-
100
2500 B.C.
The Indus Valley civilization develops around the valley of the Indus River (now in Pakistan). Its trade is based on crops grown on the fertile river plains. -
100
2000 B.C.
The Indus Valley civilization collapses due to severe floods of the Indus River. -
100
Around 1500 B.C.
Indus Valley is invaded by regions from Europe and India -
100
326 B.C.
Alexander the Great of Macedon crosses the Indus River into India. -
100
A.D. 50
Roman empire buy Indian pearls, ivory, silk, spices, cloth and precious stones. -
400
320-550
After centuries of being split into small kingdoms and republics, India is ruled by the Gupta Empire. -
Feb 13, 1526
1526
The rule of the Mogul Empire begins, unifying much of south India with the north for the first time. -
1600s
Eager to gain access to India's spices, rice, silk, tea and jewels, Holland, Great Britain and France establish key trading posts in India. -
1638
Mogul Emperor Shah Jahan begins construction of the Taj Mahal in memory of his wife Mumtaz. -
1858
The British overthrow the Moguls and take control of India. -
1915
After studying law in Britain and fighting for Indian rights in South Africa, launches a campaign of nonviolent resistance against British rule in India. Gandhi is called Mahatma, meaning "Great Soul." -
1947
India gains independence from the British and is divided into two countries, India and Muslim-controlled Pakistan. -
1948
Mahatma Gandhi is assassinated. -
1966
Indira Gandhi (not related to Mahatma) becomes Prime Minister and one of the first women elected to lead a nation. -
1983
India wins the cricket world cup. -
1998
India tests its first nuclear weapon, one of only seven nations to have done so. -
2000
India's population exceeds 1 billion. -
2004–2005
A series of natural disasters, including floods, earthquakes and tsunamis, brings destruction to southern coastal communities. -
2007
Pratibha Patil becomes the first female President of India.
