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2500 BCE
Indus River Valley Civilization Develops
The Indus River Valley civilization begins to develop around 2500 BCE. This is where early Hindu practice begins. -
1600 BCE
Aryan Invasion Begins
The Aryans invade the Indus River Valley. They drastically influence the developing Hinduism religion. They bring Sanskrit language to the region. -
1500 BCE
The Vedic Age Begins
The Vedas, which are the oldest scriptures of Hinduism, are written. This period marks the rise of large, urbanized areas and the shramana movements. -
800 BCE
Upanishads are Written
The eleven major Upanishads are written, which become the fundamental texts of Hinduism. These include the ideas of reincarnation and karma. -
500 BCE
The Epics and Puranas are Written
The Epics are the chronicle history of mortal men and the Puranas are the chronicle history of celestial figures. These signal the beginning of devotional Hinduism, which is where followers commit themselves to one deity. -
320 BCE
Maurya Empire is Founded
The Maurya Empire in the Indian subcontinent is founded by Chandragupta. This empire will become one of the world's largest empires in its time. Hindu ministers introduce Hinduism as the major religion of the empire. -
320
Gupta Empire is Founded
Maharaja Sri Gupta founds the Gupta Empire. It covers much of the Indian subcontinent. This allows Hindu culture to stabilize and spread by ushering in an era of peace and prosperity. -
500
Gupta Empire Falls
The Gupta Empire becomes overrun by the invading Hun. The Gupta Empire fragments into weaker entities. -
1498
Vasco de Gama Arrives in Southern Asia
Vasco de Gama's arrival in southern Asia marks the beginning of European involvement in India. Missionaries from Portugal follow him soon after. -
Hindu Renaissance
The Hindu Renaissance begins. Scholars focus on modernist interpretations of the sacred texts and social reform. -
British East India Company Wins Trading Rights in the Mughal Empire
The British East India company is able to make money trading with India after winning trading rights in the Mughal Empire. With the Mughal Empire declining, the East India Company's influence in India grows. -
Parliament Puts India Directly Under Control of the British Crown
Parliament ends the rule of the East India Company and places India under control of the British crown. India is now governed by colonial rule. Britain develops India for its own economic benefit, which angers the Hindus and Muslims. -
Vedanta Society is Formed
Vivekananda formed the Vedanta Society. The Vedanta Society promotes Hinduism as a religion in the west and argues for India's integration as a single nation. -
Mahatma Gandhi Launches a Campaign of Noncooperation
Mahatma Gandhi, an Indian lawyer, launched a two-year campaign of noncooperation. He encouraged Indians to leave British institutions, return British honors, and practice self-reliance. Gandhi is arrested and imprisoned in 1922, bringing an end to his campaign. He is the most recognized leader of the Indian nationalist movement. -
Britain Grants India Independence
Britain finally agrees to grant India its independence after World War II. The Muslim League insists that the Muslim minority have its own separate state, Pakistan. Britain decides to partition the subcontinent into two states: Muslim Pakistan and Hindu Pakistan. This leads to massive migration and death as members of the two religious groups travel to their new states.
