The Battle of Surabaya, which peaked in November 1945, was the largest single battle of the Indonesian National Revolution. After Japan's surrender, Indonesian nationalists had declared independence, and British and British Indian troops arrived to take control on behalf of the returning Dutch colonial government. Fighting broke out at the end of October, and in November the British launched a major assault on the city, meeting fierce resistance from regular troops and militias including young fighters. The city fell after weeks, but the resistance became a national symbol, and 10 November is celebrated as Heroes' Day in Indonesia.

Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Karnataka, India, with more than 1,600 surviving remains spread over 4,100 hectares. It was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire from 1336 to 1565. Travellers from Persia and Portugal described it as a prosperous, wealthy and grand city with temples, markets and farms along the Tungabhadra River. By 1500 it was estimated to be the world's second-largest city after Beijing, and probably India's richest at the time. In 1565 a coalition of Muslim sultanates defeated the Vijayanagara Empire, its capital was conquered and destroyed, and the city was left in ruins. Hampi remains a religious centre, with the active Virupaksha Temple at its heart.