Ancient India
- Indus Valley Civilization (ca. 2500–1900 BCE): This Bronze Age civilization was one of the world's earliest urban cultures, featuring advanced city planning, standardized weights, and sophisticated drainage systems in cities like Harappa and Mohenjo-daro. The civilization declined around 1900 BCE due to environmental changes.
- Vedic Period (ca. 1500–500 BCE): Indo-Aryan tribes migrated into the subcontinent, bringing with them Sanskrit and the Vedas, the foundational texts of Hinduism. This era also saw the development of the varna, or caste system, and the composition of the great epics, the Mahabharata and Ramayana.
- Mauryan Empire (322–185 BCE): The first pan-Indian empire, founded by Chandragupta Maurya, unified most of the subcontinent. Its most famous ruler was Ashoka the Great, who converted to Buddhism after the violent Kalinga War and promoted non-violence and peace across his empire.
- Gupta Empire (ca. 320–550 CE): Often called India's "Golden Age," the Gupta period saw significant advancements in science, art, literature, and mathematics, including the development of the concept of zero.
Medieval India
-
Delhi Sultanate
(1206–1526): Following a series of Islamic invasions, Turkish and Afghan dynasties established the
Delhi Sultanate
, which ruled much of northern India for over 300 years.
- Mughal Empire (1526–1857): Founded by Babur, a Central Asian ruler, the Mughal Empire conquered most of the subcontinent, becoming the largest global economy and manufacturing power of its time. The Mughals were known for their rich culture, art, and architecture, including the Taj Mahal built by Shah Jahan.
Modern India
- European Arrival and East India Company (1600–1857): European trading companies, including the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, established posts along the coast. The British East India Company gradually expanded its influence, eventually defeating the Marathas (who had risen as Mughal power waned) and gaining control over vast territories.
- British Raj and Independence Movement (1858–1947): After the Indian Rebellion of 1857, the British Crown took direct control of India. A nationwide independence struggle was launched by the Indian National Congress, famously led by Mahatma Gandhi's non-violent civil disobedience campaigns.
- Partition and Independence (1947–Present): British rule ended in August 1947, leading to the partition of the subcontinent into a predominantly Hindu India and a Muslim-majority Pakistan. This event triggered mass migration and widespread communal violence. Jawaharlal Nehru became India's first Prime Minister, establishing a secular, democratic republic. Post-independence, India has grown into a major global economy and a nuclear-weapon state.
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