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After centuries of being split into small kingdoms and republics, India is ruled by the Gupta Empire. Under the rule of the Gupta kings, Hinduism becomes the major religion of the empire. Literature, art, architecture and science flourish during this "classical age" of peace and prosperity.
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Alexander the Great of Macedon (northeastern Greece) crosses the Indus River into India.
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The rule of the Mogul Empire begins, unifying much of south India with the north for the first time.
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Eager to gain access to India's spices, rice, silk, tea and jewels, Holland, Great Britain and France establish key trading posts in India.
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The British overthrow the Moguls and take control of India.
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After studying law in Britain and fighting for Indian rights in South Africa, Mohandas Gandhi launches a campaign of nonviolent resistance against British rule in India. Gandhi is called Mahatma, meaning "Great Soul."
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India gains independence from the British and is divided into two countries, India and Muslim-controlled Pakistan.
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India wins the cricket world cup.
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India tests its first nuclear weapon, one of only seven nations to have done so.
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India's population exceeds 1 billion.