History of India (Pakistan - Bangladesh)

    India has a rich and diverse history that spans over thousands of years. The country has been home to some of the world's oldest known civilizations that have shaped the subcontinent for millennia. 

    

Here are some of the key events and periods in Indian history: 

    Indus Valley Civilization (2600-1900 BCE):

    The earliest known civilization in India is the Indus Valley Civilization/Harappan Civilization, which emerged around 2500 BCE in present-day Pakistan and northwestern India. The Indus Valley Civilization was known for its advanced urban planning, sophisticated drainage systems, and intricate art and pottery. It declined around 1900 BCE for reasons that are still not entirely clear.

Vedic Period (1500-500 BCE):

The Vedic Period was a time when the Vedas, the oldest sacred texts of Hinduism were composed. The period saw the rise of the caste system and the development of Hinduism. 

Maurya Empire (321-185 BCE):

Following the decline of the Indus Valley Civilization, India saw the rise of several powerful empires and kingdoms including the Mauryan Empire. The Maurya Empire was the first great empire in India and it was founded by Chandragupta Maurya. The empire was known for its extensive network of roads, its policies of religious tolerance, efficient administration including the use of a spy network and a system of taxation and its famous ruler, Ashoka.

Gupta Empire (320-550 BCE):

In the 7th century, India saw the rise of the Gupta Empire, which is often regarded as a "golden age" of Indian civilization due to its many achievements in the fields of art, science, and mathematics including the creation of the decimal system and the concept of zero.

In the centuries that followed, India saw the rise and fall of many powerful empires and kingdoms including the Mughal Empire, which ruled India from the 16th to the 19th century, and the British Raj, which ruled India from the mid-19th century until India gained independence in 1947 but the country was partitioned into two separate nations: India and Pakistan. 

(Prior to 1947, the Indian subcontinent was under British colonial rule and the struggle for independence was a shared effort between India and Pakistani nationalists.)

After independence, India and Pakistan went through a period of political, economical and social change. India became a secular democracy with a diverse population, while Pakistan became a Muslim-majority nation later became Pakistan and Bangladesh in 1971. 

Today, India is a vibrant and diverse nation with a rich cultural heritage that reflects its long and storied history. From ancient civilizations to modern democracies, India's history is a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of its people.