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2500 BCE
The Indus River Valley civilization begins to develop
The first evidence points to the Indus River Valley civilization developing around 2500 BCE. Archaeological evidence suggests that early Hindu practice begins here. -
1600 BCE
The Aryan invasion begins
The Aryans invade the Indus River Valley around 1600 BCE. This brings the Sanskrit language to the region and drastically influences Hinduism, which is developing at this time. -
1500 BCE
The Vedic Age begins
The period in which the oldest scriptures of Hinduism are written. This period signals the rise of large, urbanized areas and the shramana movements, which include Jainism and Buddhism. -
800 BCE
The major Upanishads are written
The eleven major Upanishads are written. They become the 11 fundmental works of Hinduism. -
500 BCE
The Epics and Puranas are written
The epics write about the history of man. These signal the beginning of devotional Hinduism. -
320 BCE
The Maurya Empire is founded
Chandragupta founds the Maurya Empire in the Indian subcontinent. Hindu ministers initially introduce Hinduism as the major religion of the empire, but under Ashoka's leadership, the empire later embraces Buddhism. -
320
The Gupta Empire is founded
Around 320 CE, Maharaja Sri Gupta founds the Gupta Empire. It ushers in an era of peace and prosperity that allows Hindu culture to stabilize and spread. -
500
The Gupta Empire falls
Overrun by the invading Hun, the Gupta Empire fragments into various weaker entities around 500. The Hun's then rule for hundreds of years after. -
1498
Vasco de Gama arrives in southern Asia.
Vasco de Gama's arrives in southern Asia in 1498. He is quickly followed by missionaries from Portugal. -
The Hindu Renaissance begins
The Hindu Renaissance begins around 1600. Scholars focus on modernistic interpretations of the sacred texts and social reform. -
The British East India Company wins trading rights in the Mughal empire.
The British East India Company wins trading rights on the fringe of the Mughal empire in 1617. As the Mughal empire declines, the East India Company’s influence in India grows steadily. -
Parliament puts India directly under control of the British crown.
Parliament ends the rule of the East India Company and places India directly under control of the British crown on August 2, 1858. India is now governed by colonial rule, with British officials ruling in the name of the queen and holding top positions. -
The Vedanta Society is formed
The Vedanta Society promotes Hinduism as a religion in the west. Also advocates for Indian sovereignty. -
Mahatma Gandhi launches a campaign of noncooperation
Indian lawyer Mahatma Gandhi launches a two-year campaign of noncooperation beginning in 1920. He encourages Indians to leave British institutions, return British honors, and practice self-reliance. -
Britain grants India independence
After World War II, Britain finally agrees to grant India independence. Britain decides to partition the subcontinent into two states: Muslim Pakistan and Hindu India. This causes massive migration and death as members of the two religious groups travel to their new states.
