battle of Saragarhi fought on September 12, 1897?
Ans: It is famous as one of history’s greatest last stands, where 21 Sikh soldiers of the British Indian Army fought to the death against more than 10,000 Afghan tribesmen.
Q3: For which achievement was Dr. Norman Borlaug awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1970?
Ans: Dr. Norman Borlaug was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for developing high-yielding cereal grain varieties that spearheaded the Green Revolution and saved millions from starvation.
Q4: Who invented the Integrated Circuit (IC) / Microchip, demonstrated on September 12, 1958?
Ans: Jack Kilby of Texas Instruments invented and successfully demonstrated the first working Integrated Circuit.
Q5: Who was the first female newsreader for All India Radio (AIR) Telugu services?
Ans: Jolepalyam Mangamma was the first female newsreader for AIR Telugu services.
Q6: When is the United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation observed annually?
Ans: The United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation is observed annually on September 12.
Q7: What major medical contribution is associated with Padma Bhushan Dr. Perugu Siva Reddy?
Ans: Dr. Perugu Siva Reddy was a world-renowned ophthalmologist who performed over 300,000 eye surgeries and organized pioneer eye camps across rural India.
Q8: Which American athlete born on September 12 won 4 gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics?
Ans: Jesse Owens.
Q9: Where are the famous prehistoric Lascaux caves located?
Ans: Southwestern France.