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Trade flourishes between India and the Roman Empire. Romans eagerly buy Indian pearls, ivory, silk, spices, cloth and precious stones.
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After centuries of being split into small kingdoms and republics, India is ruled by the Gupta Empire. Under the rule of the Gupta kings, Hinduism becomes the major religion of the empire. Literature, art, architecture and science flourish during this "classical age" of peace and prosperity.
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Eager to gain access to India's spices, rice, silk, tea and jewels, Holland, Great Britain and France establish key trading posts in India.
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Mogul Emperor Shah Jahan begins construction of the Taj Mahal in memory of his wife Mumtaz.
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The British overthrow the Moguls and take control of India.
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After studying law in Britain and fighting for Indian rights in South Africa, Mohandas Gandhi launches a campaign of nonviolent resistance against British rule in India. Gandhi is called Mahatma, meaning "Great Soul."
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Nationalist figurehead Mahatma Gandhi launches anti-British civil disobedience campaign.
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India gains independence from the British and is divided into two countries, India and Muslim-controlled Pakistan.
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Mahatma Gandhi is assassinated.
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Indira Gandhi (not related to Mahatma) becomes Prime Minister and one of the first women elected to lead a nation
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India explodes first nuclear device in underground test.
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Indira Gandhi assassinated by Sikh bodyguards, following which her son, Rajiv, takes over.
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India tests its first nuclear weapon, one of only seven nations to have done so
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India's population exceeds 1 billion.
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US lifts sanctions which it imposed against India and Pakistan after they staged nuclear tests in 1998. The move is seen as a reward for their support for the US-led anti-terror campaign.
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Pratibha Patil becomes the first female President of India.
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Following approval by the US Congress, President George W Bush signs into law a nuclear deal with India, which ends a three-decade ban on US nuclear trade with Delhi.