India's history spans over 5000 years — from the Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic period, Maurya and Gupta empires, Mughals, British Raj, to independent India 1947.
Indus Valley Civilization (3300-1300 BC)
One of the world's oldest civilizations alongside Mesopotamia and Egypt. Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa — planned cities with drainage. Trade with Sumer. Writing system not yet deciphered.
Vedic Period and Early Kingdoms (1500-322 BC)
Aryans arrived from Central Asia. Vedas composed — foundation of Hinduism. Caste system began. Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama, 563-483 BC) and Mahavira (founder of Jainism) preached.
Maurya and Gupta Empires (322 BC - 550 AD)
Chandragupta Maurya founded Maurya Empire 322 BC. His grandson Ashoka (273-232 BC) — greatest Indian emperor, converted to Buddhism after Kalinga War. Gupta Empire (320-550) — golden age of mathematics (zero, decimal system), astronomy, art.
Delhi Sultanate and Mughal Empire (1206-1858)
Islamic invasions from 11th century. Delhi Sultanate 1206-1526. Babur founded Mughal Empire 1526 — descendant of Genghis Khan and Timur. Akbar the Great (1556-1605) — religious tolerance. Shah Jahan built Taj Mahal 1632-1648 for his wife Mumtaz Mahal.
British Raj (1858-1947)
East India Company ruled 1757-1858. After Indian Rebellion 1857, British Crown took over 1858 — 89 years of Raj. Indian National Congress founded 1885. Mahatma Gandhi led non-violent independence movement from 1920s.
Independence and Partition (1947)
August 15, 1947 — India and Pakistan independent. Partition — 14 million displaced, 1-2 million killed in Hindu-Muslim violence. Jawaharlal Nehru first PM. Gandhi assassinated January 30, 1948.
Modern India (1947-present)
World's largest democracy. 1.42 billion population (overtook China 2023). Indira Gandhi (1966-1977, 1980-1984). Economic liberalization 1991 — IT boom (Bangalore "Silicon Valley"). Nuclear power 1998. Mars mission 2014 (cheapest in history). Today: 5th largest economy.