10 Most Interesting Facts about The Indian History

1. Indus Valley Civilization (ca. 1300–3300 BC)

The Indus Valley Civilization, also known as the Harappan Civilization, was one of the world's first urban cultures. This nation, which flourished along the Indus River and its tributaries, was known for its urban planning, including organized cities such as Harappa and Mohenjo-daro. These cities had complex drainage systems, standard bricks for construction, and trade marks in distant regions. The community was peaceful, there was no sign of military service, and the health and hygiene of the people was very important.

2. Maurya Empire (322–185 BC)

The Maurya Empire was the first great empire in Indian history, founded by Chandragupta Maurya after the overthrow of the Nanda dynasty. At its height, the Maurya Empire covered a large area from present-day Afghanistan in the west to Bengal in the east and south to the Deccan Plateau. The most famous Mauryan emperor, Ashoka, converted to Buddhism after the bloody conquest of Kalinga and was instrumental in spreading the religion throughout Asia. His reign is marked by his efforts to promote peace, tolerance and prosperity for his people.

3. Nalanda University (5th century AD)

Founded during the Gupta Empire, Nalanda University was one of the first residential universities in the world and is a prestigious institution of learning. Scholars from all over Asia, including China, Tibet and Korea, came to Nalanda to study a wide range of subjects, including logic, grammar, medicine and Buddhist philosophy. The great library of the university called Dharmganja is one of the largest libraries of the ancient world, containing thousands of manuscripts.

4. The Gupta Empire (c. 320–550 AD)

The Gupta Empire is called the "Golden Age of India" because of the great advances made in various fields during this period. Under rulers like Chandragupta I and Samudragupta, India made great progress in science, mathematics, astronomy and literature. The famous mathematician Aryabhata, who proposed the concept of nothingness, and the brilliant poet Kalidasa are among the explanations of this period. This period also saw the flourishing of classical Sanskrit literature and the establishment of Hindu temples.

5. Chola Dynasty (around 9th to 13th century AD)

The Chola dynasty was a famous dynasty of South India known for its naval power, cultural achievements and historical architecture. The Cholas established many trade links across the Indian Ocean and into Southeast Asia. They built many beautiful temples, the most famous of which is the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The architecture is amazing, the temple is decorated with sculptures and a huge tower in the middle.

6. Vijayanagara Empire (1646–1336 AD)

The Vijayanagara Empire was a powerful South Indian empire that rose to power on the Deccan Plateau. The capital of the empire, Hampi was one of the richest cities in the world in its day, with its temples, palaces, and great markets. This empire is known for its patronage of arts, architecture and literature and for resisting the invasions of the Deccan sultans. Despite its decline, the ruins of Hampi remain a testament to the greatness and prosperity of this empire.

7. Mughal Empire (1526–1857 AD)

The Mughal Empire, founded by Babur in 1526, marked a period of great cultural assimilation in India. From Central Asia, the Mongols brought Iranian art, culture and architecture that blended with Indian culture to create a unique Indo-Islamic culture. The empire is known for its historic architecture, including the Taj Mahal, built by Emperor Shah Jahan as the mausoleum of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. The Mongols also contributed to the development of miniature painting, literature and music.

8. Battle of Plassey (1757)

The Battle of Plassey was a major battle that marked the beginning of British colonial rule in India. The war between the British East India Company and the Nawab of Bengal, Siraj-ud-Daulah, won the British thanks to the treachery of Siraj's ruler, Mirjafar. This victory gave the British control of Bengal and eventually their control over the whole of India.

9. Indian Revolution of 1857

The Indian Mutiny of 1857, also known as the Sepoy Mutiny, was a major rebellion against British rule. It spread rapidly in North and Central India due to the hostility of the Indian Army (Sepa) against the British Army. It seemed to defy the intensity of the fighting and the extreme violence on both sides. Although British rule could not be overthrown, the East India Company's rule ended and British direct rule was established under the Empire.

10. The Independence of India (1947)

India's independence on August 15, 1947 marked the end of nearly 200 years of British colonial rule. The independence movement was led by people like Mahatma Gandhi, who advocated non-violence, Jawaharlal Nehru, who became the first Prime Minister of independent India, and Sardar Patel, who played an important role in the unification of the country. However, the partition of India and Pakistan led to violence and mass migration, creating a legacy for the newly independent country.