Ancient India (Before 1200 CE)

 The history of Hindustan (Indian Subcontinent) before independence is vast, covering ancient civilizations, medieval empires, colonial rule, and the freedom struggle. Here's an overview:

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Ancient India (Before 1200 CE)

Indus Valley Civilization (c. 2600–1900 BCE)

• One of the world's oldest urban civilizations, centered around Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa.
• Advanced city planning, drainage systems, and trade networks.

Vedic Period (c. 1500–500 BCE)

• Indo-Aryans migrated and settled in the region.
• Composition of the Vedas, which shaped Hinduism.
• Rise of Mahajanapadas (16 powerful kingdoms).

Maurya Empire (321–185 BCE)

• Founded by Chandragupta Maurya, expanded under Ashoka the Great.
• Spread of Buddhism and efficient governance.

Gupta Empire (319–550 CE)

• Known as the Golden Age of India.
• Advances in science, mathematics (Aryabhata), literature (Kalidasa), and art.
• Hinduism became dominant again.

Medieval Period (600–1200 CE)

• Several regional kingdoms, including the Cholas, Rajputs, and Pala dynasty.
• Spread of Islam through Arab traders and Turkish invasions.

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Islamic & Mughal Rule (1206–1857)

Delhi Sultanate (1206–1526)

• Qutub-ud-din Aibak founded the first Muslim rule in India.
• Notable rulers: Alauddin Khilji (expanded empire), Muhammad bin Tughlaq (administrative reforms).
• Invaded by Timur (1398), weakening the sultanate.

Mughal Empire (1526–1857)

• Founded by Babur after defeating Ibrahim Lodi in the First Battle of Panipat (1526).
• Akbar the Great (1556–1605): Introduced religious tolerance, economic reforms, and cultural advancements. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

Shah Jahan (1628–1658): Built the Taj Mahal.

Aurangzeb (1658–1707): Expanded the empire but faced resistance from Marathas, Sikhs, and Rajputs.

The empire declined after Aurangzeb's death.

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British Colonial Rule (1757–1947)

British East India Company (1757–1857)

• Battle of Plassey (1757): British defeated Nawab of Bengal, gaining control.
• Economic exploitation and heavy taxation led to discontent.
• Indian Rebellion of 1857 (First War of Independence):
  • Led by Rani Lakshmana, Bahadur Shah Zafar, Nana Sahib, and Tanita Tope.
  • Brutally crushed by the British.

British Raj (1858–1947)

• 1858: The British Crown took direct control of India.
• Economic exploitation: Heavy taxation, destruction of Indian industries.
• Social impact: English education introduced, social reforms (abolition of Sati).

Freedom Struggle (1885–1947)

• Indian National Congress (1885): Founded by A.O. Hume to demand reforms.
• Partition of Bengal (1905): Protested by Swadeshi Movement.
• Muslim League (1906): Founded to safeguard Muslim interests.
• Gandhi's Non-Cooperation Movement (1920), Civil Disobedience (1930), and Quit India Movement (1942).
• 1940: Pakistan Resolution demanded a separate Muslim state.
• 1947: India and Pakistan gained independence on 15th and 14th August, respectively.