|
As
one of the world's most ancient civilizations, India
presents a rich mosaic of political, religious, and cultural
influences. In 1947 this vast nation was split; Pakistan
was created to separate Moslems
from Hindus,
and millions died. Strife and political troubles continue to
plague India.
- 2000
BC - Civilization flourishes in the Indus River Valley.
- 1800
BC - Early versions of the Vedas (hymns of Indo-Aryan
religion).
- 326
BC - Alexander the Great invades India.
- 184
BC - Earliest recorded Indian dynasty (the Mauryas
empire) ends.
- 750
AD - Arabs invade the Sind region (southwest India) and
establish Islamic rule.
- 10th
Century - Muslim dynasties (Sultans) appear in the northwest;
most are of Turkish descent.
- 1200-1500
- Muslim Kingdoms proliferate in India, typically lasting
60-70 years.
- 1498
- Vasco
de Gama sails into port of Calicut after rounding
southern Africa.
- 1539
- Death of Nanak, founder of Sikh religion.
- 16th
Century - Mughal emperors arrive in India claiming descent
from Genghis Kahn and Tamerlane. Zahir ud-din
(Babar) invades Indo-Gangetic plain (1526).
- 16th-18th
Centuries - Economic boom in India due to
expanded
trade; Indian wealth exceeds that of Europe. Mughal rule declines;
was of succession, further decline through 1859.
- 1756
- "Black Hole of Calcutta" incident outrage British Robert
Clive defeats Siraj at Plassey (1757); Britain
installs new ruler of Bengal. British dominion in India begins.
- 1770
- Bengal famine kills 3-6 million people under British administration.
- 1857
- India "Mutiny" begins in Meerut, is crushed by British.
East India Company relieved of duty go govern India; administration
placed directly under the Crown.
- 1877
- Britain's Queen Victoria declared "Empress of India";
India becomes the "Jewel in the Crown" of British Empire.
- 1906
- Muslim League organized to support Muslim political causes.
- 1914-1917
- India support Britain in World
War I.
- 1919
- Britain's Rowlatt Acts restrict freedom of the press
and political activity in India. Mohandas Gandhi converts
from loyalist to rebel, professing non-violent passive resistance;
"Non-Cooperation Movement" begins.
- 1946
- Labor party wins Britain's elections on platform including
Indian independence. Negotiations begin with major Indian
groups. Muslim League holds out for separate Muslim state
(Pakistan).
- 1947
- India partitioned into India (Hindu), Pakistan (Muslim),
and Sri Lanka (Buddhist).
- 1971
- Pakistani Civil War. East Pakistan becomes Bangladesh.
|
