India is a country in South Asia that has always been known for its high culture and countless wealth, since many trade routes passed through it. The history of India is interesting and fascinating, because it is a very ancient state, the traditions of which have not changed much for many centuries.
Antiquity
Bronze Age
Around the third millennium BC, the first Indian civilization appeared, which was called the Indian (or Harappa).
Initially, among the crafts, metallurgy, construction, and small sculpture were developed. But the monumental sculpture, unlike Mesopotamia or Egypt, did not receive development. Foreign trade was actively conducted, for example, with Central Asia, Mesopotamia, Sumer or Arabia.
Buddhist period
Around the middle of the 1st millennium BC, disagreements began between representatives of the Vedic religion, which at that time was already significantly outdated, and between the kshatriyas - estates of rulers and warriors. As a result, many new trends appeared, the most popular of which was Buddhism. The history of India says that its founder was Buddha Shakyamuni.
Classic period
In this period, the religious, economic and communal caste systems were finally formed. This era is characterized by numerous invasions from the northwest states and tribes, for example, the Greco-Bactrian kingdom, nomads.
The history of ancient India ends with the Gupta dynasty, during the reign of which came the "golden age" of Indian civilization. But this period did not last long. In the fourth century, the Iranian-speaking nomadic Ephtalites created their own state, which included India.
History of India in the Middle Ages
From the tenth to the twelfth century, an Islamic invasion from Central Asia took place, as a result of which the Delhi Sultanate gained control of Northern India. After some time, most of the country became part of the Mughal Empire. Nevertheless, several native kingdoms remained in the south of the peninsula, which were beyond the reach of the invaders.
European colonies in India
From the sixteenth century, the history of India tells about the struggle of influential European countries, including the Netherlands, Portugal, Great Britain and France, for the formation of colonies on the territory of the state, since they were all interested in trade with India. Most of the country was under the control of England, or rather, the East India Company. In the end, this company was liquidated, and India came under the control of the British Crown as a colony.
National liberation war
In 1857, an uprising began against the East India Company, which was called the First Liberation War. However, it was suppressed, and the British Empire established direct administrative control over almost the entire territory of the colony.
In the first half of the 20th century, a national liberation movement began in India, headed by Mahatma Gandhi. From this moment begins the history of India as an independent state. However, she was still part of the British Commonwealth of Nations.
Modern history
In 1950, India became a republic.
In 1974 she tested nuclear weapons.
In 1988, five new explosions were carried out.
In 2008, a series of terrorist attacks took place in Bombay (from November 26 to 29).