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The Golden Age
This legendary age was one that not only brought prosperity in many aspects to its country, but in addition reunited northern India. This age was during the time of the Gupta empire (320-500 AD). Gupta territory extended into what is present day Afghanistan (NW) and the Vindhya Mountains (S). This region thrived especially under Chandragupta II, whose sovereignty lasted from 375-415 AD. This region achieved great heights in the fields of art, literature, mathematics, philosophy, & science. -
Jan 1, 711
Islamic Presence Established
The Arab military invaded Sindh, in the Indus Delta Region. There they established an Indo-Muslim state. Sindh became an Islamic outpost where Arabs established trade links with the Middle East. Mahmud of Ghazni(The Sword of Islam)journeyed between 997-1027 + conquered Punjab. Most of the Indian Muslims converted to Islam were of the lower class, were Hindu rulers of warrior castes, or descendents of Muslim rulers who invaded India. Many people married local Indians and converted them to Islam. -
Dec 15, 1398
Timur sacks Delhi
After a couple failed attempts to invade the Delhi Sultanate, finally Timurlane (of Mongolia) succeeds. This attack led to the demise of the Delhi Sultanate, a group of various Muslim dynasties that ruled in India from 1210 to 1526 A.D. Even through the collapse of the Sultanate, some local rulers remained in power for some time after the attack. Under the reign of Muhammad Tughluq's descendents, the Sultanate began to split up. It took more than a century for the Delhi Sultanate to be restored. -
British Rule Begins
The Britished acheived a great victory over Mughal forces at Palashi, West Bengal (on the riverbanks of the Bhagirathi River) during the Battle of Plassey. The British East India Company was established in India to break the Dutch monopoly over spice trade. But when India rebelled, the reign over India was left solely to the Queen of England. The British then passed many acts unfavorable to the Indian people, leading to many revolts, and eventually the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857. -
The Sepoy Mutiny
Prior to this grand rebellion in India, many other minor revolts took place to protest the same cause: British rule. As the resentment of this European presence grew, it became especially great in northern India, where the Sepoy Mutiny began. It originated at an army base in Meerut, and rapidly spread to the rest of northern + central India.(Due to land taxes/reforms + interference of custom)The Indians=defeated by 1859. Despite their victory, the British faced a serious threat to their rule. -
Government of India Act
New Constitution created: last Constitution of British Raj. This act gave provincial legistlatures control over law making and was intended to increase representation of Indians in all branches of government. {not defense/foreign affairs} Despite this act, many governors/viceroys retained veto power over bills + controlled finances. Due to this strong hold on power on the part of the government (Brit), many Indian people were prevented from attaining the changes they desired for their country. -
Independence from Britain
The Indian Independence Act was signed; India was FINALLY free. The Muslim and Islamic part of India (NW) became Pakistan, and the Hindus became a free India. At midnight on August 15, chants of "Jai Hind!" (long live India) could be heard. Jawaharlal Nehru, the founder of modern India and the primeminister at the time, delivered a speech on India's "tryst with destiny." This day is celebrated every year with flag raising ceremonies all over the country; the main event takes place in New Delhi. -
Kushan Dynasty Established
(78 A.D.) The people of the Kushan Dynasty descended from the ruling line of the Yuezhi and ruled over most of the northern India subcontinent, Afghanistan, and parts of Central Asia during the first three centuries of the Common Era. Kujula Kadphises was the founder of the Kushan Dynasty. His grandson, Vima Kadphises made the Kushan Empire a prime power in northern India. The Kushan Empire was formed when he conquered north-western India. Kushan kings introduced gold and copper coins (left).
