History of India

History of India

The rich history of India is marked with the Indus Valley Civilization. The Indus Valley Civilization is flourished from the years 3300 to 1700 BCE in the north-western part of Indian subcontinent. It was the Bronze Age civilization that was followed by Iron Age Vedic period.

The Indus Valley Civilization incorporates the urban centers like Mohenjo-daro, Harappa and Dholavira.  The civilization centered round the Indus River and the tributaries. The urban civilization extended into the parts of Ghaggar-Hakra River valley, Ganges-Yamuna Doab, Gujarat and the northern part of Afghanistan. The cities were built up of brick, multi storied houses and road-side drainage system. The downfall of the civilization was caused by the geological disturbances and the changes in the climate. Several kingdoms had risen which were known as Mahajanapadas. It was during the 6^th century BCE Gautam Buddha and Mahavira were born.

India was ruled by the Maurya dynasty during the 3^rd and the 4^th centuries. However it became fragmented since different parts of the subcontinent came under the control of a number of Middle kingdoms for over ten centuries. The northern part of the country came under the control of Gupta dynasty during the 4^th century. This came to be known as the “Golden Age of India”. During that time India was also controlled by the other dynasties like Chalukyas, Cholas, Pallavas and Pandyas for several centuries. It was the time when the Hinduism and the Buddhism spread in the south western part of Asia.

During the early 8^th century, influence of the Islam was observed in the country. Islam arrived after the invasion of Baluchistan and Sindh by Muhammad bin Qasim. During the Islamic invasion between the 10^th and the 15^th centuries the northern part of the country came under the rule of Delhi Sultanate. However later it came to be ruled by Mughals. During the Mughal era, rich art and architecture was well reflected in the parts of the country. Vijayanagara Empire and Maratha Empire flourished in the southern part and the western part of the country.

British East India Company started invading India in the middle of18th century and half of the 19^th century. It led to the First War of Indian Independence. Later India came under the administration of the British Crown. It marked a drastic development of the infrastructure and a decline in the economy.

It was in the 20^th century that India witnessed a struggle for independence. The struggle for independence was launched by famous Indian National Congress. It was gradually joined by Muslim League. It was in the year 1947 that the country was freed from the British rule. Pakistan was partitioned from India. In the year 1971, the nation of Bangladesh was formed.  

Riot broke out among Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims in different parts of India due to the partition. India witnessed bloodshed of about 500,000 during this riot. The age was also marked by the mass migration. About 12 million Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs migrated between the nations of India and Pakistan.