History of India

Indus Valley Civilization

Jul 5, 1001

2500 BC
The Indus Valley civilization develops around the valley of the Indus River (now in Pakistan). Its trade is based on crops grown on the fertile river plains. It reaches the height of its power and is larger than any other ancient empire, including that of Egypt.

Indus Valley collapses

Jul 5, 1002

2000 BC
The Indus Valley civilization collapses, possibly due to severe floods or a change in the course of the Indus River.

Europeans come to India

Jul 5, 1003

1500 BC-50 AD
The Aryan people, who come from the region between and including India and Europe, invade India from the north. They spread through the Indus Valley and down into the Ganges Valley. Alexander the Great of Macedon (northeastern Greece) crosses the Indus River into India.Trade flourishes between India and the Roman Empire. Romans eagerly buy Indian pearls, ivory, silk, spices, cloth and precious stones.

Gupta Empire

Jul 5, 1004

320-550
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.

Mogul Empire

Jul 5, 1526

The rule of the Mogul Empire begins, unifying much of south India with the north for the first time.

Europeans settle in India

Jul 5, 1600

Eager to gain access to India's spices, rice, silk, tea and jewels, Holland, Great Britain and France establish key trading posts in India.

British overthrow Moguls

Jul 5, 1858

The British overthrow the Moguls and take control of India.

Mahatma Gandhi

Jul 5, 1915

Gandhi
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." He is assassinated in 1948

India independence

Jul 5, 1947

India independence
India gains independence from the British and is divided into two countries, India and Muslim-controlled Pakistan.

Indira Gandhi

Jul 5, 1966

Indira Gandhi (not related to Mahatma) becomes Prime Minister and one of the first women elected to lead a nation.

Source

Jul 5, 2015

Source