This post will provide an overview of Indian history. Unfortunately, this post will only be a summary of Indian history. There is simply too much to cover in this post, but hopefully it’ll encourage you to learn more about India’s long and rich history on your own!

India is one of the world’s oldest civilizations. Archaeologists have found highly advanced cities with remarkably advanced water sewage systems that date back to the Indus Valley Civilization (2600-1900 B.C.). Under the leadership of Asoka (अशोक) the Great, India’s empire grew extensively. His reign was peaceful and it was during his reign that encouraged the rise of Buddhism (321-185 B.C.). Under the Gupta Empire (गुप्त राजवंश), India experienced a Golden Age. The Golden Age was characterized by great achievements in math, science, and architecture (320-550 B.C.).

The fall of the Gupta empire marked the transition from Buddhist ruling dynasties to several Hindu ruling dynasties. The Delhi Sultanate (दिल्ली सलतनत) in which several Turkish and Afghan sultans ruled India, introduced Islam to India. This period ushered in a fusion of Indo-Muslim art, architecture, relgion, and music (1206-1527). The Mughal Empire was a period of a highly centralized bureaucracy (1526-1858). The territorial expansion under the Mughals was mostly carried out by Akbar the Great, but the most well known emperor to non Indians is the emperor Shah Jahan, for his commission of the Taj Mahal.

The decline in Mughal power was partly caused by British conquest of India (1757-1858). In the year of 1857, several rebellions against the British were suppressed. This ushered in the Raaj (राज) period (1858-1947). Throughout this period India saw improvements in technology and transporation, but also an increase in famine, taxation and epidemics of smallpox. Due to strained finances and the increasing protests led by leaders such as Gandhi, the British ended its reign of India. Since then India has remained a democracy, and an important force in the international economy.

There is so much more to Indian history than what was presented here. Trust me, Indian history is interesting, so please check it out!