Significant Events and People of India

2500 B.C. - 50 A.D.

320

The Indus Valley civilization develops around 2500 B.C. near the Indus River. The civilization collapses in 2000 B.C. when severe floods or a change in the Indus River's course affect its crops. In 1500 B.C. the Aryan people invade India from the north, spreading throughout the area. Alexander the Great of Macedon crosses the Indus into India in 326 B. C. Trade flourishes between India & the Roman Empire in A.D. 50. Romans eagerly buy Indian pearls, ivory, silk, spices, cloth & precious stones.

320 - 550 A.D.

550

After centuries of being split into small kingdoms and republics, India is ruled by the Gupta Empire (320-550 A.D.) 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.

1526 A.D.

Jul 22, 1526

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

A.D.

Jul 22, 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 during the 1600s.
Mogul Emperor Shah Jahan begins construction of the Taj Mahal in memory of his wife Mumtaz in 1638.

A.D.

Jul 22, 1858

India British rule & Independence The British overthrow the Moguls and take control of India.

A.D.

Jul 22, 1915

Mahatma Gandhi - A Legacy of Peace 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 in 1915. Gandhi is called Mahatma, meaning "Great Soul."

A.D.

Jul 22, 1947

1947
India gains independence from the British and is divided into two countries, India and Muslim-controlled Pakistan.
1948
Mahatma Gandhi is assassinated.

A.D.

Jul 22, 1966

Indira Gandhi (not related to Mahatma) becomes Prime Minister and one of the first women elected to lead a nation in 1966.

A.D.

Jul 22, 1983

1983
India wins the cricket world cup.

A.D.

Jul 22, 1998

1998
India tests its first nuclear weapon, one of only seven nations to have done so.

A.D.

Jul 22, 2000

2000
India's population exceeds 1 billion.

A.D.

Jul 22, 2005

2004–2005
A series of natural disasters, including floods, earthquakes and tsunamis, brings destruction to southern coastal communities.

A.D.

Jul 22, 2007

2007
Pratibha Patil becomes the first female President of India.

320 - 2007

Period: Jul 22, 2015 to Jul 23, 2015