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Indian civilization begins in Indus Valley.
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Aryans from north of Iran invade South Asia
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Indians cross strait to Sri Lanka, become Sinhalese
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Mauryan Empire unites India; Asoka spreads Buddhism
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Arab traders visit often, population converts to Islam
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Portuguese arrive in Colombo, marking beginning of European interest.
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British East India Company controls Indian trade
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Nepal falls under sway of hereditary chief ministers known as Ranas, who dominate the monarchy and cut country off from outside world.
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Nationalist leader Mahatma Gandhi heads a campaign of non-violent protest against British rule which eventually leads to independence.
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India gains its independence from Britain
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Punjabis are half the population, Muhajirs left India
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The Maharaja of Kashmir signs a treaty of accession with India after a Pakistani tribal army attacks. War breaks out between India and Pakistan over the region.
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India is split into two nations at independence - Hindu-majority India and Muslim-majority Pakistan.
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Island gains independence, becomes Sri Lanka in 1972
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Ceylon gains full independence.
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Kashmir is partitioned between India and Pakistan, with a ceasefire line agreed.
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India became a democratic republic.
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Anti-Rana forces based in India form alliance with monarch.
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End of Rana rule. Sovereignty of crown restored and anti-Rana rebels in Nepalese Congress Party form government.
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King Mahendra seizes control and suspends parliament, constitution and party politics.
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Full independence as a sultanate outside Commonwealth.
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Declares itself a republic, headed by elected president
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Independence after a nine-month war, with India backing the Bengali nationalists against Pakistan.
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India conducts its first underground nuclear test.
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A military coup sees founding president Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and most of his family members killed, putting an end to civilian rule.
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Development of tourist industry fuels economic growth.
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President Ziaur Rahman assassinated during abortive military coup.
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Start of civil war.
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The country returns to a parliamentary system of government.
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LTTE defeated, ending the war thought to have killed between 70,000 and 80,000 people.