A brief overview of key events in Indian history
3300–1300 BCE
One of the world's earliest urban civilizations, known for its advanced urban planning.
2600–1900 BCE
The peak of the IVC, characterized by large cities like Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa.
1900 BCE
The civilization began to decline, likely due to climate change, river shifts, and invasions.
1500–500 BCE
The period when the Vedas, the oldest scriptures of Hinduism, were composed.
1500–1000 BCE
Characterized by the migration of Aryans into India and the composition of the Rigveda.
1000–500 BCE
A period of significant religious and cultural development, leading to the formation of major Hindu philosophies.
322–185 BCE
A geographically extensive Iron Age historical power in ancient India, founded by Chandragupta Maurya.
322–298 BCE
Chandragupta Maurya founded the Maurya Empire after overthrowing the Nanda Dynasty.
268–232 BCE
One of the greatest rulers in Indian history, Ashoka promoted Buddhism and spread it across Asia.
185 BCE
After Ashoka's death, the empire weakened, and eventually, the last Maurya ruler was overthrown.
320–550 CE
Known as the Golden Age of India in science, mathematics, astronomy, religion, and philosophy.
320–335 CE
The founder of the Gupta Empire who consolidated northern India.
4th–5th Century CE
A period of significant advancement in mathematics, astronomy (Aryabhata), and the arts.
550 CE
The empire began to weaken due to invasions by the Huns and internal instability.
1206–1526
A series of Muslim dynasties that ruled much of the Indian subcontinent, centered in Delhi.
1206–1290
The first dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate, founded by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, a former slave of Muhammad Ghori.
1290–1320
Notable for the expansion of the empire and aggressive military campaigns under Alauddin Khilji.
1320–1414
Known for its ambitious but failed reforms, and the brief capital shift to Daulatabad under Muhammad bin Tughlaq.
1451–1526
The last dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate, which was defeated by Babur in the Battle of Panipat.
1526–1857
An empire that controlled much of South Asia and is known for its cultural influence and architectural achievements.
1526
Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire, defeated the Sultan of Delhi, Ibrahim Lodi, at the Battle of Panipat.
1556–1605
Considered one of the greatest Mughal emperors, known for his policy of religious tolerance and cultural achievements.
1700s
The empire weakened due to internal strife, invasions, and the rise of regional powers.
1947
India gained independence from British rule, marking the end of the colonial period.
1885–1947
The Indian National Congress led the independence movement, starting from moderate reforms to a full-fledged struggle for freedom.
1942
A mass civil disobedience movement launched by Mahatma Gandhi demanding an end to British rule.