-
India comes under direct rule of the British crown after failed Indian mutiny.
-
End of British rule! Partition of sub-continent into mainly Hindu India and Muslim-majority state of Pakistan.
-
Mahatma Gandhi assassinated by Hindu extremist.
-
War with Pakistan over disputed territory of Kashmir.
-
India loses brief border war with China.
-
Second war with Pakistan over Kashmir.
-
Twenty-year treaty of friendship signed with Soviet Union
-
Third war with Pakistan over creation of Bangladesh, formerly East Pakistan.
-
India explodes first nuclear device in underground test
-
A high-powered rocket is launched, propelling India into the club of countries able to fire big satellites deep into space
