Indian History
Indian History can be divided broadly into 3 eras: Ancient India, Medieval India and Modern India.
Ancient India has a rich history dating back to the Indus Valley civilization which flourished in the northwest part of the Indian subcontinent from 3000 BCE to 1300 BCE. Mohen-j- Daro and Harappa were the main cities at that time and known for their excellent architecture and planning. This age is marked with the onset of Stone Age and later Bronze Age in Indian subcontinent. Also, Vedic Age forms an important part of Ancient India when the Vedas came into existence. Vedas are the foundation stones of Hinduism. There are four Vedas: Rig Veda, Sam Veda, Yajur Veda and Atharva Veda. Rig Veda and Atharva Veda contain hymns, while Sam Veda and Yajur Veda contain formulas. Later, during late BCE, The Maurya Empire ruled the major part of the Indian subcontinent. It was during this time that Hinduism and Buddhism were spread to the major parts of Asia. This period is also known as “The Golden Age of India”, because it was during these times that Indian economy, civilization, culture and religion grew.
During the Medieval India era, Muslim rule started in India with the Delhi sultanate and started growing to the other parts of the country as well. Also, it was during this time that the Sikh religion prospered in India along with the Sikh Empire coming in. In the 16th century, most of the northern India was covered by Mughal rule.
Modern Indian era marked its beginning starting with the British rule, with the formation of the British East India Company. In the early 1900s, independence movement was started in India to release India from the reigns of British rule. Under the leadership of leaders such as Mohandas Gandhi ( now known as Mahatma Gandhi), Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel ( the iron man on India), Jawaharlal Nehru ( the 1st Indian Prime Minister) and many more. Finally, it was on 15th August, 1947 that India gained independence. Along with independence, India was partitioned into India and Pakistan. Also, this period saw large mass immigrations of Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, to the newly created states of India and Pakistan.
Indian constitution was drafted under the heads of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. The constitution came into force on 26th January, 1950. The Indian Constitution is the largest constitution in the world. In 1971, a new country of Bangladesh (then known as East Pakistan) was formed due to constant fights between Pakistan and East-Pakistan.
India currently has 28 states and 7 union territories. During the British rule there were many small princely states in India. Post-independence these states were created as Indian states under the Indian constitution. Each state is now governed by the Chief Minister of that state. Governor is the head of the state. Union territories are governed by the President of the country.
Indian history has thus laid the foundation of the Indian culture. Indian culture is a blend of all the cultures that existed during these eras. Thus, though has been divided into states and territories, it is still united in many ways. Thus, “Unity in Diversity” holds true for India in real sense.
